Her name is Marley, a 3-year-old Golden Retriever trained to help Piper manage type 1 diabetes — and the two have developed the sweetest bond along the way.
Piper was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 7 after her family noticed several concerning symptoms, including excessive thirst and hunger, frequent nighttime bathroom trips and feeling unusually sick after eating sweets.
Her mom, Faith DeSantiago, said the diagnosis was overwhelming at first.
As a cardiovascular intensive care nurse, Faith knew how serious the complications of type 1 diabetes could be, but her medical background also helped her ask questions and advocate for her daughter.
Today, Piper manages her condition with several tools, including a continuous glucose monitor and an insulin pump.
Her glucose monitor provides minute-by-minute readings and can send information directly to her family, giving them an extra sense of security when Piper is at school, playing or away from home.
But Piper also has something technology can’t quite replace: Marley.
Faith first learned about diabetic alert dogs through social media.
After Piper’s aunt created a fundraiser, friends and members of the community quickly helped raise enough money to bring Marley home.
The Golden Retriever is trained to recognize changes in Piper’s blood sugar levels.
Because Piper’s glucose monitor already alerts the family to most changes, Marley doesn’t have to step in all the time.
But when she does, she apparently takes her job very seriously.
Faith recalled one especially funny moment when Marley detected that Piper’s glucose level was dropping.
The excited dog rushed into action so enthusiastically that she accidentally knocked a container of juice right out of Piper’s hand.
Instead of getting upset, Piper burst out laughing.
That moment, Faith said, perfectly sums up Marley.
She’s devoted to helping Piper — but she’s also still a giant, playful puppy.
“Marley and I are best friends,” Piper said. “She is sweet, silly, snuggly and smart.”
The pair’s connection goes far beyond medical alerts.
When Piper’s glucose levels run high and she starts feeling anxious, Marley will sometimes lie across her like a giant furry weighted blanket.
Faith said the Golden Retriever stays incredibly close to Piper and seems to know exactly who her person is.
Piper even calls herself Marley’s mom.
Faith jokes that apparently makes her Marley’s grandmother.
Despite the daily work required to manage type 1 diabetes, Piper isn’t letting the condition stop her from doing the things she loves.
The fifth grader enjoys baking, cheerleading and drawing, and she has even started helping other children understand diabetes.
She mentors other girls with type 1 diabetes and created her own “Diabetes College,” complete with a 20-question test and certificates for friends who learn how to help during an emergency.
Piper hopes other kids facing the same diagnosis know that life can still be full of fun and big dreams.
And with Marley by her side, she has one very fluffy reminder that she doesn’t have to handle everything alone.