Raising money to purchase a Pull Cart for my dog, Olaf.
Hello, my name is Michael Faughn and I live in Nampa, Idaho, just outside Boise. I am 51 years old and have spent most of my life working with and training dogs as well as desiging and installing landscapes. Three years ago I was hurt on the job. The injuries were to both arms and required four surgeries. The surgeries were un-successful. I have seen 9 doctors in two different states. The diagnosis is always the same, my tendons in my elbows are deteriorating, sveral nerves are twisted and the main nerve, ulnar nerve, is pinched. I am in constant pain and have lost about 65% use of both my arms. Specialist have told me if I have one more surgery on my arms, there is an 80% chance I will loose complete use of them. I can no longer play golf, play the piano, play softball, draw, type for long periods of time, lift anything over 5lbs, no repetitive gripping or movement, no power gripping such as using a hammer, drill, holding a stearing wheel, or shopping cart. If I disregard the doctor's orders and do these things, the pain is overwhelming.
I live alone in a 5th wheel trailer due to the fact that I lost my house when I was unable to return to work and was put on Social Security Disability. I could no longer afford the house payments, nor the utilities. I ownded my home for 11 years. I worked 12 hours days, 7 days a week and now nothing. I have an issue with pushing a shopping cart or carrying those small baskets when I am shopping. Normally I have to ask someone to go with me, which isn't always easy to do. I have a certified service dog. His name is Olaf, he is a Rotty. He is my best friend, he carries stuff for me in backpacks made for him. However, they only carry a small amount. Being able to use a cart such as the one in the photo would make it easier for Olaf as well as me. I could be more independant and free to go when I please.
Olaf has been trained to pull a cart, I just cannot afford one on my Social Security Disability income. Most of my money is spent on rent, food and utilities. There is never enough to make it to the end of the month as it is.
The cart shown can range in price from $300 to $650, depending on the size. The one that will work with my needs as well as Olaf, is right around $500. All the money I raise here will go for the purchase of the cart. Even if I am not able to reach my goal of $500, what is raised will be set aside and put towards the cart. The halter that is needed to pull the cart is already being donated to me by Fidogear. They are custom building Olaf a halter.
I have always been independent and refused to ask for help. If I couldn't do it for myslef, by myself, then I didn't need it. Getting hurt has helped me learn to be humble and ask for help. I have tried asking the makers of these carts if they would donate one and the response is always the same, their profit margines are too small to afford them the ability to donante one. I understand, it is hard for all of us.
The only thing I can offer in return for your donation is having your name or company's name painted on the side of the cart, such as "This Cart Made Availalbe by the Donations from;"
I know that not everyone can donate cash and I can appriciate that. If you can help me with spreading the word, that would be great. You can use the Indiegogo share feature
I can provide copies of the specialists reports to anyone needing them.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you have a fantastic day.
