3 Epilepsy Patients Receive Therapy Dogs

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Epilepsy Foundation is helping three people in our area live with less fear about when their next seizure may occur.

It's been said that dogs are man's best friend. This is no exception.

They are amazing animals. They can carry an epileptic patient's medicine and hit a button to dial 911.

They can even predict when you're about to have a seizure.

How do they do that? We're not sure:

"The theory is that through their sense of smell, they can pick up on the seizure activity as it begins," Peggy Beem-Jelley with The Epilepsy Foundation said.

For Sam Cooper of Coraopolis, getting a seizure response dog is a life-changing event:

"Being able to have some confidence at the house while doing little things such as working, sleeping. Such as, being around my kids," Cooper said.

Sam's been suffering unpredictable seizures since he was 8-years-old. Now, he'll have a constant companion to watch over him and predict when a seizure may be coming:

"Will be able to watch me throughout the day, will help me gain some of my responsibilities back as a father. That is why the dog is such a gift," Cooper said.

Three families in the Pittsburgh area received dogs this weekend. The Epilepsy Foundation has an endowment fund that pays for their training.

Cooper couldn't be happier:

"It's a life-saver," Cooper said.

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