Diabetic-Alert Dog Saves Teenager From Potential Risk Of Dropping Blood Sugar

Clay Ronk of California was only seven years old when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after being airlifted to a hospital. His frightened parents wanted to make sure that a diabetes-related medical emergency wouldn’t happen again.

That’s when his mother found out about Dogs4Diabetics, which trains dogs as medical alert dogs. They learn to detect blood sugar changes through the scents in breath and sweat. She tried to send Clay to the class, but it turned out that he had to be 12 years old.

Eventually, Clay was able to be accepted. Every weekend for nearly four months, his parents drove him through a five-hour round trip so that the 14-year-old could attend those classes. Thankfully, he passed the class, but then he had to wait again as staff worked to find him the perfect dog.

A year later, Clay was able to go try out a dog – but the dog set aside for him had been injured, so staff asked Clay if he would like to try taking Whitley the yellow Labrador home for a weekend instead. He said yes, and the rest was history.

Today.com

That same day, Whitley licked him and grabbed onto the brinsel from her collar to tell Clay he needed to check his blood sugar. It turned out to be lower than 70. Whitley was amazing at her job, and she saved Clay the time, effort, and potential risk of not noticing his blood glucose was dropping.

Today.com

Now, Clay, who is studying to be a nurse in college, and Whitley continue to work together. When her vest is on, she’s professional and calm. When it’s off, she’s a fun-loving, playful dog – but she always does what she can to keep Clay safe.

Feature Image Source: UCSF Benioff SF / Twitter