Young Boy With Epilepsy to Gain Independence With New Seizure Response Dog From Canine Assistants

ATLANTA, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Spencer Wyatt, an 8-year-old boy living with epilepsy, and his mother Amy receive a seizure response dog from Canine Assistants and UCB, Inc., the exclusive sponsor of Canine Assistants seizure response dogs. Through medications, Spencer's seizures have decreased in frequency and severity-allowing him to play sports, take music lessons, and learn Tae Kwon Do. But the possibility that he may have a seizure when his parents are not around is still a concern. A seizure response dog will bring peace of mind to Spencer's family and give him a new level of independence. The Wyatt's live in Georgia.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080416/NYW135 )

About Canine Assistants

Canine Assistants, a non-profit organization founded in 1991, trains dogs to assist children and adults who have physical disabilities or other special needs and has placed over 800 dogs across the country. Seizure response dogs are taught to respond in the event of a seizure in various ways such as barking to alert family members or helping their human partner safely toward the ground. Reports indicate that those who have Seizure Response Dogs actually suffer fewer events after obtaining their dogs.

About Our Sponsor

UCB, Inc., The Epilepsy Company, is the only pharmaceutical company to sponsor Canine Assistants service dogs and the exclusive sponsor of seizure response dogs. Since 2005, UCB has committed over $1,000,000 to the sponsorship of seizure response dogs and support of Canine Assistants, helping to place service dogs with individuals living with epilepsy throughout the United States. The cost of one service dog is nearly $20,000, which covers the in-depth training, ongoing support and veterinarian care of the dog.

Further information
Stephani Perlmutter (Canine Assistants)
T 773.472.3431
M 773.617.8235
stephani_perlmutter@yahoo.com

Sarah Handza
T 212.886.2206
M 646.236.1458
Shandza@cooneywaters.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080416/NYW135
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN11
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Canine Assistants

CONTACT: Stephani Perlmutter - Canine Assistants, T +1-773-472-3431, M
+1-773-617-8235, stephani_perlmutter@yahoo.com; Sarah Handza,
T +1-212-886-2206, M +1-646-236-1458, Shandza@cooneywaters.com

2008-04-16 19:01:02 0338143 PRNEWSWIRE