Preschooler With Type 1 Diabetes Matched With Special Service Dog

2 days ago 5

In Las Vegas, Nevada, four-year-old Kay Posey is about to receive a life-changing companion—a specially trained diabetic alert dog named Maeve. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes last June, Kay’s condition has presented unique challenges. Her mother, Jessica Drake, explains that Kay, who also has special needs, can’t always communicate how she’s feeling, making it difficult to catch dangerous blood sugar swings in time.

While Kay proudly wears a glucose monitor and insulin pump, Jessica says the devices aren’t always accurate. “There’s times where she is low and her monitor says that she’s still in range,” she shared.

That’s why the family turned to Diabetic Alert Dogs of America, hoping to find a four-legged partner who could provide earlier and more accurate warnings. Maeve, a 50-pound Pyrepoodle, is exactly that dog.

Jessica says the connection between Kay and Maeve was instant. “Kay was her typical self, loud, she would yell out and run around, and Maeve wasn’t phased at all,” she said, beaming. The dog’s calm, patient nature makes her the perfect fit for the preschooler.

Joanne Sottile with Diabetic Alert Dogs of America confirmed that Maeve’s temperament was ideal. But before the duo can start their journey together, Maeve will go through extensive obedience and public access training, including becoming comfortable around children’s unpredictable movements and energy.

Next comes the scent training. Maeve will use Kay’s saliva samples to learn to detect when her blood sugar is dropping or spiking. Once trained, she’ll alert Kay’s mother with a gentle paw touch—giving them precious time to act before things get serious.

Maeve will even sleep beside Kay’s bed, watching over her through the night. Sottile explains that the goal is to prevent emergencies before they happen. “Our dogs will let them know when their blood sugar is at 75, wake them up, alert them… as opposed to 10 or 15 minutes later when their blood sugar is at 40 or 35, and it’s a really dangerous situation.”

The program currently trains around 45 dogs nationwide, and Maeve is among the most promising. As she prepares to become Kay’s full-time protector and best friend, their story reminds us of the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs—and how it can literally save lives.

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