When I first started this journey of getting Kay a diabetic alert dog (DAD), I wasn’t sure what kind of support we would receive. Not because I doubted the love people have for Kay or our family, but because diabetic alert dogs are expensive. While the peace of mind they provide is priceless, the cost reflects the extensive training these dogs undergo. They start as puppies, going through basic obedience training and temperament assessments before even beginning access training, where they learn how to behave in public. Only after all of that do they start their specialized diabetic alert training.
I’m incredibly grateful for how much technology has advanced over the years. Without it, I’d have to check Kay’s blood sugar by poking her finger every two hours—though, let’s be honest, I’d probably be checking even more often because of how quickly blood sugar levels can change! When Kay was first diagnosed, that’s exactly what I had to do until we could get her a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The CGM has been a game-changer, but like all technology, it’s not perfect. I still wake up at least twice a night—either to treat a low blood sugar or to deal with a signal loss from her CGM.
This is why getting a DAD for Kay is so important. These incredible dogs can detect blood sugar changes up to 30 minutes before the CGM even registers them, allowing me to correct a high or low before it becomes dangerous. That means fewer extreme swings in her blood sugar, more stability, and ultimately, better long-term health.
Beyond the life-saving alerts, this dog will also be a companion for Kay—always by her side, helping her navigate life safely. It will give me an extra set of eyes (or rather, a nose!) to help manage her diabetes and provide peace of mind. With more time in range and a lower A1C, Kay will have a healthier future with fewer complications. This dog won’t just be a service animal; it will be part of our family, helping ensure Kay can thrive and live the full, joyful life she deserves.
We are incredibly grateful for the donations we’ve received so far and have been doing everything we can to raise additional funds in creative ways. We’ve also been fortunate to have support from others who have offered to make and sell items, with all proceeds going directly to Kay’s DAD fund.