Smart dogs tell epileptics when they're going to fit

For most of us, owning a dog is about having a companion and games of fetch. For epileptic Belinda Simpson, however, owning a dog is about much more than walks in the park.

The 34-year-old was diagnosed with epilepsy 11 years ago and now relies on her assist dog, a golden retriever named Bradley, to let her know when she is going to have a seizure.

Yesterday Ms Simpson was at the Armitage Hotel to give a presentation about the assist dogs as part of this week's Epilepsy New Zealand's awareness week.

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Ms Simpson said Bradley had changed her life. She now helps train epilepsy assist dogs in Auckland and wants others with epilepsy to know just how helpful dogs like Bradley can be.

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Anyone interested in getting an epilepsy assist dog can contact Epilepsy NZ Tauranga branch on (07) 579 6091.