They say dogs are a man's best friend, but seven-year old Meghan Weingarth's Goldendoodle LilyBelle is much more than a cuddle buddy and constant companion, as according to the Huffington Post, LilyBelle helps the girl suffering from tuberous sclerosis complex stay happy and healthy every day.
Weingarth, of Suwanee, Ga., has a rare genetic disorder that affects the central nervous system, causing seizures, developmental delays and other symptoms such as epilepsy. She relies on LilyBelle to help her during seizures, stressful doctors visits, and to sniff out peanuts for her, as she is fatally allergic. LilyBelle has been trained to raise a paw of warning whenever she identifies a food source as containing nuts and peanuts, her keen sense of smell helping to keep Weingarth safe.
Weingarth calls her canine companion "Pinkalicious" as a nickname, her dog providing both physical and emotional support for her, as Suwanee Magazine reported back in Feburary. When Weingarth remained in the hospital for 15 days while suffering from pneumonia, LilyBelle was right by her side, and joins Weingarth at school in case she has a seizure or comes close to ingesting her allergens.
Jennifer Schillig, Weingarth's mother, told Suwanee Magazine that "Meghan was very happy and excited to have Lily as her special dog. The bond was instantaneous and beautiful. Lily definitely knows that Meghan is her person."
Having her blood taken is particularly stressful for Weingarth, and LilyBelle's presence is extremely therapeutic for her.
"Lily's presence in Meghan's life has made a priceless difference," said Schillig. "It is difficult to find the words to really explain it, but Meghan is more at ease when Lily is around. Meghan has more tolerance for medical tests and appointments. [Her] anxiety level is lower when Lily is with her. With Lily present, Meghan has actually smiled during a blood draw."
Click here to see adorable photos of Meghan Weingarth with her special pooch, LilyBelle.
