Type 1 diabetes, the kind children get, is a frightening
diagnosis for any parent, with the threat that an undetected
drop in blood sugar could cause a seizure or even a coma during
the night when everyone's sleeping. It's a double threat for the
family of third-grader Nicole Rieser of Sand Lake because she is
also autistic, and can't sense the changes as they happen even
when she's awake. Autism is a brain-related disability that
interferes with a person's ability to communicate with others
and interact socially. Debbie and Mike Rieser have gotten the
latest equipment for their daughter, frequently monitor her even
into the night, and give her as much training as she can handle.
Now, the Riesers are turning to a dog for an added edge. The
family is awaiting arrival in May of a new type of service dog
trained to detect when Nicole's blood sugar gets high or low and
alert the family, a German shepherd from Adobe Kennels in
Amarillo, Texas. "I worry about her all the time," says Debbie
Rieser. "Will she be able