I got to talk with friends I haven't been able to connect with much lately and met new people. Had a man come into the Bouncin Barn and told me he had watched Levi's story on the news and, though he doesn't have much money, he felt God had directed him to come down that evening and he handed me $10. He said "God bless you" and turned and walked out of the building. It happened so quickly that it took me a moment to realize what had happened. What a wonderful man to take the time to come into that hectic environment and donate to Levi's fundraising!
After the comment that was left on Levi's newspaper article, I had had my confidence shaken. Was I really doing the right thing for Levi? Is this the right path to take? No one I know personally has traveled this path before me. I am paving the way for hopefully another family to have an easier time if they decide to pursue a service dog for their child. I have someone who commends me on taking the path less traveled and paving the way for other families. Though, as I have told her, sometimes it would be nice to travel a path that has at least been "cleared" a little. Funny how, once Levi was approved, the path did become a little clearer after connecting with other 4 Paws families. Some traveled across the country. I have connected with one who traveled from Canada for her son's service dog. While this is not the right or appropriate option for every family, every day I become more convinced that I am doing the right thing for Levi. $13,000 is a huge amount of money . There are TONS of things we could do with that money to benefit Levi. But at the end of the day when I lie awake and think of him...keeping him safe, participating in the community and a chance to have a more independent life are my main priorities for Levi. A Service Dog will be able to provide all three for Levi. I can not see where this is not the right path for Levi. Are there other options for Service Dogs? Yes, there are. I plan on touching on that topic during my next posting. I don't want to get too off course with this one.
I am blessed and thankful that 4 Paws has an online support network of families who have traveled this path and who are still on the path to their child's service dog. I don't think I would have had the courage to attempt this without that support and the stories of how these beautiful dogs are assisting their child.
I am also blessed that Levi has touched so many people that he has multiple people willing to help us any way we need. Even if I had to save and save to pay the requirement myself, I would do this for Levi. I believe fully that he needs this Service Dog. Thankfully, I haven't had to do that and have been able to come up with fundraising ideas where people get something out of their donation.
I know with the holidays coming that everyone has priorities, so I imagine the holiday season being mellow on Levi's FB page and blog a bit. However, there are events and such in the works that we will hopefully be planning lots of fundraisers after the holidays.
I have some who apologize for not being able to donate. That is okay! Share his information on your facebook, email your friends and family, spread the word about Levi and fundraisers as they come up. Just spreading the word and reaching more people helps us out so much and we really appreciate it. If we didn't have the internet, I would not be traveling this path, I know that. We can reach so many now who may never have known Levi otherwise.
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