September is Service Dog Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the four-legged heroes who do more than fetch, sniff, and sit. These incredible dogs provide life-saving support and  companionship to individuals living with epilepsy or developmental epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Among these canine champions are service dogs, whose remarkable abilities offer safety,  independence, and renewed hope to people living with epilepsy. With their keen instincts and  specialized training, these dogs are truly changing lives, one nose at a time.

Through a special webinar on September 4 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, hosted by CURE Epilepsy in partnership with Canine Assistants and supported by UCB, we will explore the science behind two types of service dogs: seizure alert and seizure response dogs, diving into their specialized training and the personal stories that highlight their profound impact. The webinar will cover how some dogs may detect seizures before they occur, what these discoveries mean for the future of medical detection, and guidance for those considering an epilepsy service dog.

Whether you are exploring options for yourself or a loved one or simply want to better  understand the powerful role these dogs can play in epilepsy care, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired. At UCB, we remain committed to advancing care and support for the epilepsy community and believe partnerships like this are essential to creating lasting change.

Meet the Speaker: Jennifer Arnold

Leading the conversation is Jennifer Arnold, founder of Canine Assistants. Since 1991, Jennifer has been a pioneer in the service dog community, developing the Bond-Based Approach to building partnerships between people and dogs. She's also a New York Times bestselling author and the creator of the We Leash. Her decades of work have helped thousands of individuals with disabilities experience greater freedom, confidence, and connection with the help of service dogs.

Meet the Moderator: Channing Seideman

Moderating the webinar is Channing Seideman, the inaugural recipient of CURE Epilepsy’s Community Enrichment Program. Channing has lived with epilepsy since childhood and has had a service dog by her side since 2010. Her first dog, Georgie, was a seizure-response dog who even walked her down the aisle at her high school graduation. Her current dog, Bishop, is  Georgie’s great nephew and trained as a seizure-alert dog, continuing a legacy of support and companionship.

Reimagining Epilepsy Care with Seizure Dogs

The impact of seizure detection dogs is more than anecdotal. Recent research published in  Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, offers hopeful insights for individuals living with epilepsy. For many, epilepsy can be an isolating and unpredictable  condition, where the fear of seizures often affects daily life and emotional well-being.This study suggests that seizure detection dogs may provide more than companionship, they could help reduce the frequency of seizures and increase the number of seizure-free days. This means moments of greater safety, comfort, and peace of mind for people who often live with constant uncertainty. Importantly, these dogs may also improve overall quality of life, helping individuals feel more secure, confident, and supported. While epilepsy remains a complex and challenging condition, the presence of a seizure detection dog offers a compassionate form of assistance that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those living with epilepsy and other rare diseases.

At UCB, reimagining epilepsy care is part of our core mission. For over two decades, through  our long-standing partnership with Canine Assistants, we’re proud to help provide seizure response dogs to individuals living with epilepsy, so they can focus on the moments that matter most.

Join CURE Epilepsy Live this September

Whether you’re living with epilepsy or a developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) such as Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, caring for someone who is, or simply interested in the powerful bond between humans and dogs, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the life-changing role of service dogs. 

Click here to learn more and register for the webinar.

You can also read more about Canine Assistants, their incredible "puppies with a purpose," and their programs here, and learn about CURE Epilepsy here.

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