Dravet Syndrome has caused Kye to have hundreds of seizures, with dozens requiring emergency medical intervention. Many have required trips to the hospital. Dravet Syndrome is more than seizures. Kye has also has speech, mobility, and developmental delays. Fortunately, a seizure and multipurpose service dog supports Kye’s needs. With your help we were able to bring this highly skilled service dog home for Kyelynn.
Service Dog Organizations We Recommend for Kids & Veterans
4 Paws for Ability | Dulebohn Service Dogs
What a multipurpose/seizure Service Dog does for Kyelynn:
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Tracking – When Kye wanders, London is trained to track her scent and find her quickly, over great distances, indoors and outdoors.
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Seizure alert – London is trained to sense and respond to seizures by alerting (it’s the only time she barks!).
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Mobility- London’s harness helps steady Kye while walking on uneven ground.
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Behavior disruption – London is trained to nuzzle, lick, etc. to help calm Kye or stop an unwanted behavior such as temper tantrums. London is also trained to lay on Kye and apply either light or deep pressure.
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Socialization – It is difficult for a child with special needs to feel comfortable in our social world. London is Kye’s best friend and hopefully encourage her to make new relationships easily. Feel free to ask Kye, “Is this your dog?” or “May I pet London?” We use London as a tool to enable Kye to engage in conversation.
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Sense of security and safety for Kye – per ADA laws and London’s individualized training, London has public access and can go to the hospital with her, to therapy and even to school! This will help her in transitions and in stimulative situations.
- Security – London was trained for tethering. As a toddler, Kye and London were connected by a bungee leash, which enabled London to keep Kye close while giving her as sense of freedom to walk on her own. Today, Kye is no longer supported by tethering.
Donations and Fundraising
It costs well over $20,000 to place a highly skilled service dog. For London, we raised over $16,000. The balance was provided by direct support raised by 4 Paws for Ability. 
