Sniff Dog Able to Warn Family Members of Seizures
A young girl began to have seizures daily - sometimes up to 20 a day - when she was only 4-years-old. To ensure she was safe during these episodes, her grandmother would constantly be by her side, even sleeping with her in the same room to ensure her safety.
Now, Alyssa Howes is 11 years old and her life has drastically changed thanks to her furry, canine friend. Just three years ago, she was given a service dog named Flint who has given Alyssa and her family peace of mind.
Flint is able to alert Alyssa's family members whenever she has a seizures. He can also guide her so she doesn't fall and allows her to have a bit more freedom.
"It gives her a companion to enjoy the moments when she is doing things she likes to do," said her mother, Juliette Palomaki, according to the Associated Press. "And if she is having a bad day, she will call him and they will just be together."
Animal behaviorist Brandon McMillan, the star of "Lucky Dog" on CBS, says it's very easy for a child with disabilities to become a recluse.
"Life shouldn't be so complicated at 5," said McMillan, a spokesman for Magnolia Paws for Compassion, which raises awareness that kids can get service dogs. "Take a child who has a condition. Give them a dog. The dog opens up a world for this child. It's important for a child's life."
