At any moment and without warning, Georgia Kalisimeras could suffer a life-threatening seizure. But with her loyal labrador keeping watch, now she can get on with life just like any other child her age.
That’s because Georgia, 7, knows Gracie will raise the roof if she gets “sleepy head” – the first sign she’s about to suffer a dangerous seizure.
The warning gives Georgia the chance to get to a safe place and readies nearby adults, who can ensure injury is minimised.
After just four weeks with the Kalisimeras family in Adelaide’s west, seizure alert dog Gracie has already come to the rescue twice by barking furiously.
“I burst into tears to see it. It was amazing – purely amazing!” says Sarah, 37. “I was worried as Georgia isn’t a dog person, but they’ve bonded. It’s magnificent – they’re best friends!”
Georgia was born with Muenke syndrome, a disorder that meant part of her skull was fused. At 10 weeks she had surgery to ensure her face formed properly.
Later she developed epilepsy, which doctors now believe is a result of her rare syndrome.
To find out more about Gracie and Georgia’s amazing bond, be sure to pick up a copy of the latest Woman’s Day – on sale Monday, June 22
Gracie and Georgia shared a beautiful bond!
To find out more about Gracie and Georgia’s amazing bond, be sure to pick up a copy of the latest Woman’s Day
