I know, I know. I am am horrible blogger. It has been a crazy almost 6 months. I promise I will try to do better. But...
In just under 1 year from now, we will be in Xenia, Ohio and will have met and begun training with Jewell's service dog. I am beyond excited, especially after some of the difficulties we've experienced this Summer that I just know her dog will help make easier for her. I am so ready to be on that leg of our journey, but first... Fundraising for travel expenses!
We're located about an 8 hour drive from the 4 Paws facility. We have a smallish 4 door car that would make traveling that distance (especially coming home with a dog) uncomfortable. We've decided to add renting a SUV to our expenses to make things more comfortable (and avoid that mileage on our only vehicle). Rental SUVs tend to run from $800-$1000. Plus we have to think of the cost of gas, since it is 495 miles one way.
Then, training lasts 10-12 days depending on class size and training requirements. We are planning to arrive the day before training starts and not head home until the day after graduation. 4 Paws for Ability requires that we stay within a certain distance of the training facility, just in case a problem occurs that needs the assistance of one of the trainers. There are 2 recommended hotels for 4 Paws families to stay, Residence Inn or Homewood Suites. Both hotels are used to having 4 Paws families and their service dogs stay there each month and are very accommodating. The cost to stay at one of these hotels for the duration of training is about $1800.
Then, we have to think of the costs of food (Jewell is a picky eater), supplies for the dog, and any other incidentals. With all that in consideration, we've decided that $4000 would give us piece of mind for this journey. We have a yard sale planned to raise some of the funds, and I decided to start a You Caring page to crowd fund whatever we can get towards our goal.
You can check it out here. Please remember that any amount helps, and if you are unable to donate, sharing the link can help us too!
