Rory Rossi

I’m Rory, and I am a college student studying paleontology who struggles with mobility challenges, as well as psychological ones. My mobility challenges are caused by fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndrome, cartilage deterioration, joint pain, and more. I also have PTSD, which causes me severe anxiety. 

I am lucky enough to say that I have been approved for a service dog through The Service Dog Connection!  This dog would assist me with many tasks I currently struggle with due to my use of forearm crutches and wheelchair. The dog would perform tasks that allow me to be more independent in my day-to-day life, as my peers and husband cannot be constantly available to offer support.  

I love my career path because I study dinosaurs—and what could be better than that?! I feel strongly about making the field of paleontology more accessible so that other disabled students and children can see themselves in a future career in science.  

Being approved for a service dog has brought me so much joy—I am so hopeful because I can see the positive impact a service dog would have on my life. This funding covers the cost of the dog necessities. While the price is high, these dogs are vital medical tools—not a luxury item—which I have been told by my doctors and therapist that would be greatly useful to me in my life.  A service dog would give me the ability to live my life in ways I haven’t been able to since I started my college career. I would no longer miss out on the amount of opportunities that I have been previously kept from due to my disability.  

Even just 5, 10, or 20 dollars would go a long way to help me reach my goal. I truly thank you for your help in receiving this life-changing care. I don’t know how to thank you enough. 

Best Wishes, 

  Rory