Overwhelmed Sierra needs calming, loving, tracking service dog
Sierra Bland is 10 years old. In her 10 years she has endured more medical tests, procedures and hospitalizations than most people do in a lifetime. She can tell you in detail how to start an IV, replace her colostomy bag, or what needs to be done prior to surgery.
The most amazing thing about this little girl, however, is not her knowledge of medical details, or her unbelievable bravery, it is her joy.
Sierra has suffered from various medical conditions since birth. Although a cause for her conditions has never been determined, her symptoms have progressed over the years. She has been admitted to the hospital 12 times over the last 18 months and has had 2 recent surgeries due to a severe motility disorder. Sierra suffers from post traumatic stress disorder as a result of her medical issues and is now sedated for many simple procedures.
Developmentally, she is globally delayed and has diagnoses that include severe ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder and PDD-NOS. When upset or overwhelmed, Sierra will have meltdowns, or pull out her nails or hair.
She is often unaware of common dangers due to her inattention. Sierra is sometimes discouraged by her differences, and social situations can become frustrating for her. Various medications have been tried but have been unsuccessful.
At the recommendation of Sierra’s doctors, she was considered for a service dog. A Service Dog will:
- Provide Sierra with the comfort and calm she needs when encountering a stressful situation. The dog can accompany her to the hospital, doctor appointments, even school.
- Interrupt unwanted behaviors and help stop meltdowns before they begin.
- Be trained to tether to Sierra so she can be safe in large public places when she is too inattentive to be safe.
These dogs have been proven to bring independence and confidence to the children that need it most.
The Ohio-based non-profit agency 4 Paws For Ability accepted Sierra’s application and her family is now partnering with them to raise the $11,000 it takes to train a dog in the skills that would best suit Sierra.
Would you consider helping 4 Paws to provide Sierra with her canine companion? For more information about this wonderful agency please visit 4pawsforability.org.
Note: I highly endorse 4 Paws for Ability as a source for extremely well-trained service dogs. The organization is sound and its goals exceptional. Judy Vorfeld.