Hello, my name is Raquel. I am a proud Madison, Wisconsin native and passionate advocate and graduate team with Canine Companions.

I’m sharing my story not just to raise funds but to raise awareness for every person who needs a life-changing companion. Organizations like Canine Companions provide expertly trained service dogs that can offer crucial support during emergencies, help with daily tasks, and provide emotional comfort. These service dogs can be a lifeline, helping individuals navigate unpredictable conditions and live fuller, more secure lives.
 

The Day Everything Changed

In April 2023, I woke up expecting a normal day but as I approached the top of the stairs to go down, my neurological syndrome suddenly shut down my body. I collapsed, falling down the stairs and losing consciousness. When I came to, my dog was licking my face, trying to wake me. She ran upstairs to alert my husband but couldn’t wake him. I used Siri to call him, and he rushed me to the hospital.

At the ER, I was placed in a neck brace and underwent full-body scans. I had internal tissue damage, severe bruising, and short-term memory loss that still affects me today. I spent over three months in a neck brace, and my neck has never been the same. That fall didn’t just injure me; it changed how I live every single day. This past May 2025, the fear became reality again when I suffered another fall at home. My husband wasn't there, and I had to crawl up the stairs just to reach my phone and call him.

I've been living with this neurological syndrome for over a decade, since I was 22 that continues to progress. What started with a cane eventually led to using a walker daily since June 2021. My syndrome brings unbearable chronic pain, unpredictable flare-ups, and debilitating symptoms that severely limit my mobility and everyday independence.

Some days, I have no warning when an attack will strike. The chronic pain is a constant shadow, and the triggers are so sensitive that even small movements or stress can leave me bedridden for days or weeks. It’s not just physically exhausting; it’s emotionally draining. But through it all, I've held onto hope.

Finding a Lifeline

After my first fall accident, my pain specialist and physician agreed that I need a service dog. The search was disheartening as some organizations never responded. I researched many service dog organizations but most required fundraising $50,000–$100,000 for my service dog, plus travel, and lodging expenses my husband and I simply can not afford.

Then I found Canine Companions, and everything changed.

Their mission stopped me in my tracks:

“Since 1975, Canine Companions has provided service dogs and follow-up services at no cost to clients.” Reading those words felt like a monumental weight being lifted from my chest.

I called Canine Companions and I found warmth, compassion, and people who truly cared. They answered every question, never rushed me, and made me feel like I mattered compared to my pass experiences with other organizations who never emailed or called me back.

My Journey to Being Matched with My Service Dog Superhero King Cody VI

In June 2024, my husband Casey and I attended a Canine Companions event. We listened to inspiring stories from clients whose lives were transformed by their service dogs, and we spoke with dedicated puppy raisers. Their words resonated deeply, leading me to complete the application.

In August, I had my phone interview, September I received an email inviting me to the North Central Training Center, and on January 10th, 2025, Casey and I traveled to New Albany for my in-person interview. We had a tour of the campus and I got to experience firsthand what it's like to work with these incredible service dogs! I had two practice session and during the training I was experiencing an intense flare-up, shooting chronic pain throughout my body. It was so severe I couldn't take medication for fear of impairing my ability to answer questions during the final Q&A interview. These amazing service dogs sensed my distress and each one gently placed a paw in my hand, then leaned into me, offering an incredible sense of decompression and comfort. 

These aren't just dogs; they are intuitive, empathetic, and truly life-changing. They didn't know me, yet they instinctively knew how to help me in my moment of vulnerability. That's when I felt a surge of hope in my heart and soul. A hope I've held onto ever since.

I envision a future where one of these amazing service dogs helps me live a fuller, healthier, and more independent life. This is not just a dream; it's a tangible path to regaining a sense of normalcy and joy.

On January 16, 2025, I received the email:
I was accepted onto the Team Training Waitlist.
I cried in my husband’s arms, overwhelmed with gratitude and hope.