A number of trusting families have been taken advantage of by a dishonest service dog trainer and we would love to be able to help make their dreams come true. These families, and more, have fund-raised and paid thousands of dollars for fully-trained seizure-response service dogs, only to have their funds taken with nothing to show or in some cases have received untrained service dogs. These families are defeated as it would be impossible for them to raise funds again in their own communities.
Families from across the US have fund-raised between $7,500 - $12,500 for a fully-trained service dog. The trainer involved closed business without notice, keeping tens of thousands of dollars without providing service dogs, or in some cases, highly untrained ones. These families cannot fund-raise within their community again so we are raising dedicated funds to help bring service dogs to them. Investigations are in place, but the likelihood of these families receiving refunds is minimal.
It is estimated that up to 50,000 Americans die from SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) or other seizure-related causes each year. Many of these children and young adults are at high risk and having an extra set of eyes on them is critical for their safety. Many of these adults yearn for the independence that a service dog can bring, but in most cases, the families just need a little relief and sleep.
This projects goal is to right a wrong for these families and bring them the service dog they deserve and paid for. Having a service dog that can alert a family member or caregiver of a seizure can be life saving. These amazing dogs can be trained to the specific needs of their handler, whether it be bringing emergency medication, turning their handler so they don't suffocate or aspirate during a seizure, water rescue, bracing falls, etc.
