Diabetic Alert Dog for Collin

Diabetic Alert Dog for Collin Help us obtain a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD) for Collin! Collin is a Type 1 Diabetic that leads an active lifestyle both in Idaho and the bush of Alaska.

The cost of a DAD is roughly $30,000 and we will be using Bowen Elite out of Lewiston, ID!

"Thank you" doesn't quite seem like enough...We have been so overwhelmed with prayers, kind words, and donations! I hone...
02/09/2026

"Thank you" doesn't quite seem like enough...We have been so overwhelmed with prayers, kind words, and donations!
I honestly thought I would be fundraising for months, but you all have SHOWED UP and loved us well and I'm happy to announce that we are fully funded for Collin's Diabetic Alert Dog!!

02/09/2026

GUESS WHO WON?! Thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets. It truly does mean the world to us that you chose to support Collin. 🩵🐾

Our sweet little doggo could be born any day now!
02/08/2026

Our sweet little doggo could be born any day now!

We made a fast and furious trip to Spokane, Washington to see our pediatric endocrinology team at Providence Sacred Hear...
02/03/2026

We made a fast and furious trip to Spokane, Washington to see our pediatric endocrinology team at Providence Sacred Heart Pediatric Hospital. We love our team there and only have to see them in person once a year. Usually at this annual checkup they get a host of lab work and get to lay eyes on Collin for an assessment. This visit, they were slightly concerned about Collin's size so we are investigating how much growth hormone his body is making as well as the status of his growth plates-- that meant getting some extra blood and an x-ray.

Once you get diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, they run blood tests annually to check for other autoimmune disorders because once you have one autoimmune disease, you're much more likely to develop another.

Of course Collin was a rockstar for his appointments and he couldn't stop talking about how he was going to get a diabetic alert dog!

Thank you all for loving us so well! ❤️

Collin is deeply involved with all things related to his alert dog. He was very excited to jump in and label his blood s...
01/20/2026

Collin is deeply involved with all things related to his alert dog. He was very excited to jump in and label his blood sugar jars yesterday!

These jars will eventually hold saliva soaked cotton balls that the trainer will use to train Collin's dog. We have to ensure that Collin hasn't eaten within 30 minutes of the sample and try and obtain several samples for each blood sugar range. They are kept in the freezer until they're ready to be taken out for use by the trainer. 🐾

I often spend senseless hours worrying and grieving over the challenges that Collin will face in his life. I stress abou...
12/14/2025

I often spend senseless hours worrying and grieving over the challenges that Collin will face in his life. I stress about the insanely high cost of his medical equipment and how he will navigate that as a young adult. Will he remember to order his medical supplies? Will he have a career he enjoys or just work a j-o-b for the insurance? Will he always take care of himself- is rebellion against this disease in his future? All these thoughts and more keep me on my knees petitioning the Lord for Collin's health.

Many parents worry about their children, but daily I have to remember and have faith that Collin belongs to One who is greater than me. One who loves him more than I ever could, which is hard to fathom. One who has a plan for his life.

Just recently I was grading Collin's school work (we homeschool) and I was incredibly moved by one of his answers on a history paper. The question was: If you heard of a new land that had never been explored, would you want to be a part of an expedition to see it? Explain.
Collin's response: yes. So I will not be forgotten in the world and my family will be proud of me and other people with diabetes will not doubt themselves.

🥺🥺🥺

I may have my moments of doubt and worry, but he is an optimist who is ready to conquer the world and not just for himself 🩵

This little character is always up for an adventure and can find entertainment anywhere. Oftentimes in the summer Collin...
11/19/2025

This little character is always up for an adventure and can find entertainment anywhere. Oftentimes in the summer Collin finds himself in situations that make listening for and checking blood sugar alarms difficult. Layering sweaters, jackets, rain gear, gloves, and life vests is a necessity for life outside in the Alaskan bush. We are always getting on and off four wheelers and in and out of boats in the rain or shine. Most days we are covered in fish slime! Now imagine getting all bundled up and you feel the need to check your medical device-- it's exhausting mentally and physically! ***Notice none of these photos are taken on a rainy day? That's because no one wants to dig inside rain gear for a phone!

Having a Diabetic Alert Dog would give us such peace of mind on those long, busy summer days. Although AK seems like a summer vacation, Brian and I are working our tails off and Collin is one of our biggest helpers. A DAD would provide a necessary level of protection for our little man ❤️

I have physical raffle tickets for sale! We are hoping to sell 100 tickets, but I purchased 200 because I'm an optimist!...
11/15/2025

I have physical raffle tickets for sale! We are hoping to sell 100 tickets, but I purchased 200 because I'm an optimist! Currently the raffle tickets are for local Idaho/Washington folks.

11/09/2025

We are very excited to add one more tool to our box! A DAD!

All this medical equipment is great, but even it has its limits. For instance, right now Dexcom has a class action lawsuit against them for CGM failures (last I checked this did potentially involve 3 deaths). Batteries die. Insurance companies complicate things. A dog would not only provide a companion for Collin, but it would keep him safe 24/7. Even through those dangerous night time hypoglycemic events!

Also, as a side note. We take ALL of this equipment plus extra to Alaska for the summer as carry on luggage-- why not add a dog! 🤣

Here is my checklist:
CGM's
Omnipod's
Alcohol swabs
Lancet refills
Extra glucometer
Glucometer battery
Glucagon
Test strips
Zofran (no throwing up as a diabetic 😵)
Triple antibiotic
Cortisone cream
Aquaphor/lotion (adhesives rip his skin off at times)
Ketone strips
Glucose tablets
Needles
Needle tips
Insulin
Insulin pen short acting
Insulin pen long acting
Adhesive remover
Over patches
Charging cords
Battery pack charger
SNACKS!

* Collin has all of these in a bag at all times (minus the Extra glucometer- he only carries one unless we are traveling)

These dogs are absolutely AMAZING! This service dog was 2 miles away and alerted that his T1D was high.
11/04/2025

These dogs are absolutely AMAZING! This service dog was 2 miles away and alerted that his T1D was high.

10/31/2025

Did you know that the Dexcom (Collin's wearable continuous glucose monitor) cannot transmit a signal when it's underwater or out of range?

These kids are living their best wild and free Alaskan summer, but Collin often gets pulled aside or has to sit out from the fun for a bit to check blood sugars or treat a low. Adding an alert dog to the picture would give Collin an additional safety net on those adventurous summer days!

Address

Grangeville, ID
83530

Website

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