Service dog senses seizure episode and knocks on the bathroom door to save owner in the shower

The astonishing video of Echo, Jaime Simpson's service dog (@embracingecho on Instagram), knocking on the bathroom door while she's in the shower might appear confusing at first, but this was the moment that saved the woman from a fatal situation.

The incredible moment, captured on home cameras, reveals how Echo panicked the minute he understood Jamie was about to have an epileptic seizure while in the shower. "Echo picked up the scent through the smells of shampoo and body wash," she said, as her loyal service dog handed her a towel so she could come out of the bathroom quickly. Meanwhile, Echo dashed towards the bathroom cabinet, searching for the emergency medicine. "There were multiple bottles on the counter and he had to decide which one was correct based on their markings, we made and size," Jamie shared. Once the woman was out, Echo gave her the medication and lay next to her, as if conveying to her that she wasn't alone. 

Jamie had a serious heart condition that triggered her epilepsy, causing a seizure in the shower. Thankfully, she had trained Echo, her service dog, to prioritize seizures over everything else, which explains why he brought her the medication for seizures instead of her heart condition. "That is a huge win for a medical alert dog, and I’m very proud of him for working, for staying by my side, and for his loyalty," she wrote.

Just like Echo, several service dogs rescue their owners with a history of seizures in similar distressing situations. According to the National Library of Medicine, Seizure dogs can recognize seizures by observing body movements, sounds, and physiological signals. While every dog's response might not be the same, their general reaction is to bring their owners their medication or phone, block their movement, or change their body position.

Jaime's clip received an overwhelming response on social media. Echoing the sentiments, one user who goes by @aerialdestiny on Instagram said, "The barking at the end while the episode is happening got to my heart. I know it’s probably to alert someone else or to help snap you out of it, but man, I can see the distress. This isn’t just a job for your dog; he watches over you with actual love and care. He knows so well!" Similarly, @exploreonestrueself revealed, "I have a service dog too. He actually saved my life. My heart stopped. He jumped on my heart and barked. He jump-started my heart."

A person, @cameeeelliaa, shared, "My dad had a seizure in the shower when I was 15, and I found him face down in water close to drowning. The work Echo does is incredible, and I’m so glad you have such an attentive and loyal service dog by your side." On the other hand, @emjaynie_fly wrote, "OMG … This is some powerful stuff watching it play out and knowing he got you in a safe place first. I feel quite emotional, such profound love and intelligence." @karla commented, "I’m crying too. It’s Echo willing to lay down its life for her, to rescue her at all costs. And for Jamie to put her life in her dog’s hands. It’s TRUST. It’s a trust so rare that when we see it, it’s very emotional indeed."

You can follow Jaime Simpson (@embracingecho) on Instagram for more dog-related content.