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We Did It!

Aubie

We raised $5597 at FirstGiving.com

We raised $25 on Facebook with Paypal

Ryan and Deb raised $1000 for a new website.

And? That puts us over the top!

Even when we factor in any fees that Paypal, Firstgiving, or Ryan incur due to credit card use fees, we are over.

So. What does that mean? We are on our way!

At Midwest Assistance Dogs, they are excited about training a dog for Chickadee. It's a unique situation that has never been done before, so I appreciate all of you being supportive and open minded about it. We are still discovering the ways that Chickadee can be benefited by her Service Dog. So, I'm working with the director. He is reviewing our life, and bouncing ideas off me as to what will work.

What does that mean? I don't have a specific doggie, or date yet. It depends on what is realistic for the dog to learn, and for Chickadee/I to be able to help it execute. Basically it's gonna take time, research and experimentation.

Usually? it takes people up to a year to raise money for their service dogs. We raised for six weeks. Not exactly normal eh? But we've never really fit that mold anyway. You guys are amazing. Exceptional. I'm emotional, and ecstatic at the same time.

Mr. Survival is possibly the most excited of all of us, this being a much needed miracle of hopes and dreams for our family. You have all inspired us and given us an excitement we'd laid aside.

First, I can't thank you all. There's just too many of you. Please do let me know if you've posted about Chickadee, and I'll try to get it up on my list for posterity. But, I wanted to thank a few particular people.

TJ for donating within thirty seconds of my trying out the widget. (and helping me commit)
MrsFatass for inspiring a community and riding her battle cry with poise and grace
Ryan at NoMoreBacon and Deb at Weight For Deb for auctioning/bidding us over the top.
Susan Ito for being the sweetest loser there ever was.

For all of you, thanks.

Most of all, I thank you for Chickadee. I literally cannot imagine all the ways this will help her. Thank you forever. Your caring has made a big impact on my heart. I wish I could hug you all.

*photo by Heartlover1717
Thank you for donating for Chickadee's therapy dog.
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Comments

  1. MelissaJanuary 12, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    This news makes me happy beyond words! I'm literally sitting here crying with joy. What an amazing community we have!

    @MelGetsFit

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    Happy Dance Time! Happy Dance Time!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    I've been swallowing a lump since you told me this morning. Congratulations, JBS. You did it. Good Mommy.

    ReplyDelete
  4. TriciaJanuary 12, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Amazing news, I am so happy for you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Julie Lost and FoundJanuary 12, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Oh wow!! I am just soooooooo thrilled! This post MADE MY DAY!!! I cannot wait to keep reading as it all unfolds and see the day your chickadee meets her dog for the first time.

    What wonderful, wonderful news!!!! God bless you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. HelenJanuary 12, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    I'm with Julie, I'm waiting for the photos of Chickadee and her doggy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yum YuckyJanuary 12, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    [insert the "We Did It!" Dora dance here] and I'm totally gonna get a real hug in person once day. And maybe even pet the new ChickeeDog. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    ♥♥♥♥♥
    I'm so glad it happened!! Chickadee will be so happy to have a doggy helper. You're amazing, my sister.

    ReplyDelete
  9. WillpowerJanuary 12, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    YEHAW!!!!!!, my kids are going to think I am totally crazy when I see them after school. I will be jumping up and down and singing "they have a puppy, they puppy and you helped them get it". I think I will now go run a few miles in celebration. I can hardly wait to see the cutie with her doggy.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Marisa @ Loser for LifeJanuary 12, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    I'm tearing up!!! SO SO SO Happy for you and your family!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    I woke up this morning thinking of Chickadee, who I don't know, and you, who I've never met. I was hoping that your little birdie gets a dog soon, and she did. I am so happy for you and your little girl. This is wonderful news and it just goes to show you the power of words and the world wide web!

    ReplyDelete
  12. KarenJanuary 12, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    Woo hoo!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Polar's MomJanuary 12, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    SO SO happy about this. I did post about you guys:

    http://polarspage.blogspot.com/2011/01/more-than-fur-and-wet-kisses.html

    Can't wait to hear about the new addition-I am super psyched for Chickadee!

    Polar's Mom
    www.polarspage.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Debra AskanaseJanuary 12, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    We at FirstGiving are THRILLED that you made your goal and got a dog for Chickadee! Thanks so much for choosing FirstGiving, and let us know how we can helpful to you again.

    Best,
    Debra Askanase
    Community Engagement Manager
    FirstGiving.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Christie FarrarJanuary 12, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    YAY!! Congratulations, JBS!! I can not think of a more deserving family.

    A dog is a blessing and a joy.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Leanne @ Deep Fried FruitJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    YAY!!!! Woot woot. That's wonderful news JBS. So pleased we were able to help just that tiny bit ...

    ReplyDelete
  17. GraceJanuary 13, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    Sooo GLAD for your Chickadee. Although I've never elaborated about it on my blog, my Buster is a trained hearing dog. Both my hub and I are hearing impaired. He makes me feel so much safer.

    A dog that is not only a friend but can also help with other issues is so special. They are our best friends in so many ways.

    ReplyDelete
  18. michelleJanuary 13, 2011 at 5:50 AM

    sweet little mercies.

    ReplyDelete
  19. MizFitJanuary 13, 2011 at 6:14 AM

    IM
    STILL
    DANCING.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Tara...January 13, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    I wonder if you get to name the dog? A dog named "tribe"...

    I will totally make a name tag for that four legged dog loved by so many two leggers!

    ReplyDelete
  21. KCLAnderson (Karen)January 13, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    This is the best news EVER!! A girl and her dog...together! Yes!! I can't wait to see pictures and to find out the dog's name!

    ReplyDelete
  22. How I'm Losing ItJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    YAYAYAYAYAY!!!! WOOOOHHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

    I can't wait to start hearing the stories and seeing the pics!!! Congratulations!!!

    I've posted about Chickadee a couple times, and I've given you a blog awared here:

    http://how-i-am-losing-it.blogspot.com/2011/01/145-passing-on-blog-award.html

    ReplyDelete
  23. Xinabean.blogspot.comJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    I'm so happy for you I have goosbumps, a lump in my throat and tears welling up reading about your victory. I can't wait until you are able to bring your new friend home. It's so good to be reminded that we can make small miracles happen for good people if we all just come together in love!

    ReplyDelete
  24. LaurieJanuary 13, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    I have warm fuzzies. That picture of the dog just capped it. I can't wait to see the pictures of Chicadee and her dog. It really feels nice to make a donation and see how it will directly be used. Thanks for letting us see that.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Cole Walter MellonJanuary 13, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    Okay... there's been a mistake. I insisted that my money go for a monkey. Where's the refund window?

    ReplyDelete
  26. TaniaJanuary 13, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    I'm so glad that I was able to help with this. I can't wait to see the dog once you get it!

    ReplyDelete
  27. SteveJanuary 13, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    YAY!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Kerri OJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    HOOORAY! There go the tears again. You have that ability somehow. I love this tribe. Just. Love.

    ReplyDelete
  29. ♥ Drazil ♥January 14, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    I love you girl.

    ReplyDelete
  30. NataliaJanuary 15, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    Yay! I'm so happy that you guys made it to your goal!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. ErinJanuary 19, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    That's so awesome! I can't wait to read the journey of Chickadee and her new companion!

    ReplyDelete
  32. merriJanuary 19, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    Yay! Glad you have all the $. Can't wait to see the dog!

    ReplyDelete

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I reply to comments in email. Email me at

journey . beyond . survival at gmail . com
if you'd like me to reply.

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