Author: Hailey VanderWilt
Some partnerships are built through trust. Others, through daily routines, shared laughs, and lifesaving instincts. For Kimberly and her PAWS seizure response dog, WAGS, it’s all of the above—and so much more.
WAGS is Kimberly’s second PAWS dog. Her first, KARMA, was by her side for ten years. Now, WAGS carries the torch with energy, intelligence, and a tail that’s always wagging.
A System Built for Safety
Living with epilepsy means Kimberly has to stay ready for the unexpected, which is where WAGS truly shines. If Kimberly has a seizure, WAGS is trained to grab a phone outfitted with a dog-friendly loop and bring it to her. But if Kimberly can’t make the call herself, WAGS goes into superhero mode: she presses a special paw pad wired to the landline, which automatically dials 911 and plays a pre-recorded message explaining Kimberly’s medical condition.
The voice on the other end of the line? Kimberly’s. The message explains her condition and even gives WAGS a proper introduction—because let’s be honest, nothing says “prepared” like a dog who gets a name-drop in a 911 call. “If I have a seizure or if I ask for help, she’ll go and hit it, and then it’s tied into the phone, which automatically dials 911,” Kimberly explains.
It’s a system designed for safety, but also for peace of mind. And thanks to WAGS, it works like a charm.
Comfort When It Counts
Over the years, WAGS has naturally developed an emotional radar; Kim says this radar has helped prevent seizures. Stress and headaches can trigger seizures, so when Kimberly starts getting worked up, WAGS doesn’t hesitate. “She gives me a look like, ‘Mom, calm down, and comes right over to soothe me.”
Her intuition is matched by her speed. Whether it’s sprinting upstairs for the phone or nudging Kimberly into a calmer headspace, WAGS is always ready to help.
Different Styles, Same Lifesaving Support
KARMA, Kimberly’s first PAWS dog, was a tough act to follow. Calm, refined, and practically a canine etiquette coach, KARMA did everything with grace. “She ate slowly and wiped her mouth after drinking, it was like she had her own napkin,” Kimberly says with a smile. “She even chewed her food like a lady.”
WAGS? Let’s just say she brings a different kind of energy. “She slobbers water all over the kitchen and would inhale her food in ten seconds flat if it weren’t for the slow feeder bowl,” Kimberly laughs. “She’s got more enthusiasm than manners, but I love her for it.”
The differences don’t stop there. KARMA had a favorite tennis ball and a daily park routine—rain, shine, or snow. WAGS? “Couldn’t care less about tennis balls,” Kimberly says. “She’s more into charm than fetch.”
Even their travel styles differ. KARMA was the seasoned adventurer, with ski trips, work conferences, cross-country flights, and of course cruises. WAGS may not have as many air miles, but she’s already a cruising pro, preparing for her 11th cruise, happily racking up stamps on her imaginary passport.
Two completely different personalities, but both devoted, reliable, and deeply loved. As Kimberly puts it, “They’re night and day, but they’ve both been exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed them.”
The Work-From-Home Wingwoman
Kimberly works early mornings in IT, managing more than 30 servers for the University of Wisconsin. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, her home has become her office, and WAGS clocks in right beside her. Whether they’re in the upstairs office or relaxing in the downstairs family room, WAGS stays close, alert, and ready to jump into action.
“She’s a hundred times better than a lifeline button,” Kimberly says. “She’s always watching, always working. My four-legged coworker of the year.”
Advocacy Comes Naturally
From the moment she received KARMA, Kimberly has shared the PAWS mission with anyone who asks. She even made business cards with her and WAGS’ photo, complete with the Paws With A Cause website. “I’ve handed them out on cruise ships, in elevators, everywhere,” she says. “When people ask what WAGS does, it opens the door to talk about PAWS.”
She also clears up confusion about seizure response versus seizure alert, explaining how WAGS doesn’t predict seizures, but responds with precision when needed.
Kimberly’s never shied away from educating others, even when it means disclosing her invisible disabilities. “People assume I’m training her. I tell them, no. This is my service dog. She works for me.”
A Lifeline with a Tail
Kimberly describes WAGS as her four-legged safety net; always ready, always nearby, and always loving. “She’s my lifeline,” she says. “Adorable, hardworking, and full of unconditional love. You couldn’t ask for anything better.”
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