Four years ago, my daughter, Emily, was diagnosed with a rare condition called autoimmune encephalitis (AE). Instead of producing antibodies to combat illness, her body creates them to attack her own brain. This condition is as devastating as it sounds—Emily has experienced seizures that leave her lifeless, relies on a feeding tube for nourishment, and often struggles to walk or communicate. Despite these challenges, her spirit remains unbroken. While AE lacks a cure, its symptoms are managed through a regimen of medications and regular infusions of chemotherapy and blood products.
Time and again, I have prayed for a reprieve, pleading with the universe for a miracle. In December 2018, just when I thought hope was lost, I received an email that two generous donors had fully funded a service dog for Emily. On Christmas morning, she was given the incredible news, and from that moment on, I witnessed a spark return to her eyes.
In early 2019, Emily was presented with profiles of two potential service dogs. After reviewing them with tears of joy, she exclaimed about one, “that’s my Daisy.” From that moment, they were destined to be together. Daisy had much to learn before coming home—not just basic commands and her primary task of alerting to seizures, but also how to behave in public settings. Training a service dog is a significant commitment, and Emily kept in touch with Daisy through video calls, care packages, and letters. They finally met in January of the following year.
Their connection was immediate. Daisy recognized Emily as her girl, and Emily knew Daisy was the companion she had longed for. In just 24 hours together, they shared a bond that felt as if they had known each other for a lifetime. Daisy promptly alerted to Emily’s seizures, while Emily showered her with affection. In that moment, the hectic world around them faded away, and they were perfectly in sync. The farewell at the end of their visit was heartbreaking, but the hope we felt from their undeniable connection made it worthwhile.
As spring approached, Emily’s health took a nosedive. At just 13 years old, she weighed only 57 pounds, with a dangerously low heart rate and poor liver and thyroid function. Her body appeared to be giving up. A feeding tube was inserted, sustaining her life, but the quality of it was grim. Emily had fought valiantly, but it seemed she had no more strength left. The future looked bleak—until Daisy came home.
Daisy brought joy, motivation, and a newfound sense of purpose into Emily’s life. Just by being present, Daisy inspired Emily to communicate more clearly, even when she struggled. When Emily experienced pain in her muscles, rather than giving in to her wheelchair, she used it only when necessary and committed to physical therapy to regain her strength for Daisy’s sake. Despite the discomfort, she found the courage to play fetch, pushing through the pain, and with every small victory, her strength grew.
While Emily’s seizures didn’t disappear, they became less severe. Daisy often alerts her before a seizure strikes, allowing Emily to find a safe space, thus reducing the impact of the episodes. Even when Daisy couldn’t warn her in time, she could get help, which lessened the duration of the seizures and greatly improved Emily’s recovery. Most importantly, Daisy’s presence has boosted Emily’s confidence, empowering her to engage in activities independently.
Today, Emily has doubled her weight since March. Her body and mind are stronger, and her determination is inspiring. Daisy has given her a second chance at life. Together, they set ambitious goals that Emily once deemed unattainable and now accomplish them side by side. Once told she would never read again, Emily is now an honor roll student and co-owner of an Etsy shop with Daisy, using their profits for charitable causes.
While Daisy hasn’t granted Emily eternity, she has made the time they share truly meaningful.
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this article on home insemination kits. For authoritative resources, visit Make a Mom and CCRM IVF’s blog.
Search Queries:
- How can a service dog help children with chronic illness?
- Benefits of having a service dog for autoimmune diseases
- Emotional support from service dogs for kids with chronic conditions
- How service dogs assist with seizure disorders
- Improving quality of life with a service dog
In summary, Emily’s journey with her service dog Daisy has been transformative. Daisy not only provides vital assistance with Emily’s seizures but also inspires her to regain strength and independence. Their bond exemplifies the profound impact that a service dog can have on a child’s life facing chronic illness.