Also see these related posts:

• Lucas and Juno–the story of Lucas Hembree and his special dog
• An update on Lucas Hembree and Juno
• Lucas, 4, Alcoa, TN
• Juno’s journey – From kill shelter to miracle for a special needs child

I was worried to death when Lucas was in the hospital. I got to stay with him, though.

We know two Sanfilippo children who have service dogs that are a big part of their lives. Besides being a wonderful companion and protector, these dogs can assist children in walking and standing, and sometimes can give advance warning if a child is about to have a seizure.

I'm a loyal friend and protector for Emily and Ryan. That's Ryan on my back.

Maybe more than anything, a dog is an understanding and loyal friend. He (or she) doesn’t expect or need a lot of speech, doesn’t get judgmental about proper behavior, will stay up with the child during sleepless periods, and serves as a calming influence when his child is going through an emotional upset.

There are more service dogs out there who assist special needs children. If you know of them, please drop us a line and let us know about them, too.  Our e-mail address is in the About us section if you need it.

Jester and Emily taking a little break. Emily's not going anywhere when she's tied to me

Service dogs are especially valuable for Sanfilippo children (and their parents!) because they can act as an anchor to prevent a child from running off.  Sanfilippo kids are particularly prone to that. 

Juno calming Lucas down

Jester and Emily

Hi, I’m Jester. As you can see from my portrait up above there, I’m a gorgeous Rottweiler. I’m also a very important fellow in the life of a special girl and her family. I’m only 2 months older than Emily, my girl, so we grew up together. They tell me I have a LONG way to go, as I have only been in training for 4 months. But I try.

Here we are, all tuckered out from our travels

Without me, Emily doesn’t sleep well at night. My presence calms her during bad dreams and rough nights. I also pick stuff up for her when she tosses it, help to open doors and to walk down steps.

Jester makes the top bunk!

Jester makes the top bunk with Emily and Ryan!

From Jester’s and Emily’s mom: No one would believe me if I tried, so I took a picture. This is the top bunk, and they were supposed to be laying down for a nap. I hear everyone squealing and Emily apparently called Jester up and he some how got up those steps! Its like a staicase, but its narrow and steep!! Crazy dog. He loves him some Emily. lol NOW, how to get him down. I am not about to pick up a 130 lb dog!

Here's me, helping Emily get ready to go out

That’s my girl in this picture. Her whole name is Emily Sawyer. She’s 3 years old, and she has a genetic disease called Sanfilippo syndrome. It causes her not to talk much, and sometimes to be a little unsteady on her feet. It also causes her not to be too aware of danger. All those things may get worse as she gets older.

That’s where I come in. I can help her walk, and I can be an anchor so that she can’t run off. When I sit down and Emily’s tied to me, Emily’s not going anywhere.

Are you ready to go? I know I am

Here we are in the St. Louis arch. Boy, was it crowded.

Emily and I just got to go to St. Louis, Missouri, to attend the MPS conference for all the families who have children with MPS diseases. I get very upset when they leave me at home. So I got to go along, naturally!  We saw the Hoover Dam, we saw Nebraska (lots and lots of Nebraska!!) and we saw a lot of special kids like Emily.

And we saw the arch in St. Louis. I was a big help to Em and her family there, because I helped her up the stairs at that arch. There were a LOT of stairs.
Here’s another picture of Emily and me at the hotel. We went to the Budweiser plant too.  Ha! Those are some mighty big horses they have there. Anyway, when I’m with Emily, nobody can hurt her.

I have to go now. I’ll talk to you later. Your friend, Jester.

Juno and Lucas
Hi, I’m Juno. I’m a female Belgian Malinois, and I’m the service dog and very important friend for Lucas Hembree. Lucas lives in East Tennessee and he has a disease called Sanfilippo syndrome. Lucas is just 4 years old now, but he can’t walk much because of his disease. He also has seizures and behavior difficulties, and he gets sick a lot.

That’s where I come in. I help Lucas a lot. I help him stand up, I serve as an anchor for him, and I calm him down when he gets upset. I warn his Dad and Mom when he’s about to have a seizure. They didn’t have to teach me that, I just knew how to do it.

When you hear my story, you won’t believe it.
I was in a kill shelter, just a couple of days from being ‘put down.’ We all know what that means. But by a miracle Chester Hembree, Lucas’ dad, found me and took me back to East Tennessee.  Here’s me in one of my first training sessions.

I had a family! I had a job!! I was important! It was a real miracle. I set to work proving that I could be the best.

I carry Lucas' medical supplies for him and go wherever he goes. Even the hospital.

Here's me in one of my first training sessionsChester helped me learn all I needed to know to do my job. (HE thinks he trained me. I think it was the other way around, but whatever).Lucas and me in the hospitalDecember, 2011. Lucas just made another trip to the hospital. Here are some pictures of him and me. Luckily they let me go with my boy. I don't leave his side except to go, ahem, do my business. Lucas with Santa at the hospital

Oh, and we want mail. It’s okay to send me treats, too. Here’s a picture of our Christmas cards and packages, just from one day!

Our mail today from our Christmas card drive

Here’s our address for Christmas cards: Lucas Hembree and family; 204 McKinley St; Alcoa, TN 37701.