Thank You From Crystal Gail

Dearest selfless individuals responsible for the upbringing and training of my Diabetic Alert Dog Pierce, thank you!

Honestly, words will never convey my immense gratitude for each of you. I am living with intracranial hypertension, a rare brain disease that causes my body to think and act like I have a brain tumor, yet I don’t. I am also living with the rare condition reactive hypoglycemia, which is when blood glucose levels become dangerously low following a meal.

Chronic illness is a profound and life-changing event. Living with rare conditions has made nearly all aspects of my life more challenging - limited treatment options, social isolation, and economic hardships combined to affect my quality of living and mental health.

Over the past few years, the reactive hypoglycemia especially has gotten worse. I’ve seen numerous doctors, all of whom define my condition as refractory. As far as treatment is concerned, I’m out of options. Daily, I decide between fasting or the shakiness, weakness, and nausea that come with reactive lows. Managing reactive hypoglycemia is challenging; at some point, anything I eat causes my blood sugar to drop. I googled endlessly to understand the condition and manage the symptoms. The best way to prevent symptoms is to catch the lows before they plummet. However, I lack hypoglycemia awareness.

By happenstance, I learned about Can Do Canines and their diabetic-alert dogs. I applied, fearful that I would be told no because I’m not diabetic. Can Do Canines accepted me. I was gifted with the remarkable Pierce. Pierce detects low glucose levels before they become dangerous lows. From fearless glucose detector to professional snuggler and everything in between, Pierce fills my heart and home with unique companionship and admirable work skills. Pierce helps in ways that modern medicine can’t, and he does so with love, no doubt because of the love he received. So, thank you for helping the pup that would grow to assist me. I will be forever grateful for all you have done, and embrace your generosity by living my life to the fullest.

Crystal Gail

Photo Credit: Kim Kosmatka