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At its worst, Shannon Locke’s epilepsy caused her to suffer up to 20 seizures a day, becoming so debilitating that she dropped out of school, lost friends and rarely left her house. “It was a terribly dark time,” the 21-year-old U.K. woman told the Belfast Telegraph. Eventually coming to terms with her condition and learning to better manage her epilepsy, Locke moved out of her parents house, but got a golden Labrador retriever puppy she named Poppy as company.
Then she started noticing Poppy’s strange behavior.
The four-minute video shows Poppy paw at Locke, who was on her bed, and stare intently at her. One minute and 35 seconds into the video, Locke starts to experience a seizure, her arms and legs shaking. Less than 30 seconds later, Poppy is licking her face, which the video explained helps reduce saliva around Locke’s mouth that could cause her to choke and also helps bring her back around.
“At first, she would sit and stare at me, then sometimes she would pant and pace around,” Locke told the Telegraph back in July. “I didn’t make a connection straight away, and took her to the vet as I thought there was something wrong with her.” There wasn’t anything wrong with Poppy though. Her behavior was apparently associated with the onset of Locke’s seizures.
originally posted by: HawkeyeNation
This is why I love dogs. They have that instinct and are so loving! This is why a lot of people care more about their pets than other humans. It's the unconditional love your dog will give you no matter what you have done. I have lost my dog of 10 years 2 months ago and I still miss him everyday. I grew up with a dog, went about 6 years without one & then got Jack (pug). So it's been hard adjusting to not having one.
originally posted by: Boscowashisnamo
a reply to: jude11
Our daughter suffers from narcolepsy, and battles every day with the help of meds(both holistic and traditional), and lotsa support from those around her. The best investment we ever maid was to procure her service dog, Butters. Yes, I said Butters--he is the canine equivalent of the SP character. Butters has been trained to alert my daughter to impending attacks, and to take preventative measures to reduce injuries.
He has been a godsend in her effort to cope with this maligned disorder, and a loving but security conscious companion. Bosco, my namesake had some initial issues in meeting Butters, but fell to a secondary role as her protector. We are fortunate to have both in our lives, but the change in confidence to my daughter is a direct result of Butter's involvement. Love 'em both, I do.
originally posted by: CthulhuMythos
So how do the dogs know a seizure is imminent? Does the person's smell change? Do they detect a different electrical charge from the person? Do they see what we call auras? Would be good if there could be some sort of device worn like a watch that could detect a coming seizure, then the person could always get to a safe spot before it happens, no matter where they are.
originally posted by: WeRpeons
a reply to: Boscowashisnamo
I find service dogs amazing! I'm sure your daughter and Butters have special bond.
My kids grew up with our pet Golden Retriever named Ginger. She lived her life until my oldest graduated from college. My kids had such a bond with her it was heartbreaking to see my kids say their last goodbyes. My wife and I couldn't live without a dog in the house so 6 months later we found another Golden Retriever and named her Pina. My daughter had a really hard time accepting another dog taking the place of her Ginger. She finally came around and has now accepted her.
Growing up with a dog has a lot of emotional benefits for kids. Since both our kids are now starting a life of their own, Pina has helped both my wife and I cope with an empty nest. Boy is she spoiled.