Man’s Best Friend Saves Young Girl

LA QUINTA – A young valley girl suffering from life-threatening seizures has been given the gift of freedom and safety; and it’s all thanks to a dog.

She’s friendly, energetic and stylish, but tonine year-old Makenzie Wieden, Disco is also a hero.

“I feel she saves my life,” says Makenzie.

Makenzie has epilepsy. She suffers four different types of seizures; some are short and minor, others are life-threatening.

“It scares me,” says Makenzie.

“We’ve had baby monitors in her room and anytime she tosses or talks in her sleep, we’d jump up and run to check on her,” says Bobbie Wieden, Makenzie’s mom.

The seizures can happen at anytime and they’re a lot more dangerous when Makenzie is alone, but for the pasttwo months Disco, a seizure response dog, has been by her side every step of every day. She’s already saved Makenzie’s life.

“We’d been home ten days with Disco and I was at work. My teenage daughter called and told me that Disco did her job,” says Bobbie.

Makenzie had a seizure, and Disco got help.

“Disco ran in circles barking and she pulled my daughter’s arm,” says Bobbie. “She followed Disco and found Makenzie laying on the ground.”

The family received the seizure response dog from Canine Assistants, after five years on a waiting list.

“Disco is trained to use the phone, open doors, close doors and do all the things she might need to do,” says Bobbie.

In addition to saving Makenzie’s life, Disco also makes it possible for her to have a life of her own.

“She’s happier and she’s getting more independence and privacy,” says Bobbie.

“I’m not so scared anymore,” says Makenzie.

Her mom isn’t scared anymore either. Disco gives her peace of mind knowing her little girl is in good hands, or paws.

“It’s been life changing for us all,” says Bobbie.

For information on seizure response dogs and Canine Assistants, call 770-664-7178 or visit www.canineassistants.org.