WEST MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - A West Monroe family is facing a daunting diagnosis with four paws.
The Wares were given a trained service dog to help their son deal with the day to day struggles of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Presley isn't just a service dog to 10-year-old Seph Ware, she's a lifesaver.
"She's my companion. When I fall down she can help me up and go get help. She watches me do stuff and makes sure I'm ok," said Seph.
Presley was given to Seph and his family by the Canine Assistance Program to help out as his Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy progresses.
A service dog, but to Seph, she's a super dog.
"She can pick things up, she can turn on lights, she can carry bags, she can open doors," said Seph.
Something that will be very useful as Seph ages. Duchenne is a progressive muscular disorder that leads to muscle degeneration and eventually death.
The Ware family waited three long years for Presley.
Mom Lori didn't even really like dogs before they got Presley and she says the impact the dog has had is probably greater than her family even realizes.
"It just makes a huge difference. When Seph is lonely or sad Presley will go up to him and love on Seph," said Lori.
"She's sort of like my sister except she doesn't give me grief or torture me and you know that's a sister's job!" said Seph.
Presley goes everywhere with Seph, even to physical therapy.
"She'll go right over me because she thinks they're hurting me a little bit," said Seph about how Presley acts at therapy.
Eventually, she'll go to school with him when Seph needs it.
From the moment they met Presley has lifted Seph's burdens.
"I can hang out with her whenever I feel like I can't hang out with my friends," said Seph.
A $25,000 dollar dog according to her trainers. But to her family? Her value is priceless.
Web Links:
Steps for Seph Facebook: www.facebook.com/#!/STEPSFORSEPH
Canine Assistants Facebook: www.facebook.com/#!/CanineAssistants
