Life threatening food allergies affect millions of children in the United States alone sending countless people to the emergency room. Now there is a way to help prevent unintended exposure to life threatening allergies. It comes with four legs!
Riley and Her Dog Rock'O
Angel Service Dogs, Inc., a 501-C-3, is devoted to placing Allergy Alert Dogs (sometimes called Peanut Dogs), specially trained for peanut, tree nut, and allergen detection, with individuals and families who are inhibited by life-threatening allergies. This ministry is based out of Monument, Colorado and is designed to support the acquisition, training, and placement of highly trained Allergy Alert Dogs for sufferers of life-threatening allergies; and the distribution of related educational material to churches and civic groups allowing them to create and maintain a safe environment for those challenged with this hidden disabilities.
We provide service dogs for those with hidden disabilities of Anaphylactic allergies.
Allergy Alert Service Dogs are trained to detect a specific set of allergens. Alerting their handler, these dogs use detection work and can protect against contact or ingestion of these life-threatening allergens. Our dogs are bred and raised to be service dogs, trained to pass a modified Public Access Test (a training milestone for service dogs), and then put through further specialized training suited to the needs of their recipient. Our currently approved Master Trainers have an extensive background with unsurpassed experience training and developing some of the best detection dogs and service dogs in the world.
Angel Service Dogs, Inc. was founded by families with a strong devotion to create a better, more independent life for others with this hidden disability. It is amazing to all of our families what these allergen and peanut sniffing dogs can do for boys, girls and adults!
The Mers Family: Brett, Sherry, Riley, Haley.
Riley plays with Rock'O
Riley, the Mers' oldest daughter, was diagnosed with a life threatening peanut allergy at 5 months old; she now has also been diagnosed with acute asthma, eczema and life threatening egg and sesame allergies. Her peanut allergy includes anaphylaxis due to contact and airborne sensitivity. Because of her hidden disability, she has been homeschooled using a virtual school and attends a public elementary school part time in contained classes. She has been given her own equipment to use to help with contamination and wears gloves to all classes. Even in the controlled environment, she had multiple allergic reactions that resulted in additional medical attention and other complications. Her Doctor and the School recommended Occupational Therapy due to the chronic condition of her hands. From exposure to allergens, they are in a constant state of cracking from extreme eczema. While in school, her knuckles constantly bleed from reactions, thin skin and trying to complete simple tasks like bending her fingers to write her name.
After years of research, they decided to find the right situation to create an Allergy Alert Dog. That is, a dog that would alert to Riley's allergens just like dogs have been trained to alert to bombs, drugs and other scents. After researching scent dog trainers, service dog trainers, allergy friendly dogs, and various details, the right mix was found. They then wanted to extend these services by creating a non-profit, 501-C-3 to help others raise the funds for these amazing dogs.
Another concern for the Mers was the lack of education surrounding Life Threatening Allergies. This has resulted in an organization that not only helps families obtain Allergy Alert dogs, but an organization advocating for change in children’s lives through education.
Recently, the Mers' discovered another hidden disability within their family. Their youngest daughter Haley was diagnosed with Epilepsy after several grande mal seizures. With medication, her full body seizures are under control and the absence seizures have been reduced. She is a blessing daily and a reminder of how much energy a child can have!
The entire Mers family looks forward to meeting you at one of Angel Service Dogs upcoming events!
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