Y’S CORNER Trained to Protect The Service Dog That Changed a Child’s Life F A PURRING PRETENDER the kind of animals to limp, whine, or cry when we don’t feel good, so problems with our health can go unnoticed for a long time.
The family of JJ, a preteen troubled by debilitating seizures, was struggling to manage the condition and allay its devastating effect on his learning and well- being. They tried numerous treatments and therapies, but nothing worked well enough to stabilize JJ’s health. Then, JJ’s community stepped up in a way that changed his life forever. Military veterans at Sun Outdoors, an RV community where JJ and his family live in Sarasota, Florida, learned about the difficult situation his family faced and took the initiative to help.
So, how can you tell when we’re not feeling well? If we’re not grooming ourselves as much as usual, that could be a sign that something’s up. If we’ve been sleeping in a new spot lately, especially if it’s a place that’s hard for you to reach, your catdar should be activated. And if we’re
losing weight or not playing as much as usual, please try to figure out why. Oh, and (eek!) if we miss when using our litter box, you’ll definitely know things aren’t right. Even if your cat(s) are not showing signs of illness, please take them to Petersen Pet Hospital at least once a year (and twice a year if they’re 8 or older) for a check-up. The earlier a health problem is detected, the earlier we can receive treatment and start feeling better.
Enter Ezra, the service dog.
The veterans reached out to Canines for Heroes, a Sarasota-based nonprofit founded by Air Force veteran Mark LaFlamme. As a highly decorated Air Force veteran of three combat operations in the Middle East, LaFlamme knew firsthand the challenges of dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); two of his fellow officers succumbed to the pain and took their own lives. As a way of coping with their loss, LaFlamme set out to help others by giving them access to the healing power of trained service dogs. Canines for Heroes has years of experience matching service dogs with individuals in need. So, Mark LaFlamme and his wife, Sandra, matched JJ with Ezra, a dog trained to detect oncoming seizures and provide emotional support. Ezra is a Czech shepherd, a Central European herding breed known for intelligence, alertness, intuitive ability, and loyalty.
Until next time, keep an eye on all your furry friends and help them live their best lives!
Service dogs’ sense of smell is more powerful than any machine and can detect changes instantaneously. They have been likened to a live-in medical alert system. They can also be trained to notice anxiety or discomfort and offer comfort and companionship, interrupting potential panic attacks by calming their human companions. With training by Julie Madison of Top Tier K9, a professional dog-training company, Ezra learned to detect seizures by using his ability to sense subtle changes in scent or behavior. He was also taught to alert JJ and those around him before any visible signs of a seizure appeared, allowing a few crucial moments for JJ to take
Tasty Tuna Cat Treats
INGREDIENTS
• 1 egg • 1 can of tuna in spring water, drained
DIRECTIONS
1. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 330 F. 2. Crack open the egg and separate the white from the yolk. Discard yolk. 3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form. 4. In a blender, add the tuna. 5. Add 2 tbsps of whisked egg white to tuna. Blend until mixture is a smooth paste. 6. With a spatula, remove the mix and fold into remaining egg white. 7. Transfer mixture into a piping bag. 8. On the baking sheet, pipe the mixture into small rounds. 9. Place in the oven for 20–25 minutes. The treats should feel dry and be easily removed from the parchment paper. 10. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. 11. Keep in airtight jars for up to 2 weeks.
medications to curtail the seizures and ensure he was in a safe place.
Ezra’s presence led to striking improvements. Not only did JJ experience a sharp decline in
seizures, but the entire family felt less uncertainty and fearfulness. As the story of JJ and Ezra demonstrates, bonds between animals and humans can yield near-miraculous benefits.
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