Service dog makes Angel’s life easier
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Most girls define the start of the school year with shopping trips for designer jeans with names like Bongo or Levi’s, or sneakers named Nike or Reebok. But for Angel Parsons, school wouldn’t be complete without Prada.
Photo courtesy of Debbie Kinney
ANGEL PARSONS started her school year accompanied by her ‘designer’ dog, Prada. The Presque Isle youth has a number of health-related issues that the dog helps her deal with on a day-to-day basis.
Parsons, age 8, of Presque Isle, suffers from mitochondrial disease, which affects the ability of cells in the body to function and there are many different types. Mitochondria are specialized compartments in every cell of the body except red blood cells. According to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, mitochondria are responsible for creating over 90 percent of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support growth. Failure of the mitochondria can result in decreased energy within cells, which can lead to cell injury and cell death.
Born prematurely, Parsons has suffered from focal seizures, a heart murmur and other health issues for much of her life. Just over a year ago her family began the task of raising funds to obtain a service dog for her. Once the funds were available, she and her grandmother, Debbie Kinney, made the journey to Ohio to begin training with Parsons’ new companion.
“We traveled to Xenia, Ohio, getting to know Prada, a golden retriever and Labrador retriever mix. We began classes with the dog in mid-September,” explained Kinney.
Prada was born April 2009 and trained from the time she was a pup, said Kinney.
“She’s trained in seizure alert and can scent the seizure up to 24 hours in advance. She can assist Angel in a safe position and comfort her when Angel comes out of the seizure state of confusion,” Kinney said.
According to Kinney, the dog can also interrupt a meltdown, sooth frustration and be a “living, breathing best friend and a social bridge between Angel and other children.”
“Prada can keep Angel safe when out in public or at home with training in tethering and search and rescue,” she said.
Although Prada was quite expensive, Kinney said no price was too high to ensure her granddaughter’s safety.
“The cost of $15,000 was well worth the fundraising for Prada. There’s a feeling of relief knowing someone (Prada) can assist me in Angel’s medical and safety needs,” said Kinney. “It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, both physically and mentally.”
Parsons and Kinney arrived home on Sept. 27, following many hours of training in Ohio.
“Training included learning to be a handler as well as learning how to train sub-handlers. I’ve been working with Prada daily on simple commands, out in public, as well as tethering and her other abilities,” she said.
Kinney described the service dog as a “perfect fit” for her family.
“We’re all bonding well with her and her with us,” said Kinney.
The Ohio agency, 4 Paws for Ability, was the first agency to begin placing skilled autism and behavioral (multi-assist service dogs) in the United States with tracking, according to Kinney.
“There were 13 families in the September class, including participants from Australia and all over the U.S., including Alaska and California. That’s when I knew I made the right choice. We’re required to stay in contact with 4 Paws throughout the year,” said Kinney. “4 Paws will not refuse children with any kind of special need.”
Kinney said they are required to be in contact within the first month of returning home, then again at various intervals.
“Contact is required in three and six months, then at the one-year mark. We have to show proof that we are upholding our end of the contract. We can also go back to refresh any/all skills with Prada,” she said.
Prada is not only helping Parsons but has also broken ground at the school level.
“At first, SAD 1 didn’t have policies or procedures in place for service dogs in the schools. Angel attends Pine Street. Since the school year began, school officials have addressed the matter and Prada is now part of Angel’s school routine,” said Kinney.
Kinney sees the concept of using service dogs for various reasons growing, especially for children as the dogs’ effectiveness is proven.
“This concept will continue to grow, with more families using service dogs for all kinds of disabilities,” said Kinney.
