Help Kaylie Get a Service Dog for Type 1 Diabetes!

Hi everyone!

I’m reaching out to ask for your support in helping me train a diabetic alert service dog - a trained companion that could save my life and drastically improve my daily quality of living. The puppy pictured here is my one-year-old puppy, Indy! Managing Type 1 diabetes is a constant challenge, requiring vigilance and quick responses to blood sugar fluctuations. I was diagnosed at 15 years old, and these past six years have been a life-altering transition and a major challenge. As opposed to type 2 diabetes, type 1 is an incurable disease that requires constant management and vigilance, and takes a major toll on the person.

While technology, like continuous glucose monitors, can definitely help, it isn’t perfect. Devices can fail, delay alerts, or miss critical moments when my blood sugar drops dangerously low or spikes too high. I’ve gotten better at controlling this over the past six years, but I can’t always tell when I’m going low until I’m urgently, dangerously low. The rollercoaster of blood sugars is very hard on the body, which is a constant battle for me. The more I can keep my blood sugar levels in range, the longer my life will be, with the opposite also being true.

A diabetic alert dog offers life-saving support. These incredible dogs are trained to detect changes in blood sugar levels through scent, alerting up to 30 minutes earlier than any device can! These 30 minutes can be life-saving, in the most literal sense. They can also retrieve emergency supplies (such as juice when I’m going low), provide physical support during episodes of imbalance, and even seek help in public emergencies. Beyond their medical assistance, they offer emotional companionship and security, helping me live a more independent and fulfilling life. Such as knowing that I have constant support in this disease and a partner in the daily difficulties, helping me feel less alone.

However, the cost of training and acquiring a diabetic alert dog is substantial, often ranging from $12,000 to $20,000. This covers the cost of the program beginning with basic obedience training, followed by specialized training for diabetes-related tasks. While the price reflects the immense care and expertise involved, it’s more than I can manage alone.

That’s where I need your help! Every donation - big or small - brings me closer to welcoming this life-saving companion into my life! If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your friends and family would truly mean the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your generosity in helping me navigate my life with Type 1 diabetes safely and confidently!

With immense gratitude,

Kaylie

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