Matt Dingley & Diabetes Assistance Dog Brewster
Author: Bobb Elsenpeter
When Matt Dingley was 34, his pancreas stopped functioning leading to the development of Type 1 Diabetes. Over time his diabetes had become more and more difficult to manage; additionally, Matt has chronic pain due to diabetic neuropathy. Matt realized he needed extra help and his healthcare team recommended an assistance dog.
“I wasn’t recognizing my lows so I talked to my doctor about it,” Matt remembers. “I talked to my diabetic educator about the possibility of a Diabetes Assist Dog and they thought it would be a really good idea.”
Once the idea of a Diabetes Assist Dog was presented to him, Matt started looking for assistance dog organizations. Matt found Can Do Canines through the Lions Club at a local senior center; he waited roughly three years to be matched with a dog.
Brewster, an almost three-year-old Golden Retriever, has helped allow Matt more peace of mind in his day-to-day living. “I sleep a lot better,” Matt says.
“When I’m at work Brewster really keeps a good eye on me; I tend to get a little carried away and Brewster is there to alert me.”
Brewster has already been able to catch serious fluctuations in Matt’s blood sugar levels. Recently, he had a big low when they were shopping at Walmart. “I was losing my vision and he was just going crazy, nudging me,” Matt remembers.
Brewster is skilled enough that he not only catches low blood sugar levels, he also catches high levels – an alert Matt didn’t realize he needed. On any given day you’re sure to find Brewster at Matt’s side, always ready to alert.
“Brewster would run to Walmart with me, go grocery shopping and even join me fishing. Brewster’s very popular at the health clinic too; he goes everywhere with me.”
Beyond his diabetic assistance duties, Brewster has a home with Matt and his family. “My grandson had his tonsils out and we went to visit him at the hospital,” Matt recalls. “Brewster knew something was wrong with my grandson; Brewster jumped up on the bed and laid right next to him. My grandson smiled and petted him; it helped my grandson feel better and the nurses thought it was cool! You can tell Brewster has a really loving heart.”
Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:
Puppy Raiser – Barbara & Greg Ingargiola
Special Thanks – Guide Dog Foundation; Kathryn McFadden; The Inmate Handlers at the Federal Correctional Institution at Waseca; The Inmate Handlers at The Minnesota Correctional Facility-Faribault
Dog Source – Guide Dog Foundation
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