Wayland girl receives diabetic alert dog that could save her life

Batman had Robin, Simon was never far from Garfunkel, and the Lone Ranger could always count on Tonto.

Herb WoerpelSidney Miller and her new best friend, Daizee-Grace.

Now, Sidney Miller has Daizee-Grace.

Miller, 11, of Wayland, recently welcomed the 13-week-old yellow lab, which will not only serve as a fuzzy sidekick, but could also potentially save her life.

Daizee-Grace is a Diabetic Alert Dog, trained to provide an early warning that a diabetic’s blood sugar is dangerously high or low. The dogs are recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act and, once fully trained, are able to alert an adult of an erratic blood sugar sensation as soon as 20-30 minutes before a meter can report such a reading.

“As a parent, you are always worried that something bad is going to happen to your child; that her blood sugar is going to drop too low or climb too high,” said Sidney’s mother, Amy Miller. “It is sort of weird to comprehend, but having Daizee around provides a sense of relief. We’ve only had her for a day and she is already proving how incredible she is.”

Daizee-Grace was raised in Virginia by the Guardian Angel agency, which is the philanthropic arm of Virginia-based Warren Retrievers – a company that breeds and distributes Labrador puppies trained to become diabetic alert dogs, therapy dogs, gun dogs, search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs and more.

The company has raised and distributed more than 900 service dogs in more than two  years.

“The dogs undergo obedience training beginning at 7 weeks old up until we deliver them,” said Warren Retrievers representative James Faulkner. “Over time the dogs learn how to react a certain way if blood sugar levels are high, and another when levels are low. Over time the dogs can be taught how to call 911 on a touch pad and more.”

After joining the Warren Retrievers waiting list several months ago, the Miller family gladly met their new companion – sooner than anticipated – for the first time at Gerald R. Ford Airport Monday.

“I like her a lot,” said Sidney Miller. “I’m glad she’s finally here.”

The service dog will now shadow Miller, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and Cystic Fibrosis in 2007, everywhere she goes including school, recess, church, bed and every place between.

“Nighttime is a particularly critical time for the diabetic. Parents of Type 1 children spend countless sleepless nights checking their child’s blood sugar to ensure that they are not in danger,” said Dan Warren, Warren Retrievers owner. “Both diabetic adults and children tell us they are afraid to go to sleep at night for fear they won’t wake up. A dog can change all that and provide peace of mind to the diabetic and their loved ones.”

The diabetes diagnosis requires Amy Miller to supply insulin through shots to her daughter approximately seven to 10 times daily.

The combination of cystic fibrosis and Type 1 diabetic disallows the use of blood sugar regulators commonly used in diabetic cases.

Seeking an alternate solution, the family began looking into diabetic alert dogs.

After discovering the Warren Retrievers organization, Amy Miller immediately placed a down payment on the dog. After hearing of a six month waiting period, the family was more than pleased to receive the dog Monday, well ahead of schedule.

“Before Daizee arrived, Sidney wasn’t really able to go very many places,” said Amy Miller. “She hadn’t been able to go to a friend’s birthday party, or spend the night with others. This dog gives her more freedom and hopefully will help her live a more normal life.”

Even though the animals are expensive – costing approximately $18,000 each – the family was more than willing to take on the task of fundraising on behalf of young Sidney’s health.

A car wash and bake sale have already occurred, netting nearly $1,000. A spaghetti dinner, and numerous other fundraisers, are currently being planned.

The Miller family has set up a Facebook page to monitor Sidney’s progress. A link is available on the page for those interested in contributing.

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