The role of service dogs has become increasingly significant in the last several decades by enhancing the quality of life for those with disabilities or those that have a variety of health challenges. In April, I sat down with Rory and her parents, Ashley and Ben, to talk about the impact a service dog has had on Rory’s life. For Rory, Snowshoe is more than just a companion and source of physical support; Snowshoe also provides a critical service by alerting others to Rory’s seizures. Because of Rory’s condition, her parents applied in 2021 for Rory to be considered for a service dog.
The family contacted 4 Paws for Ability who also aid in fundraising. The cost for Snowshoe started at $60,000-80,000 but was a bit more manageable at $17,000 with the 4 Paws assistance. Ben and Ashley’s family then held fundraisers for much of the remainder. After the money was raised, and the two-year training period was complete through 4 Paws for Ability, Rory’s family finally brought Snowshoe home on March 1, 2024.
Rory and Snowshoe became fast friends. Ashley shared, “Snowshoe has been great with Rory and Freya (Rory’s sister). She’s very much a people dog and Rory is a people kid. Rory is one of those people that’s like ‘yeah I’m walking around with my dog.’” Since starting Kindergarten, both Rory and Snowshoe have been doing well. Rory has had a few seizures at school and Snowshoe has alerted others to them. A good relationship between a service dog and their person is essential in ensuring the dog is able to provide quality service.
In the months since bringing Snowshoe home, Rory and her family continue to work on the attention that Snowshoe needs for Rory. “It’s a process,” says Ashley, “when you first see a service dog you’re usually like ‘wow that is a really well-trained dog.’ Well, their family has to put in a lot of work for the dog to continue to be that way.” The continued training includes constant outings where they practice seizures and expose the dog to different settings. Snowshoe’s main job is to provide seizure alerts for Rory, as she can have multiple episodes throughout the week. Snowshoe also provides behavior support and physical stability through a handle that Rory holds onto while walking. Snowshoe is never allowed to bark except when Rory is having a seizure, so when she barks, Rory’s parents are immediately alerted and can provide care to Rory. Having Snowshoe providing these services has improved Rory’s quality of life and made every day safer for her and the family.
In addition to all of the benefits of having a service dog, there are struggles a family must consider. Most of these dogs spend their training with one family or person. For Snowshoe, she was in training with one family for 18 months, so bringing her home was an adjustment for Snowshoe, Rory and her family. There has also been an adjustment period for Snowshoe to alert to Rory’s seizures specifically. In the end, Rory’s family has pushed through the challenges, and the relationship Rory and Snowshoe has forged is very beneficial.
Along with support from a service dog, Rory is enrolled in Individual Support Services (ISS) through the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities. This program may assist the family with equipment, respite or such needs that are not typical for all children. Some of the equipment provided for Rory includes a therapy wobble chair to work on her stability, therapy step and weight balls. Another essential item is a cooling vest, which allows her to play at the park or go outside on hot days while reducing the risk of a seizure. All of these items work in tandem with the services Snowshoe provides to Rory.
The opportunity to have a service dog that not only provides the essential care that someone needs, but can also be an incredible companion, has granted Rory a happier and healthier life. According to Ashley, you can often find the pair cuddled up together at home. The age-old phrase "a dog is a man's best friend" certainly holds true in this home, and for Rory and her family, this best friend can also provide life-changing and life-saving assistance.
