Conversation 2

Thanks so much, Peggy.

When doing the Seizure Alert Project, we primarily used saliva sample for all of our testing, but we also tested using skin swab AND clothing worn next to the skin during a seizure.  All proved to be consistently viable.  At that time, Rachel (Thornton) was my primary reference and I closely followed DAD training protocols.

I am now training my own personal seizure alert dog (one of Rachel’s labs) after losing my former seizure alert/response dog, Lily.  I am seeking information for myself.  I have retired from my work with an organization.  

Having access to training scent sample is difficult and I am fortunate having one reliable resource.  The family also has a SDiT.  They are successfully using clothing sample.  And are providing clothing sample to me.  During the SAP they were our primary source for saliva sample.

1. Why did you switch from clothing to breath sample?

2. How do you capture and preserve breath for sample?

3. When using clothing sample, did you ever create 2nd generation sample by hydration?

4. When using clothing sample, you said that the sample was viable indefinitely.  How long were the cut pieces used in training viable?  I am currently keeping exacting records on this.

5. What size pieces did you cut from the original?

6. What was your method of presentation?

7. Did you ever use containers when working with the dog?  If so, what kind and how?

Here is a link to the Seizure Alert Project. http://testingseizurescent12.blogspot.com 

It is not very user friendly, unfortunately, but you are welcome to any information contained there.

Phase 1 contains all of our testing information and documentation.  

Phases 2-4 address the training protocols.  Raya, my SDiT, is Dog 15.  And this is the phase that addresses all of our conversations and questions I am asking you.

Thanks again for your cooperation.  

Sincerely,

Lynn Shrove

TRAINER NOTES:  7/12/19. Forwarded this same letter to Peggy.

7/12/19
Yikes, it totally slipped by. Let me give it some time this weekend.

So sorry Lynn.

Peggy

Peggy Law
Executive Director
Service Dogs of Virginia
PO Box 408
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-295-9503
servicedogsva.org

Because life can change in an instant

Conversation 1

6/20/19
Hello, Peggy

Several years ago we were in close communication as I began a small, in-house study to determine the viability of scent captured during and immediately following seizure events.  Rachel Thornton had “introduced” us via the internet and your were most generous sharing your time and experience.

The greatest thing that I learned from you was that in your DAD program you used clothing worn next to the body as your training sample. I need to once again draw upon your knowledge and experience.  

I have a source for clothing sample from a young person who, unfortunately, has seizure on an regular basis.  Altho her parents are using her clothing to train their own SAD, they are willing to share clothing with me from time to time.  Since the majority of our testing for the Seizure Alert Project was done using saliva sample, I am feeing my way as I use the clothing.  I am letting my dog “tell me” when the sample is viable.

But I have some questions.  Unknowns.  And wondered if you might have the time to answer some questions for me.  I would so appreciate your help.

Sincerely,
LS

Of course I will help in any way I can Lynn. But you should know, we switched to breath samples for diabetic alert. I am pretty sure its standard at this point. I would do the same for seizures. We have also trained 2 Addison’s alert dogs which is low cortisol with breath samples.

Peggy

Peggy Law
Executive Director

Service Dogs of Virginia
PO Box 408
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-295-9503
servicedogsva.org