Ryan was diagnosed with a rare brain malformation called Lissencephaly at four months old. Lissencephaly is a genetic defect that causes the brain to stop developing in the early stages leaving the brain smooth in most areas. These smooth areas on the brain cause various developmental delays and severe seizures. Ryan began having seizures at six months old, and had been on 6 different medications that have failed to control them. Most recently, Ryan had a vagal nerve stimulator surgically implanted to help control some of the seizures. Unfortunately all of these methods have failed to control his seizures, which is why we are now interested in getting him a seizure alert dog. Ryan can have a seizure at any point, and it is extremely difficult to monitor him overnight. He loves his independence and loves to sleep in his own room. With a seizure alert dog he will have the ability to do so. When the dog senses that a seizure is coming or Ryan is currently seizing, the dog will come and alert me so I can treat the seizure if necessary. The dog with also serve as a companion to him and help him with daily tasks that can make Ryan a little more independent, such as picking up his toys, turning on lights, etc. A family in Virginia has generously donated an eager to learn dog to Ryan and our friends at Paws Training Center are helping to make the seizure training possible. This training is intense and can be quite expensive. We appreciate all the help we can get to make this possible for Ryan. He loves dogs and it would be great to allow him to have some independence, control his seizures, and enjoy a companion!