This is Isaac and his dog Milo. Isaac needs your help.

Isaac's Need:
Isaac's new dog Milo needs extensive training to become a service dog to assist Isaac with future walking. This training can become quite pricey. We need to raise $510.00 for Milo's training.

Isaac's Story:
Isaac sustained a spinal cord injury during surgery and  is partially parayzed.

"Isaac was adopted by me from Liberia, West Africa.  I saw a picture of him one day and feel head over heels.  He had a spinal injury from suffering from Spinal TB for 7 years.  The TB had made his spine collapse.  When I adopted him I knew that we would need to get his back fixed, but he was able to run, walk, snowboard, anything a healthy child could do.  He had surgery on July 8th and the Doctor was very confident that he would be fine... After 14.5 hours of a 6 hour surgery, his legs no longer worked and he had suffered a partial spinal cord injury..." 

Isaac was classified as a paraplegic.  Isaac was in the hospital for 9 weeks wth another week to go before discharge. 

"Isaac's right side has started to heal but his left leg is unable to work correctly.  He will walk again, but will need assistance.  We have chosen a mobility service dog to help Isaac to maintain his balance and walk without the help of an adult.  Not to mention the therapeutic benefits of a dog when you are trying to heal."

"Isaac is 8 years old.  He's in 1st grade.  He loves to play drums, dance, and play harmonica!  He can't wait to get home so he can go back to school.  He loves to learn and play with his friends!  He's got a huge heart and loves to make people laugh.  He doesn't have a hard time making friends and seems to have a following everywhere he goes.  He has managed to keep a pretty good spirit through all this even though it hit us both like a ton of bricks!  He is sweet and so loving!"

Isaac can move his arms, hands and fingers just fine.  His partial paralysis is below the waist and is now mostly focused in the left leg.  The right leg has begun to regain some strength and mobility. Isaac has a very strong upper body.  He can carry and lift things, though he is unable to pick items up off the floor, since he falls when he tries to bend over or reach for something.  If the object isn't at arms reach, he can't get to it.  Isaac is wheelchair bound right now, though we are hoping he will be able to walk with some assistance in the coming year!   His right leg is getting strength and mobility back everyday.  The left leg hasn't shown much improvement and is very weak.  Where the right leg can withstand some weight put on it, his left leg buckles under even a few pounds!  He isn't able to get socks on or pants for the matter.  Anything that has to go on or over a leg is very challenging for him.  He is unable to reach his feet for socks and shoes.. To put on pants or underwear, he has to lift his left leg and move it around which is very difficult for him!

"He's been in the hospital for 9 weeks so far.  We are suppose to be going home in two weeks where he will have to continue his PT/OT at an outpatient facility!  They say PT/OT will continue for months maybe years.  They also have no idea if or when he will get the use of his left leg back (though we are counting on God for this).  His recovery has been slow and painful and yet we have seen some progress in his walking ability and flexibility."

About Milo:
Milo is a 4 month old German Shepherd/Belgium Shepherd cross.  He already has a little training and has proven to be a quick study.  Milo will receive advanced training with an organization called J9's K9's... who come highly recommended.

Milo will go through a Beginner's class ($120), Intermediate class ($120), and an advanced class ($120). Then, he will go through the AKC Good Canine course ($150). Once Milo finishes all of this, the total cost will be about $510 barring any need for additional training.

How You Can Help:
Isaac and Milo really need your help. Please donate generously to help Isaac regain some of his independence and mobility.

If you would like to donate, please click on the button below. Thank you for donating generously.

If you would like to know more about J9's K9's, you may go to their website at www.j9sk9s.com for further information.