Yellowknife (Sep 01/06) - For three Yellowknife residents, a dog is more than a companion.

Emily Lawson has had her assistance dog Megamo for eight years and he has helped her maintain her independence.

From left to right: Bill Burles, Emily Lawson and Marian Cox stand with Megamo who is an assistance dog. Burles, Lawson and Cox are fundraising in order to get assistance dogs.- Jessica Klinkenberg/NNSL photo

Lawson has difficulty getting around because of a spinal injury. Megamo helps her walk by providing balance and maintaining a steady pace. The dog can also help her pick up some items.

But Megamo is nearing retirement and Lawson has been searching for a new dog, along with one for her friends Bill Burles and Marian Cox.

"I can't really do the electric (wheelchair) 'cause of the winters," said Burles, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair to get around.

Cox, who suffers from epilepsy, said her seizures come suddenly and leave her worried when she goes out in public.

"There's terror in my life that shouldn't be there.

Having a dog walking next to me, guiding me to safety, would make me feel safer," she explained.

Thanks to its keen sense of smell, a specially trained assistance dog can pick up on pheromones that Cox's body releases 20 to 30 minutes before a seizure. Right now, she knows "one second" before they happen.

"It could guide me over to a wall if I'm going to have a seizure, or help me to fall."

Cox's dog, which will most likely be a labrador, would not only tell her when a seizure is coming but help her return to her once-active lifestyle.

"I'm used to being outside. My lab is basically going to be trained to swim with me."

Lawson has had the benefit of her assistance dog over the years and has retained her independence.

"For me it's total independence. I have far better pain control when using a dog. It controls my gait when walking. I don't fall with the dog, I fall with friends and crutches."

Assistance dogs are similar to guide dogs for the visually impaired in that when they are in harness they are working and should not be petted.

Lawson, Cox and Burles are thankful for the support they've received from friends and family, and especially one city business.

"We can't say enough for (Raven disc jockey) Flint Palmer, Jacquie and Jim who own The Pub. They've just been awesome and incredible, supporting us and encouraging us," Lawson said of Jacquie Fontana and Jim Sturge.

The Raven is accepting donations on behalf of Burles, Cox and Lawson, as well as helping them fundraise and hold 50/50 draws. They have a goal of raising $24,000 by today in order to pay for two of the three dogs.