PERRY, Ga. — September has been designated National Service Dog Month in Perry , honoring a local family whose service dog stood by them through every challenge.

Zac Shumate, diagnosed with epilepsy at age 6, passed away May 29, 2025, from an epileptic seizure. His parents, Dewayne and Casey Shumate, say that despite his diagnosis, Zac never let epilepsy define him.

"In our eyes, Zach was probably one of the most resilient people that we knew," Casey said. "To have such limitations physically, he never complained."

Zac’s best friend during his battle was Alva, his service dog adopted in 2019 . The family described the bond between Zac and Alva as unbreakable.

"They had such a special bond we always knew we had somebody there to comfort him," Dewayne said.

"There were days where th

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