Binghamton University student graduates with service dog by her side

Say "saxophone" to Choco Latte and he knows exactly where to go. The boxer/Lab mix will head toward Binghamton University's Fine Arts building and right to Bonnie Pierce's saxophone class.

Pierce, a 46-year-old Endicott resident, suffers from epilepsy she developed after she was hit by a car more than 20 years ago. Seizures later led to moderate cognitive dysfunction. As a result, she has problems with memory and directions.

Choco not only helps Pierce navigate her daily life -- he can detect her seizures before they occur, grab her hand and pull her to the floor. If she's alone, he'll stand over her and bark until help arrives. If she's against a wall, he'll press up against her to keep her from falling. He can open the refrigerator to retrieve her medication and knows his way around the Binghamton University campus.

Bonnie calls Choco just a fabulous guy.

Pierce is now headed to Duke University for graduate work in public health, with a focus in epidemiology.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Binghamton University
• SUNY
• service dog
• Bonnie Pierce
• graduation
• commencment

[BluHorizonz]

I've seen her around camus before =) Good for her!

[anthonydacko51]

Thank you for telling your story this is helping more people deal with seizures and the wonderful work the service dogs bring to people with seizures.