Martie Frazier-Stern, a resident of Madison County for 17 years, is seeking donations to help raise funds for her future service dog, Maverick, to get the training he needs to help her continue her goal of being independent.
In 2012, Stern sustained a near paralyzing injury to her spine. Although surgeons were able to successfully stabilize the injury, complications arose after surgery, leaving Stern with several challenges that have drastically changed her life. She requires continuous medical treatment and rehab at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
In terms of her treatment, Stern discovered that she had very little options for coping with the treatment, resulting in a decline of confidence and a lot of uncertainty for Stern.
However, her luck changed when she acquired a St. Bernard mix puppy in January of this year, whom she affectionately named Maverick. Before Stern adopted him, he was going to be turned over to a kill shelter. Their paths crossed at the right moment, and Stern took the puppy home and quickly saw he responded to her issues even at a young age. Stern informed her treatment team of this, and as a result, they recommended that she put Maverick through the proper training in order for him to become an official medical service dog.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, located in Williston, Fl., trains medical service dogs to mitigate the challenges associated with several disabilities, including PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, seizures, mobility issues, hearing impairment and much more through their P.E.T.S. Program after evaluating the dog. Maverick has met most of the requirements to become a service dog and is neutered and trained in basic commands. In November, Maverick will be one year old and officially reach all of the service dog requirements. After that, he will go through more training to enhance his skills and learn how to notify others and Stern if something isn't right.
“To have [Maverick] with me...it's just been liberating,” said Stern. Stern finds great joy and thankfulness in having Maverick, as he has given her a confidence boost and allows her to maintain her independence. Before Maverick, Stern was homebound. Now, she has renewed hope through her four-legged friend and is moving towards a new life together. Stern comments that Maverick is very well-behaved and has been accepted by the community when Stern ventures off to go grocery shopping or travels around town. She also notes that she went to Gainesville to attend her nephew's graduation, which had large crowds; Maverick did exceptionally well around the crowds and shows great potential as a service dog.
In order to cover Maverick's formal training, training travel and veterinary care over the next year, Stern is seeking donations. Anyone wanting to donate to her cause can visit www.gofundme.com/22b3c2s.