9-year-old's family raising money for service dog

DOUGLAS COUNTY - Pinon Hills Elementary School student Louis Navin's family is raising money for a medical service dog to help him. The 9-year-old Carson Valley boy has epilepsy and requires the help of the dog.

Mom Andi Navin, who works for Douglas High School, said the family moved here five years ago so Louis could have more individual attention.

He's on oxygen 14 hours a day and has trouble with speech, fine motor skills, balance and seizures among other things.

"There are better schools here and he gets more individual attention," she said.

Despite his infirmity, Louis works very hard in school, Navin said.

"He puts 110 percent of himself into everything he does," she said.

The dog will cost $10,000 and will be trained by Eric Saunders of Gold Start Service Dog Center in Las Vegas.

She expects Louis will be partnered with a Labrador retriever that will complete its training in June.

Navin has written a book about Louis and his experience. For more information, visit Louis' website at www.

louisnavin.com or call Navin at 775-450-0767. The website will have updates on the dog's training and how fundraising is progressing.

A bank account has been set up at Wells Fargo under the Louis Navin Donation Fund, account No. 8303882107.