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This is our Emma: beautiful, thoughtful, generous, musical, artistic, and smart.  We have always known that she is special.  We have also always known that she faces some unique challenges: panic attacks, social anxiety, and fear of some public places, to name a few.  A little over a year ago, we discovered that these challenges were due to Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety.  

We have been so blessed by you, our family and friends, who have listened, supported, and walked beside us through all of the 'figuring out' - through all of the successes and all of the struggles.

Through God's grace, we have been given the amazing opportunity to give Emma much needed support by obtaining a service dog with ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities) in Torrington, CT.  This would be life changing for her.

Currently, walking into public restrooms overwhelm and induce panic attacks.  Overnights without myself present result in crippling anxiety.  Walking into unknown public areas or social situations ends in retreat, isolation, and hours of self doubt. She has been known to run away when she is upset.  It has happened in the dark woods of camp.  This is harrowing, to say the least.

The only solution (other than me, Becca,  being with her 100% of time) that has worked has been our wonderful dog, Clover.    She has always had an affinity for animals and responds to Clover when it seems nothing will help.  However, Clover is our family dog and not meant to meet the various needs Emma has.  A service dog will be specifically trained to help and support her.

The truth is that Emma needs your help in order to make this a reality.  We are humbly asking you, our family and friends, to consider supporting our Emma in gaining much needed independence and confidence through a service dog.  A dog that can provide deep pressure therapy to steady her in the midst of a panic attack.  A dog that will ground her and stop her from spiraling in unknown situations or when something unexpected happens.  A dog that will calm her down before she gets to the place where she feels compelled to run.

We are grateful for you. All of you.  We are thankful for prayers, conversations, and any financial help that you give to help Emma reach her goal of independence.


www.ECAD1.org/emma_smith

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  This is our Emma: beautiful, thoughtful, generous, musical, artistic, and smart.  We have always known that she is special.  We have also always known that she faces some unique challenges: panic attacks, social anxiety, and fear of some public places, to name a few.  A little over a year ago, we discovered that these challenges were due to Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety.   We have been so blessed by you, our family and friends, who have listened, supported, and walked beside us through all of the 'figuring out' - through all of the successes and all of the struggles. Through God's grace, we have been given the amazing opportunity to give Emma much needed support by obtaining a service dog with ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities) in Torrington, CT.  This would be life changing for her. Currently, walking into public restrooms overwhelm and induce panic attacks.  Overnights without myself present result in crippling anxiety.  Walk...
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