Young Boy With Epilepsy to Gain Independence With New Seizure Response Dog From Canine Assistants
Young Boy With Epilepsy to Gain Independence With New Seizure Response Dog From Canine Assistants
ATLANTA, April 16, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Spencer Wyatt, an 8-year-old boy living with epilepsy, and his mother Amy receive a seizure response dog from Canine Assistants and UCB, Inc., the exclusive sponsor of Canine Assistants seizure response dogs. Through medications, Spencer's seizures have decreased in frequency and severity-allowing him to play sports, take music lessons, and learn Tae Kwon Do. But the possibility that he may have a seizure when his parents are not around is still a concern. A seizure response dog will bring peace of mind to Spencer's family and give him a new level of independence. The Wyatt's live in Georgia.
About Canine Assistants
Canine Assistants, a non-profit organization founded in 1991, trains dogs to assist children and adults who have physical disabilities or other special needs and has placed over 800 dogs across the country. Seizure response dogs are taught to respond in the event of a seizure in various ways such as barking to alert family members or helping their human partner safely toward the ground. Reports indicate that those who have Seizure Response Dogs actually suffer fewer events after obtaining their dogs.
About Our Sponsor
UCB, Inc., The Epilepsy Company, is the only pharmaceutical company to sponsor Canine Assistants service dogs and the exclusive sponsor of seizure response dogs. Since 2005, UCB has committed over $1,000,000 to the sponsorship of seizure response dogs and support of Canine Assistants, helping to place service dogs with individuals living with epilepsy throughout the United States. The cost of one service dog is nearly $20,000, which covers the in-depth training, ongoing support and veterinarian care of the dog.
Further information
Stephani Perlmutter (Canine Assistants)
T 773.472.3431
M 773.617.8235
stephani_perlmutter@yahoo.com
Sarah Handza
T 212.886.2206
M 646.236.1458
Shandza@cooneywaters.com
SOURCE Canine Assistants
