Seizure Alert Dogs |
Tagert ' Tag Your It ! " |
In Loving Memory of Chief "Tagert" Hammond October 22 2005 This site is about Epilepsy & Seizure Alert Dogs. I am available for Lectures on both. |
It happened like this... I recieved Tagert in 1998 after I was diagnosed with EBV In 1996. The Epstein Barr Virus Infected my spinal cord and left me with Epilepsy. I have Complex Partials and Abbsence. Tagerts lets me know 10 - 20 mintues a head of time that I am to have a seizure. He knows this because your scent changes right before you have a seizure. He comes to my left hand side and whines and tugs at my clothes. This tells me to go and sit down and prepare. Tagert is more to me than just a service dog. We have a strong bond. |
This page was last updated on: October 22, 2005
Seizure Assistance Service Dogs Working dogs are not new. We have all known Guide Dogs for the Blind for many years; Police and War Dogs as well. For Years dogs have served in search and rescue and in sniffing out bombs. The public has just learned the Hearing, Dogs and Wheelchair Assistance Dogs. Now for the first time in history, we wish to introduce another important working dog, the Seizure Assistance Service Dog. They serve those, whose disability may be less obvious at times, but is dramatically debilitating when a seizure occurs. All of the other Service Dogs put together will not out number the need for "Seizure Assistance Dogs", since millions of Americans suffer from severe epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Even for people who are controlled right now with medication. Also for people with severe disabling epilepsy, seizure disorders and associated multiple disabilities for which there is no cure or effective medicine. Most people with epilepsy or seizure disorders are afraid to go out of their homes, and the constant worry of their condition has inhibited their social life so they have few friends or anyone to assist them. Seizures are socially unacceptable, over whelming and embarrassing in our culture. This is especially devastating to young disabled children, particularly those in school. The anger and frustration of having to accept less than life should offer, often makes a hostile environment with any disability. The dogs are there whether they forewarn or not alleviating the fear of being alone, eliminating anger and bringing happiness. The dog helps them relate with life bring love and interaction with others. The dog is compassionate about the seizures, staying with his master and functioning as an assistant. Many of the dogs "forewarn" their owner, which is to signal them before the seizure occurs. This allows the person to move to safe area. The assistance of a forewarning dog enables the owner to be more independent, and they will be confident enough to venture out from home. They will learn to rely on the dog to help them and to feel a new freedom. The dogs come in a variety of breeds. Even little dogs can function well as Service Dogs for some situations. The dogs are trained to clear the breathing area and remove fallen items that could cause harm during the "Clonic" portion of a seizure. The dogs can push up by snuggling along the back to keep the person experiencing seizure on 'their side. They can herd those who are afflicted with "walk around" seizures, and the dog can lead one who is dazed after a seizure back home or to a safe area. There are many ways a Service Dog owner can learn to trust the dog and find the self-confidence to lead a better life. The public often wonders why someone who looks perfectly fine should need a Service Dog. Just because the owner of a service dog walks, talks, sees and hears DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY ARE NOT DISABLED. Few people see them after a seizure and a week of suffering, and the general public has no idea how badly this person suffers. They only see the good day when an apparently healthy person is out with their special dog. All certified Service Dogs for the disabled have equal rights to access to facilities open to the public and housing under the American with Disabilities Act. You will be seeing more and more of the Seizure Assistance Dogs. Many newspapers, radio programs and television programs are helping to educate the public about all of the various types of Service Dogs. So if you see a service dog in public, you will know that the owner has a challenging disability that may not be evident. Some dogs wear a Harness, bag or a cape. Thank you for being courteous to all Service Dogs. Mission Statement The mission of this brochure is to provide quality information to people about seizure alert dogs and service programs. Specifically designed for children and adults who are disabled with epilepsy, seizure-related disorders. It provides education and training as well as public awareness for a disorder, which lacks social acceptance and understanding. Many benefits are derived from the positive interaction of dogs and people. Our Goal To reach the millions of disabled shut-in people with epilepsy and seizure disorders. Bringing fresh hope with freedom, acceptance and outlook by providing quality services. To advocate for the immense benefits derived from the interaction with Seizure Assistance Dogs, re-establishing social opportunities for the disabled in a hostile world that misunderstands seizures. For more information Please contact me at: Ms. Jewl wallja99@fightfor.org |
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