Towards the end of the year, many people look forward to the holidays with good food, fun and perhaps fireworks. But Juliëtte van Brouwershaven is not looking forward to the latter at all. Her assistance dog Quinn became terrified of the explosion.
“If I have an epileptic fit and Quinn gets really scared, she can’t help me,” says Juliëtte. “That’s not a safe feeling.”
The 24-year-old from Hoogeveen has epilepsy and cerebral palsy (CP). With CP you may have difficulty moving due to damage to the brain. Quinn helps her by identifying an epileptic seizure early and by warning her parents.
But over the years the dog has become so afraid of fireworks that she can no longer do her job properly. When Quinn hears popping, she starts pulling and Juliëtte can fall. “I don’t actually dare go outside towards New Year’s Eve. Then I find it really scary if she suddenly starts pulling,” says Juliëtte.