Training for Lainey's Diabetic Alert Service Dog

We are raising money to help 5-year-old Elayna (Lainey) Tucker to get training for her dog, Ella,

as a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD). Lainey loves to spend time playing outside, as well as with her

toys. She enjoys going to Sunday school and is passionate about drawing. She was a healthy and

happy little girl, until recently being diagnosed with Type One Diabetes.

For those who may not know, T1D is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself,

harming the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is needed to break down glucose for

energy in your body, as well as balancing blood sugar levels. Managing diabetes is very stressful,

complicated, and challenging, even with the advances of modern technology. Too much or too

little insulin can cause severe side effects and even lead to fainting, coma, and other long-term

complications.

It is Lainey’s hope to train Ella to alert her to her blood sugar level changes, in order to prevent

severe high and low blood sugars. Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs) can smell blood sugar changes,

often before any kind of glucose monitor recognizes that something is wrong. The dog will smell

the chemical change, and alert Lainey by nudging her with her nose. Ella will even be able to

bring Lainey her medical bag with her supplies in it. In a worst-case scenario, Ella can get help

for Lainey if she goes unconscious, by barking and getting another person to come help. By

training Ella to alert to these changes, Lainey will have a better chance at managing her diabetes

and let her live a less stressful, more healthy life.

Lainey’s family has found a dog trainer, Sam, who specializes in DAD training. Sam has trained

her own dog as a DAD, as well as working with numerous clients to train their own dogs. She

knows how amazing service dogs are, and what peace of mind they bring to their handlers and

families! Her own dog, Korey, has saved her life several times by alerting her to drastic blood

sugar changes during the night. By training Ella to do the same, it is Lainey and her family’s hope

to help Lainey live a happier, healthier life with diabetes.