Seizure response dogs are a special type of service dog, specifically trained to help someone who has epilepsy or a seizure disorder. The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation is currently fundraising to be able to provide a grant to Cricket and Marley, a service dog in training for her. Due to the differing needs between each case, every potential seizure dog receives specialized training. Marley will bring a great deal of peace of mind to Cricket and her whole family.
Cricket and her family live every day not knowing if this will be the day for a seizure. If it is, where will she be, who will she be with, what will she be doing? Marley will give them peace of mind. Marley will be trained to respond to Cricket's seizures and alert those nearby when a seizure does occur. Imagine the peace this will bring to this inspiring Colorado State University student. As Cricket struggles with chronic vertigo, Marley will also assist her with balance.
Having Marley will enable Cricket to move around freely. When she has seizures, Marley will be able to contact 911 or one of the 3 other phone numbers saved in his canine phone. Marley will give Cricket some of her independence back and allow her family to breathe a bit.
This particular project will provide seizure-response dogs for people living with epilepsy, greatly increasing their chances of surviving life-threatening episodes that may arise. This project will also raise awareness about SUDEP to encourage further support of individuals living with epilepsy, their families, and their communities.