By Everyday Health Guest Contributor  Published Aug 31, 2015
By Stefany Shaheen

If you told me a few years ago that a dog would change my life — and, most importantly, my daughter’s life — I never would have believed you.

Eight years ago, the oldest of my four children, Elle (pronounced “Ellie”), was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes: an autoimmune disease with no cure. Following this devastating diagnosis shortly after Elle’s 8th birthday, we discovered just how difficult it can be to survive and thrive with type 1 diabetes. Elle must take a shot of insulin in order to eat. Every meal. Every snack. She tests her blood sugar by pricking her finger with a needle 8-10 times each day. Every day. Every time she goes swimming or has gym class or dance lessons. All of the time. And for five years following her diagnosis, I would lie awake every night waiting to test her blood sugar, because it often dropped dangerously low while she slept.
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