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Seizure Alert Dogs
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 09:22I came on here not realizing that others are truly fighting for have their independence (like me) and I wanted to share this with those who have problems with taking medications or they don't work. I am on medications, but it doesn't control all of my seizures. I cannot drive and need supervision most of the time. I then heard of a facility who trains dogs to predict when an impending seizure is coming and to lay with the person until the episode is over.
Please consider this as a way to gain some of your freedom: http://www.k94life.org/html/seizure_alert.htm
I applied last year and am anticipating my first seizure alert dog this winter. I am so excited about having some of my freedoms back. They only request donations for their dogs and if you do not have money, they often will help you find ways to gradually pay the donation over time. They are very kind and are willing work with you. Please consider it.
Re: Seizure Alert Dogs
Submitted by phylisfjohnson on Fri, 2010-05-14 - 12:47
I have met the owners of Canine Partners for Life. http://www.k94life.org/html/seizure_alert.htm These seizure alert dogs are able to predict seizure activity anywhere from several minutes to an hour before the seizure occurs.
Through its sense of smell, the dog detects the chemical and electrical changes within a person's body caused by seizure activity.
Often, a dog will nudge/bump/paw its partner, or give a small whine. If the person is walking, the dog will interfere with the person's movement, blocking their path and causing them to stop.
These dogs are very reliable and consistent in their work. Their alerts are typically the same amount of time prior to each seizure which gives a sense of control and management to the human partner.
Also, it should be noted that this is a mother-daughter team and the daughter has severe epilepsy. Yet she volunteered as a counselor at Camp Achieve last summer. She is a true advocate and works through the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern PA (as do I!) Phylis Feiner Johnson www.epilepsytalk.com
I have met the owners of Canine Partners for Life. http://www.k94life.org/html/seizure_alert.htm These seizure alert dogs are able to predict seizure activity anywhere from several minutes to an hour before the seizure occurs.
Through its sense of smell, the dog detects the chemical and electrical changes within a person's body caused by seizure activity.
Often, a dog will nudge/bump/paw its partner, or give a small whine. If the person is walking, the dog will interfere with the person's movement, blocking their path and causing them to stop.
These dogs are very reliable and consistent in their work. Their alerts are typically the same amount of time prior to each seizure which gives a sense of control and management to the human partner.
Also, it should be noted that this is a mother-daughter team and the daughter has severe epilepsy. Yet she volunteered as a counselor at Camp Achieve last summer. She is a true advocate and works through the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern PA (as do I!) Phylis Feiner Johnson www.epilepsytalk.com