After a successful fundraising effort, nine-year-old Gunner Hemenway of Norfolk, Nebraska, brought home a service dog, named Rocket, in February. Rocket is trained to assist Gunner, who has epilepsy, whenever the boy's seizures occur.
Rocket is capable of nudging Gunner and rolling him when he is having a seizure, as well as getting necessary medications for him.
Gunner's mom, Andi Mortland, says, "mostly just having the sense of security at night when he's sleeping. That if something happens he can alert us. And then when he comes outside to play, that's the two biggest things. If he comes outside to play by himself it's okay because I know Gunner is going to be taken care of if something happens."
Gunner says Rocket has been a big help since he's come home.
"Helps me with seizures and stuff, and he makes it a lot easier for me," said Gunner.
But, Rocket also plays with Gunner like a regular dog playing fetch, and even hide-and-seek. He says Rocket is not just his service dog, but also his best friend.
The fundraiser raised $28,000 to help get Rocket. Gunner's mom says that dogs like Rocket are life-changing for anyone who needs them.
