In 2023, Anais was partnered with EAC Brooke, an ideal match both born on the East Coast. Brooke, who was raised by Canine Companions in the Northeast Region, traveled to California to find her partner. The bond between Anais and Brooke was formed quickly, forever changing Anais's life in a positive way.
Anais shares, "Living with a Diabetic Alert Dog has significantly improved my awareness of my blood sugar levels and made me more cautious in managing my diabetes. I have become better at timing my insulin intake by taking it 10-15 minutes before meals, effectively avoiding blood sugar spikes and benefited from continuous alerting from Brooke. Notably, Brooke can alert me 15-20 minutes before any changes appear on my Dexcom, allowing me to prevent both lows and highs. Moreover, having Brooke enables me to sleep much better. Before having a Diabetic Alert Dog, I would frequently wake up at least two or three times a night to monitor and adjust my blood sugar levels. Now, I can sleep through the night, confident that I started at a good level and will wake up in the same healthy range. Previously, I often experienced low blood sugar at night and would intentionally keep my levels high to avoid a drop. Thanks to Brooke, I spend much more time in a healthy blood sugar range, significantly improving my overall health. Beyond her assistance with diabetes management, Brooke is an unwavering companion who supports me through my best and worst moments. When I'm frustrated, whether it's due to graduate school, general life stress, or diabetes-related challenges, she always manages to bring a smile to my face and a limitless amount of love. If I'm ever apart from her for a few hours, I genuinely miss her presence, and our bond is undeniable.
I believe it's important for people to understand the fundamental differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as the contrasting lifestyles and management approaches required for each condition. With type 2 diabetes becoming increasingly common, many individuals have become desensitized to the disease, assuming they can empathize with my experience simply because they have a family member living with type 2. However, it's crucial to recognize that they are not the same. Those of us with type 1 diabetes deserve a platform to voice and share the genuine difficulties we encounter on a daily basis. Living with type 1 diabetes is an unrelenting reality, as we must consider our illness in every aspect of our lives. It's certainly not an easy journey, and sadly, some people mistakenly believe it can be managed simply by taking a daily pill, watching our diet, and exercising. I wish people truly understood the realities of living with type 1 diabetes."
When asked about why donors should support EAC, Anais said, "Donors should support EAC because this organization has a profound impact on the lives of their clients. The staff at EAC treat us like family, creating a strong support network where we can connect with others who share our diagnosis and truly understand what we go through every day. EAC puts immense effort into finding the perfect match between Diabetic Alert Dogs and handlers, ensuring that each partnership is ideal. As a part of the EAC family, I have witnessed firsthand the life-changing work they do and the difference they make in the lives of individuals and families living with an invisible disability. Despite being a smaller organization, EAC is dedicated to supporting the unique needs of the type 1 diabetic community. Donating to EAC not only helps us receive the assistance we need, but it also raises awareness and recognition for type 1 diabetes. Your support can make a significant impact on our lives and the lives of others like me who rely on EAC for assistance and understanding."
Special thanks to our friends at Canine Companions!
If you would like to donate to EAC, please click here.
