Piper & Boomer: A Story of Hope, Strength, and the Healing Power of a Dog

Piper was gifted a beautiful yellow Labrador named Boomer, with the hope that he could be trained as a therapy or service dog to support her through the many medical challenges she faces daily.

Piper was diagnosed with Chiari malformation, asthma, and a sensory processing disorder when she was just 18 months old. Chiari malformation is a serious neurological condition where the brain’s tonsils extend through the opening at the base of the skull and into the spinal canal. In Piper’s case, the tonsils had descended so deeply that they were pressing on the nerves in her spinal cord, causing her arms and legs to give out unexpectedly and triggering severe headaches.

At just 3 years old, Piper underwent brain decompression surgery, where doctors removed two inches of skull, muscle, and tendon to relieve the pressure. Unfortunately, Chiari malformation has no cure—only surgeries and prayers can help manage the symptoms.

When she turned 7, Piper was diagnosed with two types of epilepsy: absence seizures and focal seizures. She was started on daily seizure medication. Then, in December of 2024, she began experiencing sudden spells where she would “pass out” for 15–30 seconds. A 72-hour EEG revealed a third type of seizure—drop attacks, which are sudden, unpredictable, and dangerous. Due to the complexity of her symptoms, her neurologist referred her to a genetic specialist in Miami. Doctors believe there may be multiple underlying conditions at play, and her family is anxiously awaiting results expected in August.

Through all of this, Piper has found incredible comfort and strength in Boomer. He instinctively helps calm her during sensory overload and anxiety. Their bond is unbreakable. But now that Boomer is growing, Piper—who is very petite for her age—can no longer physically manage him the way she could when he was a puppy.

For Boomer to continue supporting Piper and accompany her in public safely, he needs professional training as a service dog. With the right training, Boomer could help Piper navigate the world with greater independence, emotional support, and physical safety.

We are hopeful and doing everything we can to make that training possible. Piper and Boomer are truly a team, and with your help, they can continue walking this journey together—stronger and safer than ever.

Thank you for supporting Piper and Boomer’s story. ❤️