As we now know, assistance dogs provide support beyond just helping those who are hearing or vision impaired. One remarkable area where assistance dogs make a difference is in Diabetic Alert.
But how exactly does a dog assist someone with diabetes?
We will let Owen and Airlie answer that for you!
Meet Owen and Airlie.
Airlie is Owen’s Diabetic Alert Dog who Owen received from Lions Assistance Dogs in 2024.
Airlie marked a significant milestone for the Diabetic Alert Dog program, as she was the first dog delivered interstate and their sixth dog overall delivered to a type 1 diabetic.
So let’s find out what a difference Airlie makes to the life of Owen and his family!
‘Airlie quickly blended in very nicely with Owen’s family and is the perfect fit as Owen’s Assistance Dog. Airlie also made friends with the family cats and loves to snuggle with them on cold winter nights. Now that Owen has Airlie, he is going on more walks which helps keep his blood glucose levels lower and also helps keep them both fit.
Airlie provides an extra level of comfort, especially when Owen is home alone. Knowing that Airlie can perform the ‘Emergency Button’ task and alert his Mum is a huge sense of relief for Owen and makes him feel safe.
Since receiving Airlie, there was one situation where Owen’s Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) was ‘out’ and he was hesitant to give himself extra insulin as he didn’t have his Blood Glucose Level Meter with him. Knowing that his Blood Glucose Levels were high from Airlie’s alert, he was able to make necessary adjustments via his sugar sources.
Airlie is very funny, entertaining as well as high energy which is great for Owen’s lifestyle. Her intelligence has given Owen and his family a great sense of security as well as a perfect addition to their family.’
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