HAPPY TAILS: Working hard to meet graduation requirements, Aileen and Reva!
“Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and I began our relationship a little over 35 years ago. I had all the usual and predictable telltale signs in the beginning. Which included blurred vision, unquenchable thirst, insatiable hunger and a fatigue so profound.
I’d often fall sleep frequently during the work day. Discovering my T1D was suddenly asking me to pay closer attention to my well-being.
I wanted to hide, feeling like a clunky and socially awkward 23 year-old with all the blood glucose testing and taking insulin shots in public.
Eventually, graduating to an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor. It helped with more grace and ease while tuning in to the many subtleties of the disease and how it played out in my body. As good as these tools are, my glucose levels still get wacky and unpredictable.
One day I was hanging out with a friend who was raising a puppy for Canines for Independence.
She said “you know, there are service dogs that help support diabetics with blood sugars”.
I had no idea.
Hearing her say that, I felt a magical feeling inside knowing that was to be my path. A Google search lead me to Dogs4Diabetics front door in early 2016. Sitting in the PAWS meeting sensing the organization’s integrity and order I’ll never forget the sounds that day in the room.
There were the high-pitched pump alarms. CGMs going off with urgency and the familiar “pops” of test strip vials opening and closing in the background of D4D’s detailed presentation.
Those sounds and the energy that day brought a flood of tears and gratitude for the opportunity in front of me. Now, two years later I can say whole heartedly that Dogs4Diabetics is far exceeding what I thought process would be.
I appreciate the heart in D4D and love the perfection in the magical flow & timing of the program.
Even though I’ve been excited and filled with anticipation to be given the gift of an Alert Dog, I kept an internal dialogue alive in my heart and mind to relax and simply trust. The trainers made trusting them easy and the design of the program has brought me comfort and peace while waiting for the “one”.
Additionally, I’ve experienced so much happiness and glee watching others be placed with dogs. Along with witnessing the deep bonds that are nourished and develop over time.
Now sweet Reva is here with all of her talents and integrating so easily! Reva is such a love and so personable. When she grabs her bringsel she is so excited like it’s the best thing ever, and it is!
It’s been so fun making new friends and volunteering for a program. I believe in because we are all in this together!
Lastly, there is no way I could ever repay D4D for all they have so generously given but it will be fun trying!
Now, I walk in the world with Reva building our relationship and am willing to be a very visible diabetic, sharing about D4D along the way!”
– D4D Client, Aileen
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Reva getting spoiled… a look of complete relaxation after her doggy massage.
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- Aileen and Reva enjoying their first trip to the beach together!
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- Reva looking out to the ocean.
