A few months ago we had an interesting inquiry. A woman from a nearby town contacted us about a service dog that she had "inherited" so to speak. It seems that Timber, a Blue Heeler/Australian Shepherd mix, had been "working" for a veteran who had passed away. Through a series of connections, Timber came to live with Sherry*. Sherry had been fostering the dog for several months, but really desired for Timber to be serving in her given capacity as a service dog, although it wasn't clear exactly what service Timber performed. She asked us to evaluate Timber as a Diabetes Alert Dog, because Sherry suspected that's what she was.
When Timber arrived, it was clear she was a Service Dog. Her obedience was precise and she was completely tuned into her handler, following her every move. However, when presented with the scent of low blood sugar, she gave a cursory sniff, but didn't get excited about it as our labs do. Regardless, we agreed to work with Timber to see if she could develop or redevelop her nose for diabetes.
A word about Timber before proceeding. This medium, reserved, white and black dog is so different from our lively, gregarious labradors. Although she has an exceedingly sweet disposition, she is a one-person dog. Once she decides who that one person is going to be, she establishes herself as a permanent shadow.
Sherry knew of a family with a Type1 teenage son in Colorado that she would like to see Timber serve, if indeed she was a DAD. Both Sherry & Timber and a Duty Dog's team paid a visit to the family to see if it was a good match.
Timber picked Jason*, the T1D as her person. Good start. And Jason, of course, fell in love with this devoted little dog that dutifully followed him everywhere during her weekend trial.
It was decided that Timber would come and spend a few weeks with Duty Dogs and work on scent training. And so, Timber found herself north in Wyoming once again.
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