At 4 Paws for Ability, we’re committed to enriching the lives of people with disabilities. We train and place more than ten types of service dogs with children and veterans with disabilities. For children with seizure disorders like epilepsy, a dog trained in scent and behavioral seizure response can be a life-saving companion.
These special pups are trained with unique skills that can significantly enhance safety and promote independence for individuals living with seizure disorders. Hannah was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, at age 11. Yuki, her service dog trained at 4 Paws for Ability, is trained in seizure alerting, mobility, behavior disruption, and retrieval. Yuki helps provide Hannah with the freedom to not have to always be with an adult. Yuki can also help Hannah balance and get around better, pick things up, and open doors.
“I have seen firsthand how life-changing a service dog can be not only for a child with epilepsy, but for the entire family” – Hannah’s mother, Marcia Kirchhofer
When Blake was just about 3 years old, he had his first seizure and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Blake’s seizures often occur at night, which left his family fearful that he may have a seizure while they are asleep. Barnett, a dog also trained at 4 Paws for Ability, was partnered with Blake and is trained to lay with him and bark when he is having a seizure, alerting his parents.
Our commitment to children like Hannah and Blake is why we are proud to partner with the Epilepsy Foundation and Eisai Inc. on Magnolia Paws for Compassion, a special program which seeks to increase awareness of animal assistance and raise awareness of the many benefits that service, and therapy dogs can provide to those with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. To date, the program has sponsored four litters, and has helped place 24 service dogs, including Yuki and Barnett, to families of children with seizure disorders.
Together, 4 Paws for Ability and Magnolia Paws for Compassion are committed to providing life-changing canines to families and children. For more information, visit www.Magnoliapawsforcompassion.com.
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