Luis Perez is no stranger to pain.
At 45-years-old, he has been battling MS most of his life, lost his vision at age 23 due to complications with his condition, and now receives regular plasma infusions to combat symptoms of his autoimmune disease.
All of this has been extremely difficult and has led to him experiencing depression, anxiety, self-isolation.
In a heartwarming page turn, the story was shared with GNN about how Luis decided a guide dog may benefit his life.
He turned to the 501(c)3 nonprofit Dogs Inc., where he was matched with a black lab named Jerry in September, 2024. Jerry does more than lead Luis, he has improved his confidence and socialization, is a trusted friend and loving companion, and helps Luis live his life to the fullest.
Then, he become something further still—a hero.
Recently, Luis was experiencing pain and discomfort that he attributed to MS, but this time it felt slightly different. He had a lot of pain when moving his left leg in certain positions, so he was remaining in his recliner chair.
Jerry kept persistently coming over to Luis and pressing his chin down on Luis’s leg. Jerry had never acted like this before, and eventually, Luis and his wife decided to go to the hospital.
After hours of waiting and testing at the hospital, Luis was diagnosed with a blood clot in his left leg called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It was exactly where Jerry had laid his head.
DVT is a very serious condition that can progress quickly, and it was crucial for Luis to receive treatment that very night. If his dog had not alerted him, Luis says he would have accredited the pain to his usual symptoms and would not have taken it seriously.
The dog is now not only his guide and dear companion, but also his hero.
SHARE This Incredibly Intuitive Dog And His Story With Your Friends…