In 2014, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 24. As someone who was active and loved the outdoors, this diagnosis was a significant adjustment. Managing diabetes brought immense challenges, one of the most daunting being severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) unawareness. There were many frightening moments when I came dangerously close to death due to sudden drops in blood sugar levels.
Learning to manage my diabetes meant understanding how food, sleep, anxiety, depression, and even temperature affected my system. The constant vigilance required took a toll on my physical and emotional well-being.
As I struggled to regain control over my health, I decided to search for a service dog in Canada right before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the waitlists were over five years long, and I couldn't find an organization that aligned with my values. In 2022-23, my search expanded across borders, leading me to Medical Mutts Service Dogs in the United States. This organization rescues dogs and trains them to become heroes for people like me. The idea of giving a dog a second chance resonated deeply, as I too sought a second chance at reclaiming my life.
Typically, the process with Medical Mutts takes around two years, but I found my match within just four months—a surprising turn of events. Skipper, the dog I was matched with, had previously been paired with another handler, but it didn’t work out due to lifestyle differences. After much research, I realized that, just like humans, dogs have different lifestyles, temperaments, and characteristics. Given my condition as a diabetic, I was looking for an active dog who was more than willing to follow, and Skipper seemed to fit that profile perfectly.
After careful consideration, I packed my bags and embarked on a 28-hour drive from New Brunswick, Canada, to Indianapolis, USA, to meet Skipper—my soon-to-be silent mentor and lifesaver.
Life with Skipper
From the moment we met, Skipper proved to be everything I hoped for and more. Within our first day together, he alerted me to a nighttime low that had rapidly dropped to 43 mg/dl. His quick response was a clear indication of his remarkable abilities.
With Skipper by my side, I regained a sense of autonomy and embraced an active lifestyle once again. Here’s how my life has changed since Skipper joined me:
We go for daily walks and hikes, revitalizing my love for the outdoors.
We are currently training for a 68-mile hike with an elevation gain of 3,686 meters, scheduled for August 2024. Skipper is more than ready!
My anxiety levels have significantly decreased.
My depression has subsided, bringing a sense of normalcy back into my life.
I've lost 24 pounds, improving my overall health.
My A1C levels have shown substantial improvement.
Skipper has a unique way of alerting me. When my blood sugar is low, he pokes me persistently. When it’s high, he drags me to the door, signaling that something is off. During walks, if something’s wrong, he grabs my hand in his mouth and leads me home. Beyond these alerts, Skipper shows genuine concern during severe episodes. His body language changes, his heart rate increases, and he becomes more affectionate, providing both physical assistance and emotional comfort.
Having Skipper by my side has been transformative. He provides the security and support I need to live a healthier, more independent life. Organizations like Medical Mutts Service Dogs not only save dogs’ lives but also transform the lives of those they assist. Supporting such organizations ensures that more people can regain their independence, confidence, and joy in living.
Your journey with a service dog might be the key to overcoming challenges you never thought possible. Take that leap—your own Skipper might just be waiting to change your life.
Forever grateful,
Vanessa & Skipper
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