Gwen Brings New Hope to Gabrielle’s Life

About five seizures a week for three straight years.

That’s what Gabrielle experienced from a non-epileptic seizure disorder, brought on by Chronic Lyme Disease in late 2020. “It has affected my daily life, emotionally, physically, and socially, and has made me not able to work or go to school,” she says. 

She feared going anywhere in public, not knowing when a seizure would strike. And although she was able to move out of her family’s home last May, that transition wasn’t bringing her the desired comfort. She explains, “Every day there was a fear of me falling or having seizures when I was alone and how I was able to get help when needed. I am also often fatigued so small chores around the house are difficult for me to do.” Gabrielle mentions that she also felt like a burden to family and friends.

Hope was not far off, though. A couple of years ago, when Gabrielle was a junior in high school, her therapist recommended Can Do Canines. After applying and waiting for her own custom-trained Seizure Assist Dog, Gabrielle finally met a black Lab named Gwen. She recalls, “When the trainers told me about the skills Gwen learned, I knew it was going to be life-changing for me.”

Described by Gabrielle as “loving” “talented,” “eager to please,” “loyal,” and “smart,” Gwen is generous not only with kisses but also with important assistance. Although Can Do Canines Seizure Assist Dogs cannot be definitively trained to pre-alert to seizures, Gwen has somehow figured out how to do so with Gabrielle. Gabrielle shares, “One of the most surprising but helpful things I have discovered is that Gwen is able to read me and alert me and others before having a seizure. Those around me can tell by her actions that I need help.” So whether Gabrielle is awake or sleeping, Gwen is able to assist. “She is able to push a button to call and alert my mom when I fall or have a seizure. She retrieves my water from the fridge, my phone, and my medical bag during a seizure. She helps me get down on the floor so I don’t fall, rolls me on my side during a seizure, and keeps me there until it is over. She then licks me until I wake up and lays next to me calmly until I feel better. She then braces for me to stand up after I have a seizure when I am weak and dizzy.”

Gabrielle credits this teamwork to the bond the two of them have formed. “She is very connected and in tune with me. When I am feeling good, she is wagging her tail and content snuggling with me, and when I am having a seizure, she is calm and steady and supportive. When I wake up from a seizure, she comforts me and has teary eyes. You can tell she understands.”

Gabrielle is passing along that understanding, stating that she is engaging in opportunities to share her medical journey with others. Recently, she and Gwen visited her mom’s third-grade classroom. Since one of the students also has a seizure disorder, Gabrielle says, “My journey has been so real to all of them, helping to normalize these medical issues that would otherwise be so scary and unknown. Having Gwen has given me such purpose in my story.”

Gwen’s benefits don’t stop there. Gabrielle’s family has more peace of mind, and Gabrielle says, “I feel like I have gained more freedom and independence, and after many things that I have lost and that have been taken away from me, she has been something that has given me so much life back.” One particular activity she is happy to have back in her life is Worship Team. “I love playing music and singing, and Gwen has been a part of making it possible for me to lead worship again at my church.”

Thinking of all Gwen means to her and what her Raisers gave to make this happen, Gabrielle says, “Honestly it is hard to find words to express my gratitude. I don’t think they can truly ever understand the difference that Gwen has made in my life and my future. She has given me hope in a very hopeless time, and our connection is so strong and real. I have learned so much on this journey, and hope I can someday repay a small piece of that by helping train dogs in the future or coaching and encouraging new teams. . . Gwen has brought a new light and hope into my life. She is a huge answer to prayer and I’m so thankful for her.”

 

Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:

Whelping Home — The Kittock Family
Raisers — Katie Detert, Emily Barnes and Brett Schroedel
Special Thanks — FCI Sandstone, Jackson Correctional Institution