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Boy's Seizures Could Be Detected by New Service Dog
18 Jun
Summary
- Axel, 5, experiences weekly major seizures and daily minor ones.
- A specialized service dog can help detect Axel's dangerous seizures.
- Community fundraising aims to cover the $6,000 dog training cost.
Axel, a 5-year-old boy from Amarillo, is facing significant health challenges due to a congenital heart valve defect that has led to frequent seizures. He experiences major seizures at least once a week and epileptic episodes multiple times daily. His grandparents, who are his legal guardians, are diligently seeking solutions for his condition.
To better manage Axel's seizures, especially those occurring during sleep, his family is working to obtain a specially trained service dog. This dog, a border collie/husky mix named Zen, has already shown an ability to recognize irregular heart rhythms in Axel.
Acquiring and training such a specialized service dog can be costly, with prices reaching up to $30,000. However, the family has found a local trainer for approximately $6,000, with assistance from the CVMA motorcycle group. Community support is vital, and several fundraising events are planned.
Fundraising efforts include a car wash on Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Auto Zone on 47th Avenue and Washington Street. A Benefit Poker Run is also scheduled for August 1, starting at 12 p.m. at Skooterz Bar & Grill, with proceeds going towards Zen's training for Axel.
