It’s not just those with Epilepsy that a service dog can serve. Dogs can be hearing dogs, seizure alert dogs, service dogs for children with autism and guide dogs for people with visual impairments. The world of service dogs, their training and care, is a remarkable one.

Tucket was Andrew’s dog, through and through, but in January 2003, when I became sick and began this journey called Epilepsy, Tucket really became ‘my’ dog. We always marveled at how he could sense seizures. He was not trained to be a seizure alert dog, but he has this amazing quality. He climbs into my lap when my auras begin, sometimes even tugging at my clothes so I know to sit down on a piece of furniture if I’m standing.

A film aired last evening on PBS, Through the a Dog’s Eyes, which profiles Canine Assistants. They provide service dogs to those in need, including some people with Epilepsy.

Meet Alfie, the seizure alert dog…for those of us with Epilepsy, it’s a reminder that animals can do so much more for us than just provide ordinary companionship.

Can your dog sense a seizure as it’s about to happen?