A Service Dog for Seumas Murray

When Seumas (more commonly spelled Seamus) was about 6 months old, we realized he was different.  Though he responded to us, he would not look at us, and was not reaching milestones.  

Shortly after we raised our concerns to his pediatrician we were referred to Early Intervention, where we began physical therapy,  occupational therapy, and therapy with a Speech Language Pathologist.  We were also referred to our local association for the blind & visually impaired.

We were sent to neurology and ophthalmology for his delayed development, vision impairment, and a little head tremor that concerned his pediatrician.

Test after test came back normal.  He was healthy and happy, but we still didn’t understand why he wouldn’t, or couldn’t look at us.  He continued to develop, but at his own very slow pace.  

(Photograph of Seumas playing on a sandy beach)

Fast forward to August 2018, just a few months before his second birthday.  

One afternoon while I was home alone with Seumas & his two brothers, Seumas began to seize in his sleep. I had never seen a seizure, and at first I thought maybe he was having a dream.  With my heart pounding, I realized what was happening.  When it was over we headed straight for the hospital.

In the weeks following that first big seizure he began having hundreds of smaller myoclonic (little jerking movements) seizures every day. 

 We received an epilepsy diagnosis, went through multiple EEGs, blood tests, and finally began medication.  

(Photograph of Seumas laying on a hospital bed with electrodes & wires attached to his head for an EEG)

(Photograph of Seumas sleeping in a hospital bed with his head wrapped in gauze during an EEG)And then, to our surprise, we had an answer: a genetic variant (or mutation) of the KCNQ3 gene.  Seumas is one of less than 50 known cases worldwide.

This variant causes his global developmental delays, seizures, and cortical visual impairment (while his eyes are structurally healthy, his brain does not process vision the way we might expect).  He is considered legally blind.

(Photograph of Seumas & brothers playing with his APH Light Box and colored blocks)

As delightful and sweet as Seumas is, he will probably not be able to move through life like a “normal” person: his epilepsy, visual & linguistic impairment, and inability to walk may be difficult obstacles as he grows.  A highly trained multipurpose service dog could be an amazing addition to Seumas's support team. 

How can a service dog help Seumas?

Seizure alert: We hope that Seumas can live an independent life, but his epilepsy combined with the inability to communicate puts him at risk as he grows. At this time Seumas’s seizures are managed by medication, but it is possible that a dog could also alert us to seizures, and be trained in seizure first aid.

Mobility and sight: At two, Seumas is developmentally six months old. Unlike a normal baby at six months, he is legally blind. He is also unable to walk or crawl. With the assistance of a walker, he is able to be more independent, but walkers are costly, inflexible as he grows, and provide no ability to navigate. A service dog, however, could help him walk as a five, ten, or fifteen-year-old, and will help him move through the world even if he never gains “typical” sight.

Companionship & communication: Seumas is not developing like his peers linguistically: his language skills are that of an 8 month old.   At two, we are not sure how his language will develop over time. Even now communication is difficult, and this can be very frustrating for him.  A service dog could provide him comfort when these moments arise.  Finally, and perhaps one of the most important aspects of a service dog for Seumas is that it would provide him with companionship, as he may struggle to connect with his peers.  

After researching service dogs, we settled on 4 Paws for Ability based on their incredible reputation, and the time they spend preparing their dogs & the handlers (us) for success in the “real world”.  4 Paws has a rigorous application process, and they have just told us that Seumas would benefit from a dog.

Providing and training such a skilled companion does not come without a cost___ranging between $40,000 to $60,000.   We are responsible for raising $17,000 of these funds, and that is where we need your support! 

If we are able to raise the necessary funds, Seumas will have a therapy dog by the time he is five years old. We do not know where he will be developmentally or if he will be able to attend school with his peers, but having the assistance of a highly-trained animal will ensure that he can be more safe and independent physically and help him develop emotionally, in whatever capacity he is able.

Please consider sharing this page with your friends & family, or donating if you are able!  We appreciate you taking the time to read our story, and thank you for your support 💜