Childrens’ epilepsy and autism show need for service dog
We are raising money for a multipurpose assistance dog for Owen and Annabelle Luschei. Owen is five years old and has autism. Annabelle is three years old and has epilepsy.
For my son, the dog would provide safety, social and emotional needs. Right now Owen has a stuffed dog that he takes everywhere. He has been asking me for a dog for years. His therapists use his stuffed dog as a motivational tool.
A real dog would be a dream come true for him. When I ask him why he wants a dog he answers ‘to love.’ He is a very sweet little boy who loves animals.
Owen is a very happy little boy and has a lot of enthusiasm. He wants friends very badly, and it can be difficult with his language delay. He also has a lot of anxiety and sensory issues. He tries very hard and never gives up, but there is much he is not able to do which can be very frustrating.
A dog will help motivate him and help calm him. It would also help him interact socially with other people.
Annabelle is creative and full of energy. She has suffered from seizures for the past two years. It is scary for everyone when she has a seizure. We have had many ER visits. I have trouble sleeping because I am afraid she will have a seizure at night and choke.
Three times I have heard her choking or just happened to check on her while she was having a seizure while on her back. When she has a seizure and is on her back her airway is blocked. After a seizure she falls into a deep sleep.
I’m constantly afraid that I will wake up one morning and find Annabelle died because I didn’t hear her when she had a seizure at night. To have a dog that could alert me to her seizure would allow me to actually sleep at night without the guilt and fear. An assistance dog could save her life.
We all love dogs and the the assistant dog would be a huge source of comfort. I can’t fully express the joy a multipurpose assistant dog would bring to our entire family. You can help us by making a tax-deductible donation to 4 Paws for Ability in honor of Owen and Annabelle Luschei. For more information about Owen and Annabelle you can contact Angie Luschei.
Thank You for reading about our family and helping us make our family’s dream come true. Angie Luschei.
Note: I highly endorse 4 Paws for Ability as a source for extremely well-trained service dogs. The organization is sound and its goals exceptional. Judy Vorfeld.