Lakewood golden retriever who detects seizures honored by Milk-Bone

LAKEWOOD, Calif. (KABC) -- One special, furry family member in the Guske household helps out in a very important way. He is 4-year-old Smith, a golden retriever who can detect seizures.

Smith was one of eight dogs honored by Milk-Bone in their series "Dogs Who Changed The World."

Smith came to the Guske household three years ago to help Rachel Guske, who has epilepsy. It is a rare form that is difficult to treat with medication, but amazingly with Smith's help, she is being cared for around the clock.

Prior to having Smith, Rachel's mother wasn't able to anticipate when Rachel will have seizures so she started looking into service animals.

"His whole job is her," said Rachel's mother, Julie Guske. "Over time, he's learned what's normal and what isn't for her."

The Guskes aren't sure how Smith knows when Rachel is about to have a seizure, but have figured out his method in alerting them.

"We watch his behavior," explained Julie Guske. "If he (Smith) is being obnoxious and acting more like a dog without manners, then we will pay attention to her (Rachel's) behavior." There had been five occasions when Smith alerted the family to a seizure.

Smith follows Rachel everywhere she goes. To the Guskes, Smith is not just a service dog, he's a part of their family and their hero.