A Service Dog for Jack

Hi friends, family, and all baby Jack supporters! We are asking for some help to provide Jack with a service dog. Really, it is the customized training for the service dog that we need a little help with because it's pricey to make sure the dog is trained well enough to be able to help Jack's specific needs. Please read for all the information and an update on baby J. I know so many people donated to the medical fund set up by cliff's dear friend in August so please don't feel obligated at all. Many people ask me how they can help and here is a wonderful way. It's also the holidays so instead of sending a gift for J, we ask that you donate towards his service dog fund. I am sending every donor an Epilepsy Awareness bracelet from Pura Vida so please email me your address at [email redacted].

I have been in contact with some wonderful people who have children with similar illnesses as Jack has. One of the biggest things I've learned is the value of a service dog to children with epilepsy. Service dogs are also amazing for kids with mitochondrial disease, autism, and developmental delays. They also provide so much emotional support and comfort to the child, as well as their family members. We are not sure what Jack's future holds, but he will always have epilepsy and likely developmental delays due to his seizures. However, our neurology team is now questioning Jack's mitochondrial disease diagnosis. His case is very difficult. We are awaiting genetic testing to hopefully provide further answers we are all looking for. All I can say is this has been the rollercoaster ride from hell.

Jack is doing well on his anti-seizure meds currently, experiencing only a few breakthrough seizures. He is also doing well developmentally so we would like to prepare for his future by getting him a service dog. The process of purchasing and getting the proper training for a service dog is expensive. I have already spoken to the training company we will use, as well as the breeder. As much as I hate to purchase a dog versus rescuing one, it is necessary for providing the best service dog for Jack's needs. The whole process will take about 2 years and that is why we want to begin soon. Service dogs can be trained to help children with mobility so we want to have a service dog ready by the time Jack is walking. The company we are planning to use will custom train a dog to Jack's needs: cognitive, seizure alert and response, and mobility. They will also assess the litter of puppies and help us choose the ideal pup for our customized training program. Then they will train the dog in several phases. There are two possible litters of puppies to choose from, one litter would be ready in March and the other in June. We will be purchasing the dog once the trainer deems a good candidate for service. The puppy will be $3200. Then the puppy will enter several phases of board training and then ultimately the trainer will teach our family what to do. This is the expensive part. 

They have given us an estimate for the entire process and customized training program. The cost will be between $13,300-$23,500. Clearly this is an expensive process. We are not entering into this lightly and we truly believe a service dog will provide so much for Jack and our entire family. Many of you may not be aware, but Rowan has also struggled with our multiple trips to the hospital and us being away from her. The dog would also provide emotional support for Ro. A little peace of mind goes a long way, believe me!

We are going to begin the process and we absolutely want to pay as much out of our own pockets Zas we can. We hate asking for money, but please know that Jack's medical needs come first and we have already made many adjustments to our life to make sure we can take care of him. I am no longer working so I can take care of Jack (and of course Rowan) full time. I can barely sleep most of the time for fear that Jack will have a seizure and I'll miss it. If he naps, I can hardly walk away to do dishes, laundry, or play with Rowan for fear he will have a seizure and I'll miss it.  There is an incredibly terrifying complication that can happen to epileptics call SUDEP. SUDEP is Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. A service dog trained for seizure alert and response would be so helpful to me and my entire family.

So many of our family members and friends have asked how they can help. There has not been much that anyone can do but send love and support. However, if you're still interested in how you can help please consider donating to help us provide Jack with a service dog. Please feel free to email, text, or message me on Facebook if you have questions about Jack or the service dog process. I am happy to answer any questions and talk to anyone as I know we are asking for a lot. Thank you so much for supporting and loving baby Jack and our family!

Lots of love, 

Leah, Cliff, Rowan, & Jack

**if something happens with Jack's health and we no longer feel like he is a good candidate for a service dog, we will refund your money or use it for medical costs if you prefer as he will continue to acquire medical bills.


**i have provided the link to the training company we will be using and I will be providing updates along the way! 


cpt-training.com