In Loving Memory of Harper Grace Brewer
January 8, 2022 – December 26, 2024
Forever loved. Forever remembered.
Meet Haven
Hi! My name is Haven, and I am a black Labrador service dog. Both of my "paw"rents were seizure-alert dogs, and I was told that I have a pretty great sniffer, too.
I started training as a puppy to become a seizure-alert dog. When I was 8 weeks old, my trainer had a friend whose daughter was having very serious seizures. That little girl’s name was Harper, and my calling became clear: I was going to train for her.
Harper’s Story
A journey marked by courage, love, and extraordinary care.
Harper had her first seizure on December 31, 2023. She was placed into a medically induced coma, and it took several days before the seizure stopped. This happened three times throughout 2024. Harper was in a coma for her second birthday on January 8. Harper’s mom provided my trainer with scent samples from Harper’s seizures so I could learn to recognize the scent and alert when it was present. I had to get to work — and I was learning quickly.
Throughout 2024, Harper was in and out of the hospital. During her second hospital stay, I got to meet her. I visited the hospital and met the cutest little girl. I was so excited to meet her — and even more excited for my training to be complete so I could live with her forever.
Harper was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease called POLG. Her doctors shared that there was no cure, but they did everything they could to help Harper manage the disease. They also helped her get to Canada to participate in a clinical trial.
Harper was cared for by wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. She also received therapy services at Tampa General Hospital. The trial medication from Canada gave Harper and her parents hope, and they began to see progress.
After two brain surgeries related to two separate brain bleeds, Harper’s condition began to worsen again. After almost six straight months in the hospital with no improvement, her parents made the decision to bring her home to spend Christmas surrounded by family.
She was surrounded by so much love. I even got to visit her at home and lay in bed with her near her Christmas tree. The day after Christmas, Harper passed away surrounded by her parents.
After Harper passed away, my trainer adjusted my training to be more therapy-focused. My goal now is to be there for Harper’s parents as they navigate life without her. As deeply as they miss their daughter, Harper’s parents also want to share me with other children who may need a snuggle or a few puppy kisses in the hospital to help them feel a little better. They plan to bring me to Harper’s hospitals and her medical daycare to offer comfort and joy to other kids. I love meeting new kids, sharing Harper’s story, and carrying her love forward.