Shadow, a 22-month-old female black Labrador, has started working as a Diabetic Alert Ability Dog – a first for Isle of Wight charity Ability Dogs 4 Young People.
In addition to the usual advanced training undertaken by working Ability Dogs, the charity has been working with the Paediatric Diabetes Team at St Mary’s Hospital to understand how a Diabetic Alert Ability Dog can help.
Shadow is helping Libby, a 14-year-old Islander who has Type 1 Diabetes. Cleverly, Shadow alerts Libby to changing levels in her insulin, any time, day or night. During the day, she picks up Libby’s ‘kit bag’ and circles around her until she takes the required action. At night, a more vulnerable time, Shadow will be taught to push a button which will send a text to alert Libby’s mum and dad.
Thanks to her new diabetic alert dog, Libby, who enjoys sport, will be able to partake in more physical activities and have the confidence to go out more, knowing that Shadow is watching over her.
Shadow helps with more than Libby’s diabetes though. Libby’s brother has autism, so he rarely wanted to leave the house. Having Shadow around has meant that he has wanted to join the family taking Shadow for a walk to the local park. His confidence has grown immensely too.
Libby’s mother, Kim said:
“Libby’s life changed 3 years ago when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She seemed to lose confidence in herself and felt different from her friends.
Article continues below this advertisement “Although she is excellent at controlling her sugar levels, there are times when hypos occur and she hasn’t realised her levels have dropped and at times she feels embarrassed and scared. Shadow is now beginning to detect the change in Libby’s levels and is alerting her so she is aware to check her sugars.
“Since being with Shadow, Libby’s confidence and self-esteem is growing. I would like to thank Carol and her team for matching Libby with Shadow and their help and on-going support have made such a huge difference to Libby and our family.”
Libby herself said:
“Shadow has already made a huge difference to my life, she has given me a lot more confidence. I never used to like going out or to my diabetes appointments but now I enjoy going out and I don’t mind going to my check-ups as I have Shadow with me. When I am older I would love to work with dogs like Shadow to help children with type 1 diabetes.
Carol Court, Founder & CEO of Ability Dogs 4 Young People said:
“It has been an incredible experience working with the team at St. Mary’s and seeing just how much help Shadow can provide. Libby and Shadow have grown very close and it is heartening to see that Shadow is benefitting the whole family too.”
Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW is an Island charity which trains assistance dogs to improve the lives of physically and mentally disabled young people and children on the Isle of Wight. If you think you can help in the shops, by fundraising or are interested in becoming a Puppy Parent visit www.abilitydogs4yp.org.uk, email [email protected] or phone 01983 216246.
Brilliant so glad it’s helping Libby x
Wonderful knowing that their is so much positivity out their I have just got my blood tests “The On start of Diabetes “had been feeling light headed these past weeks.