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Blue and Sami

Blue is a White Standard Poodle donated to North Star by Dom and Carol Passarelli of "Ollie's Angels". Blue will be paired with Sami, a young girl with epilepsy, as a seizure alert/support dog in June, 2004.  Blue was selected due to the hypoallergenic properties of poodles (hair versus fur), as Sami's mother is very dog allergic.  He was also chosen for Sami due to his native intelligence and ability to think for himself. 
 
Seizure Alert Dogs are trained to give their owners a significant signal many minutes prior to a seizure.  Seizure alerting cannot be solely taught -- it an ability that develops through a dog's native intelligence combined with proper socialization, reinforcement and training.

Blue's early months of socialization and training were provided by a wonderful girl named Emily; he is currently in advanced level training in New York under the guidance of professional dog trainer Jane Gallagher.  Blue has excelled in all the obedience classeses he has taken to date, and is now receiving specialized training to help Sami with issues surrounding balance and support.   


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