I wanted to share a new update on Kay’s diabetic alert dog in training, Maeve! She’s still working hard in her training program and continues to do wonderfully. Each week, we’re lucky to receive updates from her trainer, and every message brings more excitement and reassurance that Maeve is exactly where she needs to be.
In her most recent update, we learned that Maeve has officially started working on night alerts as part of her scent detection training. She now sleeps beside her trainer’s bed and plays scent games throughout the night to help her learn how to wake up and alert when Kay’s blood sugar is high or low. What’s even more incredible is that by the end of her first week, Maeve began waking up on her own to sniff the air and check for out-of-range blood sugar. That instinct is exactly what we’ve been hoping for! It’s amazing to know she’s catching on so quickly.
Beyond nighttime training, Maeve is also practicing scent work in real-world environments. From hair appointments and trampoline parks to poolside hangouts and parties, her trainer is making sure Maeve’s learning is practical, well-rounded, and rooted in everyday life. She’s been excelling in public settings and gets visibly excited when it’s time to alert. It’s clear she’s gaining confidence and really beginning to shine in her role.
Maeve is proving to be such a smart, eager girl and it makes my heart swell every time I hear how she’s doing. I truly believe she’s happiest when she has a job to do, and she’ll be such an incredible asset not just for Kay, but for our whole family. She’ll bring a sense of safety, comfort, and peace of mind that we haven’t had since Kay’s diagnosis.
We’re hoping Maeve will be ready to come home sometime in August, but as eager as we are, we want to be sure she arrives when she’s truly ready. This process is all about Maeve’s confidence, timing, and long-term success—and we’re so proud of her every step of the way.
Mauve will be a wonderful addition to your family. Type 1 diabetes can be unpredictable through the night. I am so glad there are trainers that are dedicated in making such an impact in the well-being of others.
Oh this brings me joy! I can’t wait to see Kay and Maeve as a partnership! Very soon more peace and security will come from Maeve’s hard work in training!
Animals play such an important role in humanity and I for one feel like the emotional supports they provide are equally as valuable as the physical supports- the working animals (police and military dogs, cattle and sheep dogs, police and military horses, etc) are invaluable in their fields and so are the ones that provide the medical alerts and emotional stability. I’m over the moon excited to see how Maeve provides the missing link for your family!