Kay & Dusty
How Dusty Has Changed My Life
"Just last Monday, July 7th, my life was saved by Dusty – my little 3½ year old Shetland Sheepdog. It was 7am and I was swimming alone in our pool at home. Nobody was anywhere nearby. As I was winding down from my regular half hour swim, Dusty gave me his dreaded warning – an intent stare accompanied by a monotone bark. I knew that in just 15 minutes, I would be unconscious as the result of an atypical seizure. Immediately, I got out of the pool and thanked Dusty. Knowing that I still had at least 10 minutes of conscious time remaining, I changed from my swimsuit and lay down on my bed – noting the time. Ten minutes later, I awoke confused with Dusty laying beside me and watching me intently. I realized that Dusty had clearly saved my life this time. Without him and his life-saving warning, I would have been unconscious in the pool –breathing water rather than air. I would have been dead.
"Many times Dusty has warned me of an impending seizure – giving me the time I needed to get myself out of a dangerous activity and into a safe situation. But, one of these times he also helped 300 other people and saved thousands of dollars. He and I were flying via Delta Airlines from Salt Lake City to Philadelphia. As usual, he was seated beside my feet on the airplane. About an hour into the flight, Dusty gave me his warning. I pressed my "Flight Attendant Call" button. When the attendant arrived, I explained that I would become unconscious within about ten minutes. I told her that it was a form of a seizure and that it was not a medical emergency – emphasizing that there was no need to land at the nearest airport and take me to the hospital (their normal procedure when they find an unconscious passenger). I explained that I would not do the typical shaking, that I would just appear to be asleep, and that I might be frightened, confused, and child-like when I awoke about ten minutes later. As I told her, she should treat me like a child if I acted like a frightened child. "Just tell me, 'Mommy will be here soon' and then I should be OK." Everything happened as expected and they were prepared. Because of Dusty's warning, 300 other passengers did not have to experience terrible delays in their schedules, and Delta did not have to pay the huge expense of an unscheduled landing.
"Yeah, Dusty!! He certainly has changed my life! An unexpected benefit is that I have been able to reduce the amount of seizure medications that I take – due to the calming effect his presence has on me. Especially when I hold him against my chest, I can feel the stress and tension flow from me. He is very loving and extremely devoted to me, and I love caring for him and helping him to develop. In addition to top-notch training, Gateway has provided me with advice and care whenever I have needed it. Thank you all for making my life so much richer, fuller, and independent than it ever could have been without your expertise and care."
