Tecumseh, MI – A local family is collecting donations toward a service dog for Jackson, a 5-year-old diagnosed with Cerebal Palsy and Epilepsy. Kristen Metevia, a Tecumseh resident and Madison Elementary School teacher adopted Jackson from the foster care system in 2020.
(You can hear Kristen talk about her experience here)
Kristen explained to WLEN News that Jackson is the happiest boy you could meet and he doesn’t let his diagnosis stop him from living a full life. His physical and occupational therapy each week, along with the use of leg braces help him to stay active at school and allow him to try new things like playing soccer.
For Jackson, though, his diagnosis has led to seizures which require his mom to have a constant eye on him. This is where 4 Paws for Ability, a non-profit that helps place service dogs for those in need, can become a huge help for Jackson.
(Kristen talks about the seizures and the ways a service dog can help)
WLEN News asked Kristen how she learned about 4 Paws for Ability and she stated that she started doing research on organizations that may be a good fit for helping Jackson when she found them. She thought their program of fitting a service dog specifically for Jackson, rather than just any service dog was a key benefit.
(You can hear Kristen’s full quote here)
4 Paws for Ability is based out of Ohio and helps families make it affordable to have a life changing service dog. The average cost of training and caring for a service dog to prepare them to be a companion is between $40,000 and $60,000, depending on the dog, as well as what the dog is being trained for as a companion. The organization does its own fundraising to cover all but $20,000 of that cost for families. Just last year the organization was able to place 136 service dogs to assist people of all ages with mobility, autism assistance, multi-purpose and seizure alert. They also pair companions with Veterans.
The Metevias are specifically raising their $20,000 so that Jackson can have a service dog to alert someone when Jackson is having a seizure, as well as a physical support when moving from a sitting to standing position without the assistance of a friend or family member. The service dog will be trained to attend school with Jackson, which will allow his mom, as well as educators to have a sense of security knowing that Jackson is safe.
Jackson stated he really wanted a yellow dog, though his mom laughed and said they weren’t sure what dog they would get, as the process is lengthy. After the funds are raised it is still a 1 to 2 year process. The hope is that Jackson will be able to start second grade with his new companion.
Understanding the process of training a service dog is unique, Kristen talks about how something like the scent of a piece of clothing that Jackson had a seizure in allows the dog to learn his seizure scent.
(Kristen explains the training)
The Metevias do not have a deadline for raising the money, as 4 Paws for Ability works with families regardless of how long it takes. When asked how the community can support this effort, Kristen said they have a website (here) where people are able to donate online. She added that Jackson’s physical therapy office, Ivy Rehab for Kids in Tecumseh, is holding a raffle for Corn Hole Boards this holiday season and Madison Schools is having a silent auction at their Varsity basketball game on December 15th.
WLEN News asked Jackson how he felt about getting his new dog and he said, “I’m excited to get a service dog.”
(You can hear Jackson’s own words here)