News

Demarco has a new best friend

May 15, 2007

DEMARCO Merrett's dog may one day save his life. On Saturday, he became the first Queensland child to receive a Paws for Diabetics puppy.

Talking to The Chronicle in his Toowoomba home yesterday, Demarco patted Chino, his eight-week-old whippet puppy.

Chino has been trained to alert Demarco when his blood sugar levels fall, allowing for prevention or early treatment of a hypoglycaemic episode.

''Chino is a really good friend,'' Demarco said.

''He really helps me a lot.''

Demarco's mother Kate Hannant collected Chino from Brisbane on Saturday.

She said the puppy had already alerted Demarco to a hypoglycaemic episode.

"Their bond already is just incredible,'' she said. ''Hopefully Chino will bring back the quality of life that we had before Type One diabetes gatecrashed our lives.''

Ms Hannant home-schools Demarco but hopes he may attend school when Chino is fully trained in 12 to 18 months.

Paws for Diabetics dogs have the same rights as guide and assistance dogs.

For information go to www.pfd.org.au or phone 4638 7491.

Source: Toowoomba Chronicle

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