Taylor Dougherty

Family and friends of Taylor Dougherty are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund the critical medical equipment and training expenses associated with an uncontrollable seizure disorder and complex medical needs. Taylor has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live because all donations are tax-deductible for contributors and are securely managed to cover verified medical and related expenses.

Hi, my name is Taylor. I am a shy, antisocial single mother of three beautiful children, and I am fundraising for a life-saving medical tool: a professionally trained service dog.For over 11 years, I have tried to handle my severe health challenges entirely on my own. I live with ADHD, PTSD, GAD, and an uncontrollable seizure disorder. Every single day presents massive hurdles. Loud noises or a child screaming can instantly send my anxiety into an internal panic attack, causing me to repetitively scratch myself or dart away in fear.During my last major seizure, I collapsed face-down on my daughter’s bed, suffocating and gasping for air. If my mother hadn’t arrived exactly when she did, I might not be here today. During weeks when I have experienced up to 16 seizures, I have used a cane to walk my children to the school bus because I refuse to stop fighting for my babies.I have survived severe personal hardships and trauma locked behind closed doors. For years, my PTSD made it impossible to sleep in a bed, forcing me to sleep on the couch while giving my kids the bedrooms. I stay up checking on them repetitively, unable to rest. But this year is about growth and healing. My children deserve a mother who can safely go out into the world with them. I want this service dog to give me the courage to step outside safely, move forward in the brightest direction, and finally feel secure enough to sleep in a bed of my own, right beside my protector.My Future GoalsGaining my independence with a service dog is the key to my future. I currently walk everywhere with my three children, pushing them in a stroller-like wagon, which is not always safe in today’s world or in harsh weather conditions. I don’t mind walking, but I want to put my energy toward driving my kids to the park or taking them to educational community events, like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library at our local library. Next year, my goal is to attend college to become a veterinarian. To achieve that dream, I am currently in the process of learning to drive. Having a service dog by my side to alert me to medical changes will give me the safety and confidence I need to step out of my bubble, attend classes, and safely build a career where I can help animals. Through faith and determination, I have been guided to a miracle opportunity with Doggie Do Good. They are able to provide a standard-sized Poodle or Poodle-mix to accommodate my severe allergies and provide the physical size required to keep me safe. This highly specialized training program takes 12 to 16 months.My service dog will be custom-trained to perform life-saving tasks, including:

Seizure Alerts & Responses: Warning me before a seizure occurs so I can get to safety, and keeping my airway clear.

Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT): Grounding my nervous system during severe PTSD panic attacks and heart palpitations to break the trauma loop.

Interruption Alerts: Gently interrupting repetitive behaviors like scratching to prevent injury.

Mobility & Steadying: Providing physical balance support so I do not have to rely heavily on a cane.

Item Retrieval & Crowd Barriers: Fetching dropped items and creating a physical space buffer in public so I can feel secure.

Why Your Support Matters It requires $23,000 to secure the dog and fund the intensive, professional task training, alongside the specialized medical transport required to deliver my team to me here in Indiana. The dog itself will cost $62,620.00 just for training, the dog, flea control, vet bill, and food. Additional funds will cover necessary service dog equipment and the mandatory 5-to-7-day team-training period where both the dog and I learn to work together perfectly.I am choking back a river of tears every time I think that this is even possible. To be able to shake the paw of the one that will keep me alive and safe for years—not just for me, but to keep me alive for my babies—is a miracle. To greet this pup in a military way after so long of waiting would be my absolute honor, because I can finally be understood by someone without saying a word. Please help me bring this beautiful hero home that will change so much in our lives in a much brighter of a rainbow way, rather than the struggles I face every day by myself.I know it takes a village, and completing this goal would feel like a dream come true. You know, me and my service dog already have something in common: we both want to change the lives of other people and help the world become a better place. Because I believe in paying it forward and being part of something bigger than what my eyes can see, I plan to donate $1,000 back to the organization after all is said and done. Any remaining amounts that aren’t used because they aren’t needed will also be transferred to Doggie Do Good so they can continue to grow as well.To the viewers who are reading this, I want to pray over you: may your lives become better as well and may you continue to be safe throughout your journeys. In Jesus’ delightful name I pray, Amen. Thank you so much for your donations.