Diabetic Alert Dog for Alicia

My name is Alicia, I have had Type 1 Diabetes since the age of 3. Type 1 Diabetes is a disease that causes the immune system to attack the healthy beta cells in the pancreas, which causes the pancreas to not produce insulin any longer. 

I give myself many injections of insulin each day, along with testing my blood sugar by poking my finger. These are the things it takes for me to stay healthy, to stay alive. 


There are times where my blood sugar will either go too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). Both of these events cause me to feel pretty awful, sometimes for days on end. I have done a good job taking care of myself, but am to the point where I need a little extra help.

I have a tendency to have severe low blood sugars (hypoglycemia) while I am sleeping, sometimes the low sugars are so bad that I am unable to wake up on my own, other times I am unaware of where I am or what's happening around me. These events are quite scary, not only for myself, but also for my family and friends. Low blood sugar can cause severe confusion, rapid heart rate, dizziness, sleepiness, and in some instances can lead to seizures, unconsciousness or even a diabetic coma.

I am an active participant in the community, I work full-time, attend college full-time as well as volunteer with local organizations to give back.


I love to travel, see new places and experience new things. Sometimes that can be difficult with type 1 diabetes. In order for me to maintain my independence and stay safe I applied for a diabetic alert dog, for which I was approved by http://www.diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com (visit their website for more information on what these dogs can do).

Diabetic Alert Dogs are trained to sense changes in blood sugar, and alert a diabetic if their blood sugar is becoming too high, or too low. They are also trained to awaken their owners should they have a low blood sugar episode while sleeping. They are service dogs which are permitted to accompany their companions everywhere, making it easier to perform daily activities, and also maintain better control of type 1 diabetes.

This is Thor, he has been selected as my Diabetic Alert Dog. We are SO excited for him to join our family! :)

This dog will change my life, it will allow me to be more independent, to not have to ask others to check on me and make sure that I wake up each morning, it will help me to live more safely, and allow me to be able to sleep at night without the fear of not being able to wake up. This Diabetic Alert Dog would offer peace of mind, not only to myself, but to my family and loved ones. 

What I am most looking forward to is the opportunity to live on my own. I have not yet been able to live on my own as the severe low blood sugars have made this unsafe. The dog will give me an independence that many take for granted, and allow me the opportunity to live on my own. It will allow me to be safe and allow my family to not worry if I am able to wake up each morning.

Living with type 1 diabetes is complicated, the diabetic alert dogs are there to ensure that no matter how complicated life with diabetes gets, you always have a partner to help you stay on track.

Any additional funds that are raised outside of the cost of the dog, will be donated to another family who is in need of a Diabetic Alert Dog.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Feel free to share my story and help educate others about Type 1 diabetes, as well as raise awareness for these wonderful dogs, who save people's lives. Please consider donating to my fund to help me obtain a Diabetic Alert Dog. 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or would like to help. 

Thank You!!