Specially Trained Dog Could Save Boy with Severe Food Allergies

By Nadia Crow, Reporter

Five-year-old Garrett Hathcock (left) plays around with his older brother Jake, 17, at their home Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, in Marion, Iowa. Garrett has multiple, life threatening food allergies. He is allergic to eggs, soy, coconut, peanuts/tree nuts. Family and friends are trying to raise money to buy an allergy alert service dog for Garrett. Garrett isn't allowed to leave the house without one of his "bodyguards" like his older brother Jake, his mother, father and older sister Taryn. Garrett's "bodyguards" know what to look for if Garrett is having an allergic reaction. (Jim Slosiarek/SourceMedia Group News)

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By Kelli Sutterman

Story Created: Feb 23, 2011 at 10:39 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 23, 2011 at 11:39 PM CDT

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MARION, Iowa - Imagine being so allergic to food that even the scent could put you in a coma.

Garrett Hathcock is allergic to all peanuts, coconuts and eggs. Just touching a door knob that has peanut residue on it, could trigger a deadly reaction.

Now, the Marion boy lives a secluded life, fearing exposure. But man’s best friend could help protect Garrett and give him access to a somewhat normal life.

“Basically all he has is the backyard and the house,” said Kelly Hathcock, Garrett’s mother.

Five year old Garrett Hathcock has severe food allergies. Even some items in his home are off limits.

Take something like peanuts; Garrett doesn’t have to consume the product; just the residue on his hands can have him break out into an allergic reaction.

But there’s an answer to his troubles; an Angel Service Dog.

“They train this dog to sniff peanuts and peanut oil or eggs. To sniff out the allergens and basically push him away so he can go into areas he wants to go into,” said Kelly Hathcock.

But it costs $22,000.

“We need to raise that for the costs of the dog, the training of the dog, and a two week stay in Colorado,” said Kelly Hathcock.

That’s where the dog is bred and trained. That’s also where it and Garrett could bond.

So the Hathcocks started a website and a fan page on Facebook. But right now they’re a long way from the cash they’ll need.

“A lot of people say why are you going to pay $22,000 for a dog? That dog is going to save my kid’s life,” said Kelly Hathcock.

But until the funds come in, Garrett is taking it all in stride.

“That’s how God made me that way,” said Garrett Hathcock.

To read more about Garrett or donate to the dog fund visit this website.

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