Help Yoshi Become a Life-Saving Diabetes Alert Dog for a Brave 6-Year-Old

In February, our fierce 6-year-old daughter, Jovie received a life-changing diagnosis: Type 1 diabetes.

Overnight, our family’s world became filled with insulin injections, carbohydrate counting, continuous glucose monitor alarms, sleepless nights, and the constant worry that comes with managing a disease that never takes a break.

While technology has been an incredible help, no device is perfect. Blood sugar levels can change quickly, and one of our greatest fears is a dangerous low blood sugar while she is sleeping or unable to recognize her symptoms. Every parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes understands the anxiety of wondering if you’ll hear the next alarm—or if it will sound in time.

That’s why we’re raising funds to train Yoshi, our lovable little wiener dog, to become her medical alert service dog.

With specialized training, Yoshi will learn to recognize the unique scent changes that occur when her blood sugar is becoming too low or too high. His alerts will serve as another layer of protection alongside her continuous glucose monitor and other medical devices, providing an extra set of “eyes and nose” to help keep her safe.

Beyond his ability to detect blood sugar changes, Yoshi will provide something just as important: comfort, confidence, and companionship. Living with Type 1 diabetes can feel overwhelming for a young child. Having a trusted companion by her side can help ease anxiety, encourage independence, and remind her that she is never facing this journey alone.

Training a diabetes alert dog is a significant commitment that takes time, patience, and specialized instruction. The process often takes one to two years before a dog is fully trained and reliable in real-world situations. Once we reach our fundraising goal, Yoshi will begin that journey. Every training session brings him one step closer to becoming an invaluable member of her diabetes care team and providing our family with an added layer of confidence and peace of mind.

Asking for help doesn’t come naturally to me. Through my work, I’m accustomed to being the person others turn to for guidance, support, and care. Finding ourselves on the other side—needing to ask for help from our own community—feels unfamiliar and humbling. But Type 1 diabetes has reminded us that none of us are meant to face life’s biggest challenges alone.

If you’re able to contribute, no matter the amount, you will be helping invest in our daughter’s safety, independence, and quality of life. And if donating isn’t possible, simply sharing our story with others is a tremendous gift that means more than you know.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our daughter, supporting our family, and helping Yoshi begin his journey toward becoming her diabetes alert service dog. Your kindness, generosity, and encouragement will never be forgotten.