PLEASE, HELP JAKE BRUCE GET A SERVICE DOG!
THANK YOU
for considering a donation to
HELP GET JAKE BRUCE A SERVICE DOG!
As you all know, Jake is a brain cancer survivor with a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer, with no remission. Jake is currently CANCER FREE!!!! His cancer battle has been miraculous! Along with cancer survival, comes many obsticles. Jake recently took a turn for the worse, due to a shunt malfunction. He has a device, called a shunt, in his brain that regulates the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) circulation. Jake's shunt line broke in two places, causing the fluid in his brain and spine to build up to an extremely dangerous level. This resulted in hydrochephalus, which is fluid on the brain and life threatening.
Jake did not show the typical symptoms that indicate shunt malfunction in early stages. This put us in an URGENT situation, where Jake had to be rushed into emergency brain surgery to have his shunt repaired, and a new shunt line placed. Jake was only 3 days away from going blind, from the severe pressure on his brain from the hydrochephalus. Because of this emergent circumstance, Jake was rushed into surgery within hours of our contact with Duke, to report a fall Jake had taken that was our first sign of a neurological issue.
We expected, once the shunt was repaired, to see quick improvement, as the repaired shunt would decrease the CSF build up and pressure on his brain. Unfortunately things are not improving as we expected. Jake came out of this brain surgery unable to walk, along with many other issues as the brain adjusted to decompression. Jake just had surgery in April, and has learned to walk again! However, his walk is very unstable causing him to fall daily, as he walks as if he is intoxicated. We live on the beach, and the cops are called weekly to report him as intoxicated.
Jake's balance can still be improved! If he implements a cane or walker, that will not allow his brain to learn to coordinate walking again, properly. Along with verstibular physical therapy..., we need to get Jake a service dog. The dog will be trained to help Jake balance, help him with falls, accompany him EVERYWHERE including the beach with watch/rescue training, wake Jake up and alert Jake of fire... (since he cannot hear his alarm due to deafness in one ear), can call for help if needed, open doors, alert if oven left on...,and identify Jake as disabled to others that Jake encounters throughout his day. These are just a few things the dog will be trained to do. Essentially, the facility we selected, designes the dog/owner training program around whatever needs the owner has. Jake will also be involved in the training in order to bond with the pup and to invest with some ownership in the process.
We were able to find Jake the perfect pup; a full bred, AKC Registered, Australian Shepherd pup, for his 21st birthday on July 28, that will be the pup trained to be his service dog. We pick the pup up on August 21st!!!!! Special thanks to Grapndpa Allen for helping us secure the precious pup!! The pup will begin service training shortly after we bring him home, at the facilty pictured below. Typically, a mature, fully trained service dog costs a minimum of $20,000! There are some non-profit organizations that provide service dogs, but the waiting lists are years long, and do not allow for the specialized training Jake will need to dog to have. I was able to find Camp Mutt, which will allow for Jake to raise the pup and be fully involved in the pup's training. I estImate the training to cost between $4,000 and $6,000, over the next year and a half, for this certified training.
Thank you for considering donating to this cause. This will bring Jake much freedom, safety, therapy, and dignity.
Sincere Gratitude,
LANCE AND TRACY BRUCE
