The simple act of petting or holding a dog can lower blood pressure, slow a rapid heart rate, and ease feelings of fear or anger. A dog’s unconditional love and acceptance provide peace of mind to the brain injury survivor.

Financial Support For Her Emotional Support

For someone who suffers a brain injury, an emotional support dog can provide comfort, companionship, and a sense of security that aids in recovery. Brain injuries can disrupt a person’s ability to function normally, both physically and mentally. Rebuilding life after such an injury is a long, difficult process. A pet can help make recovery more manageable in several ways.

It is generally accepted that canines are naturally attuned to their human’s emotions and behaviors. Anyone who has had a dog can tell you that they can sense when someone is in distress, struggling with depression, or experiencing anxiety. An emotional support dog will respond to these feelings by providing comfort through its presence. The simple act of petting or holding a dog can lower blood pressure, slow a rapid heart rate, and ease feelings of fear or anger. A dog’s unconditional love and acceptance provide peace of mind to the brain injury survivor.

For those who loved dogs before their injury, having an emotional support dog brings comfort through familiarity. This bond remains constant even as other abilities change. The dog accepts its person at each stage of recovery. This provides hope that at least some parts of life can remain whole and uncomplicated. For a brain injury survivor, having an unconditional source of love, comfort, and companionship in an emotional support dog can make all the difference in the difficult road to recovery.

So when Jennifer, a domestic violence survivor with severe memory issues and client of the Brain Injury Alliance told us about her ailing emotional support dog, we were concerned. Her furry companion, Fifi, needed to see a veterinarian, but she couldn’t afford the initial appointment fee of at least $85. What’s more, blood work and medication would set her back more than $200.

Due to her disability, Jennifer was unemployed and low on funds, with the added expense of caring for her daughter, who had also been abused.

Thanks to generous donations to our Client Emergency Fund, the vet bills were paid on her behalf. As a result, the pup got better, and Jennifer could breathe a sigh of relief. In a world that has changed often and quickly, Fifi could remain a constant in her life to provide stability and reduce feelings of uncertainty.

As one might expect, Jennifer is grateful for the last-minute assistance. “I don’t know what I would do without Fifi. Believe me, I’m forever grateful for the Alliance stepping in to get us through this. It’s reassuring to know such thoughtful people are here to help. Once I’m back on my feet, I hope to return the favor. You know what they say, “Pay it forward.’”

Carrie Collins, CEO of the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona, is thrilled the Emergency Fund can step in when survivors need a little help to get through a tight spot. “Emotional support dogs bring comfort through familiarity. The bond between person and animal stays constant even as other abilities change. For a brain injury survivor, having an unconditional source of love, comfort, and companionship in an emotional support dog can make all the difference in the difficult road to recovery.”

She adds, “Thanks to public support and donations, we’re able to improve the lives of brain injury survivors throughout Arizona. Brain injury is very personal and sometimes the small gestures are the ones that are most meaningful. For Jennifer and Fifi, it meant paying a vet bill, but in the overall picture, it made a world of difference in their lives.”

Our Client Emergency Fund is running dangerously low and survivors need your help now. Every day, lives are changed in an instant due to all types of brain injuries. Your generosity provides temporary support for basic needs like housing, utilities, and transportation – even vet bills!  We want clients to focus their energy on healing without the added stress of financial hardship. Even a small donation will help ensure the stability they need during their recovery journey back to independence.

ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.

What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:

• Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
• Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
• Hosts virtual and in-person support groups for survivors and families
• Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
• Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
• Manages statewide Help Line: 888-500-9165