After waiting for a very long two years, 6-year-old Hazel Norris of Otsego, Minn., finally met her special four-legged friend, Woody, in May.
Hazel has intractable epilepsy, which means that her frequent seizures cannot be completely controlled by medicine. Woody, a 16-month-old golden Lab mix, is part of a program known as 4 Paws for Ability, based in Xenia, Ohio.
Normally, families travel to Ohio for a two-week training before taking home their dog. But Hazel couldn't travel due to an increase in seizure activity so, as part of a pilot program, the team came to her.
He's a "very big, sturdy dog," said Hazel's delighted mom, Gina Norris, explaining that Woody is helping Hazel with balance and coordination, as well as providing distraction and comfort during blood draws and hospital stays. Plus, he's absolutely the coolest companion any kid could hope for.
When Woody accompanied Hazel to school at Otsego Elementary on May 20, Gina watched her daughter transform before her eyes. "The children asked, 'Hazel, can I pet your dog?' and she looked them in the eyes and said, 'Yes!' I got goosebumps. She just lit up. For me, seeing her just being included and approached by people because of Woody ... it's just crazy cool what he does for her socially."
Nurse Rachel Hatcher helps Hazel Norris touch Woody's paws after they meet for the first time.
Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune
Charlie Norris helps his daughter, Hazel, get adjusted to her new service dog, Woody. Her nurse Rachel Hatcher watched.
Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune
Nurse Rachel Hatcher holds Hazel Norris as her father Charlie Norris learns how to train Woody at their home.
Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune
Six-year-old Hazel Norris and her care team learn to navigate her school with her new service dog Woody at Otsego Elementary School.
Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune
"It will be hard for me not to pet Woody the dog since he's working," says Special Education teacher Stephanie LaBorde as she works with Hazel Norris at Otsego Elementary.
Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune
Hazel Norris' mother Gina Norris, far right, introduces Woody to Hazel's kindergarten class at Otsego Elementary.
Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune
Elsie Norris greeted her sister Hazel with a kiss before bringing her service dog into the classroom at Otsego Elementary.
Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune
Nurse Rachel Hatcher learns to give Woody commands as she plays with Hazel at the Norris home in Otsego.
Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune
Nurse Rachel Hatcher holds Hazel as she plays ball with Woody at her home.
Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune
Six-year-old Hazel Norris, who has intractable epilepsy, meets her new service dog Woody with a kiss as he's being introduced by trainer Bethany Hickman at Hazel's home in Otsego, Minn.
