Ziggy's Training: A Lifeline for Thomas

Our 4-year-old son, Thomas, suffers from Dravet Syndrome - a rare, medically-intractable form of epilepsy characterized by medicine-resistant seizures, developmental delays, and an increased risk of death from Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).

Several years ago, we brought Ziggy into our family. Ziggy is a pure bred German Shepherd who loves our kids, chasing a ball, licking babies, and barking at the birds in our backyard. We bought Ziggy with the intention to train him as a service dog for Thomas.

The time has come to train Ziggy. Through an online Dravet Syndrome network, we were introduced to a dog trainer, Mike, who specializes in training German Shepherds and English Labradors. Mike has 20+ years experience training K9 units in the Minneapolis police department and currently spends his retirement training dogs for kids like Thomas.

Ziggy will be trained to anticipate Thomas's seizures (through scent), to alert us when Thomas is having a seizure or is about to have a seizure, and will get help for Thomas. The training will be done at home by Thomas's dad, Matt, who performed Ziggy's obedience training and with whom Ziggy has the closest bond. Mike will also visit our family to check on the progress of Ziggy's training. Ultimately, Ziggy will become a service dog approved to travel anywhere service animals are allowed.

We are asking for donations to pay for Ziggy's training. Having Ziggy as a service dog will add one more layer of seizure vigilance to Thomas's support structure. By having Ziggy watching Thomas at all times, particularly at night, our family can rest assured that we will know when Thomas needs urgent medical help.

We thank you for your donation!