4 Paws for Finley! (A Seizure Alert Dog)

As some of you know, Finley was born with a terminal deletion of her 6th Chromosome and partial agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (PACC).  Features that often occur in people with chromosome 6q deletion include developmental delay, intellectual disability, and distinctive facial features.  Agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC) is a rare disorder that is present at birth (congenital). It is characterized by a partial or complete absence (agenesis) of an area of the brain that connects the two cerebral hemispheres. This part of the brain is normally composed of transverse fibers. Agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC) may initially become evident through the onset of epileptic seizures during the first weeks of life or within the first two years.

As a result of both of these disorders, Finley had her first seizure when she was 3 months old. One month later she had another one, and since then she has gone from having 1 or 2 seizures a YEAR, to 3-4 seizures a WEEK.  Since seeing this huge increase in seizure activity this past year we have been in close contact with her neurologist trying to figure out a combination of medications that will help decrease her seizures.  While we haven’t found a successful solution yet, we are actively working to find one.  Because Finley’s seizures stem from her underlying disorder, this is not something she will outgrow.  It is a lifelong condition. 

Finley’s seizures typically cause her to become cyanotic (bluish coloring to her lips/nose) due to lack of oxygen supply. We are on constant alert for them, as they are unpredictable and can happen at any minute without notice.  Being an almost 5 year old with epilepsy is hard when you are actively working to gain your own independence. Finley constantly has an adult hovering over her. She can’t play on playgrounds, ride her bike, or even go to the bathroom without someone watching her.  It is for these reasons (and MANY more!) that we would LOVE for Finley to have a seizure alert dog! The dog would be a huge support and benefit to our family. A seizure alert dog would be trained to alert us when Finley is having a seizure. It will enable Finley a little more independence, and help mom and dad worry a little less, knowing she has the extra set of guarding eyes on her.  Her disorders have also caused many other complications such as developmental delays, low muscle tone and balance difficulties, speech delays, behavioral difficulties and trouble sleeping. Developmentally, Finley is at about a 2 year old level, so she doesn’t understand certain dangers like roads, water, or fires. Even with these challenges, Finley is a happy, sweet, loving little girl whose favorite things to do are socialize, being outside, playing in the pool, and living life a little on the edge. Having a trained service dog next to her will allow her to continue to engage in the things she loves, but with an added level of safety and independence.