Service Dogs for Eric & Heidi
Donation protected
Service Dogs for Heidi & Eric
Update: it's been 18 months since Eric suffered a stroke following surgeries that left him 100% disabled, relying on a power wheelchair (left side too weak to use manual), and relying on Heidi and a weekly caregiver to help with basic everyday needs from the bathroom to dressing.
Heidi has suffered sever epilepsy since childhood, and despite heavy medication and VNS implant, she still suffers regular (scary) gran mal (tonic clonic) seizures, the most recent requiring Eric and daughter Brooke to inject her emergency medication, call 911 and have ambulance take her to ER where they finally revived her over 30 minutes later. Her new neurologist diagnosed her with PCOS, something missed by EVERY dr over last 30 years even tho she is textbook case, which severely impacts her seizure disorder.
A service dog for Heidi is critical. The dog will be her constant companion, can alert her and others of her potential seizures, fetch emergency medication, even start a timer to show the duration (over 5 minutes can be fatal). Her dog has been named Gigi, the same name as her previous Old English Sheepdog, who she loved very much.
A service/therapy dog for Eric has many positive aspects, in assisting carrying items, to comforting him in public as he suffers severe anxiety and PTSD in public and with stressful situations. His dog has been named Cuddles, and as the little one of the litter, she loves doing just that!
We've managed to find two sheepadoodle puppies, born 8 weeks ago, and the breeder graciously discounted her regular price for this cause. The breed is important as Heidi's asthma has evolved into mild CPOD (non smoker, both) and both are allergic to many other breeds. The mix of Old English Sheepdog and Poodle works very well for loyalty and service, easily trainable and crave to be with their person.
Access Alaska, the independent living advocate helping obtain wheelchair ramp, roll in shower access and other home modifications for Eric, is obtaining grants for training the dogs, but the initial cost, shipping, vet bills and spay fees will not be covered.
Any help you you can give is gratefully appreciated. They hate asking for help, but have few options at this time.
Thank you all! Everyone has been so kind and generous!
Update: it's been 18 months since Eric suffered a stroke following surgeries that left him 100% disabled, relying on a power wheelchair (left side too weak to use manual), and relying on Heidi and a weekly caregiver to help with basic everyday needs from the bathroom to dressing.
Heidi has suffered sever epilepsy since childhood, and despite heavy medication and VNS implant, she still suffers regular (scary) gran mal (tonic clonic) seizures, the most recent requiring Eric and daughter Brooke to inject her emergency medication, call 911 and have ambulance take her to ER where they finally revived her over 30 minutes later. Her new neurologist diagnosed her with PCOS, something missed by EVERY dr over last 30 years even tho she is textbook case, which severely impacts her seizure disorder.
A service dog for Heidi is critical. The dog will be her constant companion, can alert her and others of her potential seizures, fetch emergency medication, even start a timer to show the duration (over 5 minutes can be fatal). Her dog has been named Gigi, the same name as her previous Old English Sheepdog, who she loved very much.
A service/therapy dog for Eric has many positive aspects, in assisting carrying items, to comforting him in public as he suffers severe anxiety and PTSD in public and with stressful situations. His dog has been named Cuddles, and as the little one of the litter, she loves doing just that!
We've managed to find two sheepadoodle puppies, born 8 weeks ago, and the breeder graciously discounted her regular price for this cause. The breed is important as Heidi's asthma has evolved into mild CPOD (non smoker, both) and both are allergic to many other breeds. The mix of Old English Sheepdog and Poodle works very well for loyalty and service, easily trainable and crave to be with their person.
Access Alaska, the independent living advocate helping obtain wheelchair ramp, roll in shower access and other home modifications for Eric, is obtaining grants for training the dogs, but the initial cost, shipping, vet bills and spay fees will not be covered.
Any help you you can give is gratefully appreciated. They hate asking for help, but have few options at this time.
Thank you all! Everyone has been so kind and generous!
Organizer and beneficiary
Phil Knowlton
Organizer
Anchorage, AK
Eric L Knowlton
Beneficiary
