Duke Children's, service dog make a big difference to sick child's care
The dog lovers in the Krawczyk family call service dog JJ "the best medicine" for 8-year-old KK, who suffers from a rare condition.
Posted — UpdatedJJ was originally trained to alert a diabetic when their sugar level was too high or low. She was retrained to help KK with her disorder.
"Sometimes the triggers are clear. Sometimes they are things we know: heat, cold, changes in temperature, illness, fatigue, stress. Those are some of her biggest triggers," KK's mom, Michelle Krawczyk, said.
The heat at the Krawczyk's old home in Florida became an ever-present trigger, so they moved to North Carolina's more moderate climate. It was there that they found specialists at Duke Children's Hospital.
"I really realized what amazing care she got once she got to Duke," Michelle Krawczyk said. "It was a big difference from where we were in Florida."
JJ barks, and, when she senses the reaction will be dangerous, she runs to the cabinet to retrieve KK's medical kit, which includes an epinephrine injector.
KK can now play outdoors with other children and go to school, things she couldn't do before JJ.
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