Service dogs are, by definition, individually trained dogs who can do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Macayla Gardner has had the luck to own an amazing puppy who can feel when she’s about to have a seizure. We want to share their beautiful story with you.

It all began when Macayla was kicked by a horse.

She’s a passionate horse rider.

One day, despite all the experience Macayla had with horses, a horse accidentally kicked her. She was unconscious for a couple of minutes, and then she woke up. As time went by, however, it was clear that the incident may have left some long-term effects.

Macayla began having weird episodes where she would simply drop to the ground. She wouldn’t feel sick or hot or cold, she would simply faint.

Doctors diagnosed Macayla with having seizures.

Knowing that Macayla owned dogs, the doctors asked if any of her dogs acted strangely when a seizure was about to happen.

That’s when it hit her. One of Macayla’s puppies, a German shepherd named Ryder, would act really weird every time she felt weak. Medical workers saw it as a really good sign and advised Macayla to train Ryder as a service dog.

Ryder was just a puppy, and it seemed like a huge task.

Macayla said that she was “really scared.” She added that she trains dogs, but she’s never trained a service dog before.

“Seizure alert dogs are incredible animals that are so hard to train,” said Gardner. But, the duo didn’t give up, they trained every day, and Ryder learned it all very quickly. “He’s just so smart and intelligent, and he took to it very well,” said Macayla.

The best thing is that Ryder always knows when she’s about to have a seizure.

Dogs can smell the hormonal imbalance in the human body, and that’s how they know it. It’s unbelievable, Macayla feels so much safer around Ryder. She knows that he’ll get her medications on time so that she can get an injection in order for her kidneys to continuously function.

Imagine having such a loyal dog who takes fantastic care of your well-being. Ryder is the kind of companion that allows Macayla to live a normal life, without worrying all the time when the next seizure will take place.

“His one desire in life is to just be with me, and to take care of me.”

Those are Macayla’s exact words, and the statement is tear-jerking. What a good doggo Ryder is, he formed an incredible bond with his owner, and she says that “he’s a real sweetheart.” You could say that Macayla is very lucky to have Ryder by her side. “I’m so proud of him. Honestly, he couldn’t have been more perfect!”

Macayla is aware that her doggy has saved her life a lot of times. When she seizes up, Ryder stares at her with his puppy eyes, giving her all the love and support that she needs. She even takes him to the hospital with her, when she has to go to the ER.

This phenomenal dog gives Macayla the confidence to live her life to the fullest

“He gave me my freedom back,” concludes Macayla. She was able to begin riding horses again, and she doesn’t have to worry about anything. She had to quit her job, but the fulfillment comes from the fact that Ryder’s always holding her back.

These two are amazing, and we wish them all the best.

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Source: YouTube – The Dodo, The Dodo, Facebook