Lilla Lanivich, a 13-year-old from Rochester Hills, Michigan, has found renewed independence and hope through her service dog, Lopez. Diagnosed with a range of chronic illnesses including POTS, PANDAS, Lyme disease, a connective tissue disorder, and long COVID, Lilla’s life was profoundly impacted by her health struggles. However, Lopez, a golden retriever with a rainbow-dyed tail, has played a crucial role in helping her regain some semblance of normalcy.
Lilla and Lopez’s bond is apparent in their daily routines, where Lopez is a constant, silent companion. Their unique connection has been highlighted in Lilla’s award-winning podcast, “Lopez the Rainbow Tailed Service Dog,” which won this year’s Grand Prize for middle school in NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge. The podcast provides an intimate look into Lilla’s life and how Lopez has assisted her in managing her chronic conditions.
The significance of Lopez’s role is evident in a particular story Lilla shares in her podcast: During a non-epileptic seizure, Lopez’s timely intervention helped prevent Lilla from falling. He pawed at her, signaling her to move to a safer spot, thereby averting potential harm. This episode is just one example of how Lopez’s training has been pivotal in Lilla’s life.
Lilla’s journey with illness began early, and her health challenges have been relentless. Her mother, Margaret Lanivich, describes a cycle of improving conditions followed by new health issues. Despite various treatments and surgeries, Lilla’s mobility was lost suddenly at age 9, marking a significant decline in her quality of life. For months, she struggled with severe immobility, and her condition forced her into homeschooling and the constant use of a wheelchair.
In their quest for solutions, the Lanivich family discovered that a service dog could potentially offer Lilla the support she needed. After selecting a puppy and investing nearly two years in intensive training, Lopez was ready to provide significant assistance. His training included detecting seizures, a skill that allows him to warn Lilla before an episode occurs, helping her manage her condition more effectively.
The impact of Lopez on the Lanivich family has been profound. Margaret Lanivich notes that Lopez has not only given Lilla a sense of freedom but also restored her ability to enjoy privacy and independence. The presence of Lopez has brought light and joy into Lilla’s life, and her recent accomplishments—such as visiting the Detroit Zoo and returning to school—are testaments to the positive influence of her service dog.
Lilla’s story is a powerful reminder of the profound difference that a well-trained service dog can make in the life of someone facing chronic illness. Through her podcast, Lilla shares her journey with honesty and hope, illustrating how Lopez has helped her reclaim aspects of her life that once seemed out of reach. As she continues to navigate her health challenges, Lopez remains a steadfast companion, supporting her every step of the way.
