🐶 Meet my service dog, Buddy! 🐶

Living with epilepsy can often feel overwhelming, but ever since I got Buddy, my seizure alert service dog, navigating life has become so much easier. In this blog, I’ll be sharing my journey with Buddy and how he has helped me navigate my daily life.

My Intro to Service Dogs

My first exposure to service dogs was through a friend who had one to help her manage her anxiety disorder. It was amazing to see how this furry friend was able to provide her with emotional support and help her navigate through daily life. This led me to look more into service dogs and how they can assist individuals with disabilities.

After some research, I found out about seizure alert service dogs which are trained to alert their owners before an upcoming seizure. As someone living with epilepsy, I realized that this could be life-changing for me.

A person sitting next to their service dog

The Process of Getting Buddy

Getting a seizure alert service dog is not an easy process and it requires a lot of commitment. It took me about two years until I was finally matched with Buddy. During this time, I had to fill out an extensive application, undergo a medical evaluation, and participate in multiple interviews.

Once I was approved, I went through a series of training sessions with Buddy, where I learned how to work with him and how to respond when he alerts me of an upcoming seizure. The training was intense, but it was all worth it when I saw the impact that Buddy had on my life.

A person holding their service dog's paw

Buddy’s Daily Tasks

Buddy has been trained to perform a variety of tasks to help me navigate daily life. Besides being able to alert me of upcoming seizures, Buddy is also trained to:

🐶 Retrieve medication for me if I need it 🐶 Assist me with getting up if I have fallen during a seizure 🐶 Bring me a phone or emergency button in case of an emergency

All of these tasks make living with epilepsy less scary and more manageable.

A service dog with a medication bottle in its mouth

Benefits of Having a Service Dog

Having Buddy by my side has been life-changing in so many ways. Not only does he provide assistance during seizures, but he has also become my constant companion and has given me a newfound sense of independence and freedom.

Buddy has also become a topic of conversation, which has allowed me to educate others about service dogs and epilepsy. It’s been great to see people become more aware and understanding of what it means to live with a disability.

A person walking with their service dog in a park

Challenges of Having a Service Dog

Life with a service dog is not always easy. One of the biggest challenges is navigating public spaces that may not be service dog-friendly. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the importance of a service dog and may try to deny access.

Additionally, taking care of a service dog requires a lot of time, energy, and finances. Buddy requires regular vet visits, grooming, and food, which can add up quickly.

However, despite the challenges, having Buddy by my side has been worth it all.

A person and their service dog walking through a crowded space in a mall, with people looking towards them

Conclusion

Living with a seizure disorder can often be overwhelming and scary, but having a service dog has changed my life in countless ways. Buddy has become an essential part of my daily life, providing me with assistance, companionship, and security.

If you’re considering getting a seizure alert service dog or any type of service dog, be prepared for a long process, but know that it will be worth it. Service dogs are truly life-changing, and I couldn’t imagine navigating daily life without Buddy by my side.

🐶 Thanks for reading! 🐶

A person lying down next to their service dog