Writing Feature Articles - Step 1 - Lesson 1 | Page 42

Writing Feature Articles - Lesson a
Writing Feature Articles - Handout .. a

Beginner

Name: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________

. a: Feature Articles Packet

(page

of

)

Dogs Help Sniff Out Peanut Allergies
Specially-trained pooches are guiding people away from dangerous allergens
By Lynn Berr
Riley Mers looks like any other 9 year
old little girl, but.what you can't see is
her severe and life-threatening allergy to
peanuts.
"The last time she actually touched some
peanut residue to her face, within six
minutes her lip had swollen to where she
couldn't breath through her nostril" said
Riley's Mom Sherry.
That's why Sherry Mers started Angel
Service Dogs. A non-pro?t organization
dedicated to placing Allergy Alert Dogs,
trained to detect life-threatening allergens,
with those that need it most. They are
like seeing eye dogs for children with severe allergies to peanuts. Instead of guiding them across busy city streets,
these dogs steer their owners away from dangerous exposure to peanuts or peanut residue.
The Colorado-based organization is barely a year old but has already placed 4 dogs with kids like Riley who were
unable to experience the ease of childhood.
"My parents are thinking about taking me to Disney world I'm going to be able to a lot of stuff that before I only
dreamed of doing" Riley said. The idea of going to a friend's house or even the mall was an unusual occurrence for
Riley and reserved for special occasions like her birthday.
The dogs are bred and raised to be service dogs by approved Master Trainers who have an extensive background
with developing detection dogs. The pups also carry lifesaving medication in pouches on their back including an
EpiPen, which can save the life of someone having an allergic attack.
Dr. Paul Ehrlich is a Manhattan allergist and explains that Riley is an extreme case. While the number of children
who suffer from peanut allergies has doubled in the past decade, there are very few patients with allergies so severe
that they would need a service dog, according to Dr. Ehrlich.
"It's an extra layer of security. Is there a false sense there? It's only as good as the dog" Dr. Ehrlich said.
That's why Angel Service Dogs hopes volunteers will give their time toward their puppy-raising program. The
program places a puppy in a home for one year to learn basic obedience before getting their formal training. The
Mers say this would allow them to acquire a larger pool of dogs to train and therefore place in the home of those
that need them most.
To learn more about Angel Service Dogs www.angelservicedogs.com.
“Dogs Help Sniff Out Peanut Allergies” NBC New York, November 14, 2009. http://www.nbcnewyork.
com/news/health/Peanut-Allergies-are-being-Sniffed-Out-70005537.html. Permission pending.
© 2010, Teaching Matters, Inc.

www.teachingmatters.org

Page 190