October Profile

Kaylene and Winston

Hello my name is Kaylene Burnell and I guess by now that you must all have read my story on this website.

I have been trying to raise funds to be able to get my own little Paws for Diabetics Inc Medical Alert Assistance Dog.

I would really like to take this opportunity to thank Paws for Diabetics Inc and all the members of the public who have helped by supporting me and helping to make my dreams become a reality.

On Friday 5th September 2008 I at 11pm we picked up Winston the Wonder Whippet from the airport.  I have never heard Winston bark at all but I guess he must have barked when he was in the cargo hold on the airplane it probably was not the most comfortable spot for a little puppy and especially being confined in a small crate as well not being able to move around.

As soon as I saw Winston I knew he was such a special dog. Andrew my husband helped me to undo Winston's crate and I lifted him out. It was LOVE at first sight for this little puppy and I. Winston was so happy to see me.

When I was cuddling Winston he became distressed we tried to get him to go to the toilet and also tried to give him a drink but he refused it and was becoming very distressed he was shaking and whining and licking me all at the same time.

I remembered that Tracey from Paws for Diabetics Inc had told me a bit about alerting behaviour and so I told Andrew and my daughter Sarah that we had better get into the car and start for home. When we all were in the car I did a blood test and my blood sugar level was out of control. I thought that this must be Winston's way of alerting me. I think Winston is so clever. Winston has alerted me to quite a few hypos and hypers.

Winston has been to all of my doctors and hospital appointments with me he has even visited the dentist with me. Winston goes to sleep in his crate during my appointments and he is very quiet. He is very well behaved however when my blood sugars are out of control that is the only time that Winston will make a noise he will often shake lick and whine this is his way of alerting me and as soon as I have fixed my blood sugar levels and they are back to normal that is when he will settle down again.

Winston is allowed to come with me every where I go he is allowed in  shops, restaurants, picture theatres, supermarkets Winston is even allowed in the dentist, doctors surgery, hospital outpatient clinics. He is able to even come and stay in the hospital if I have to be admitted for any reason.

Having Winston with me has helped to ease a lot of stress. I have been to two quilting classes these classes went for a couple of hours and I was able to really enjoy them without having to worry about having a hypo because Winston was with me. I was also able to go to Fairbridge overnight on a quilters retreat with other quilters. Winston was with me and he was able to alert me a few times when my blood sugars were out of control.

I have had Insulin Dependant Diabetes for over 26 years now and I have a lot of other severe medical complications I know that having Winston will not completely cure these things but having Winston with me every day will help to ease a lot of stress. Winston also makes life worth living for me. He is able to tell me when my blood sugars are getting out of control and he knows when things are not right. He is able to sense a change in my blood sugars when no one else can, not even me.

Winston truly is such a joy I really do love him, he is a really smart dog too. He really is Winston the Wonder Whippet.