Lindsey Berce, a 38-year-old mother, has a special bond with her medical alert dog, Kona. In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Lindsey shared how Kona has not only helped her diabetic daughter, but has also become her daughter’s best friend.
Kona, a 4-year-old golden retriever, was trained as a medical alert dog by the non-profit organization, Canine Companions for Independence. He was specifically trained to detect changes in blood sugar levels and alert Lindsey or her daughter, 11-year-old Emma, when necessary.
Lindsey’s daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the young age of 6. As a parent, Lindsey was constantly worried about her daughter’s health and well-being. But with Kona by their side, she feels more at ease knowing that Kona is always there to help.
In the interview, Lindsey shared how Kona has become an important part of their family. She said, “Kona isn’t just a medical alert dog; he’s also Emma’s best friend. They have a special bond that is hard to put into words. He is always by her side, whether at home or in public.”
Kona’s training allows him to detect changes in Emma’s blood sugar levels through her scent. Whenever Emma’s blood sugar levels are too high or too low, Kona will alert Lindsey by nudging her or barking. This has been a lifesaver for Emma, as she can now take necessary action to manage her blood sugar levels before it becomes a serious issue.
Lindsey also shared how Kona has brought a sense of independence to Emma’s life. “Before Kona, Emma was always dependent on me to check her blood sugar levels. But now, with Kona by her side, she can confidently go out with her friends and do things on her own, knowing that Kona will alert her if something is wrong.”
Aside from being a medical alert dog, Kona has also become a source of comfort and support for Emma. He is always there to give her love and cuddles when she needs it the most. Lindsey mentioned how Kona has helped Emma through the difficult times of managing her diabetes. “Kona has brought so much joy and happiness to our lives. He has helped Emma through the tough times of managing her diabetes and has been a constant source of love and support.”
Kona’s presence has also made a positive impact on Lindsey’s life. As a mother, she was constantly worried and stressed about her daughter’s health. But with Kona, she feels more at ease and can focus on enjoying quality time with her family. “Kona has not only helped Emma, but he has also helped me. I am grateful for his presence in our lives every day.”
Lindsey hopes to raise awareness about the importance of medical alert dogs for those with chronic illnesses. She believes that Kona has not only improved Emma’s health, but also her overall well-being. “Kona has not only saved Emma’s life, but he has also improved the quality of her life. I hope that more people will understand the incredible impact that medical alert dogs can have on those with chronic illnesses.”
In a world where chronic illnesses are on the rise, Kona’s story is a testament to the incredible bond between humans and animals. Kona has not only become a medical hero, but also a best friend, and a source of love and support for Emma and her family.
