[Chris Graham]

Did anyone happen to see this episode of the Dog Whisperer? It was about a lady trying to teach her dog to be a service dog. It was really sweet. However, the lady, A.J., made a statement about dogs sensing when their diabetic owner's "insulin" drops. Yikes!

That post around Christmas about all the "dumb things people say" to us has me thinking. I really think it is time for a national PR campaign about diabetes. Something on scale with Breast Cancer Research. I think it would bring a lot attention and research to our cause. Isn't there an organization that should be doing this already???

Anyway, here is the email I wrote to National Geographic about the Dog Whisperer episode.


Dear National Geographic,
I really enjoy the program, “The Dog Whisperer”. I was particularly touched by the episode about A.J. and her dog Sparky. What an inspiring story!

As a type 1 diabetic, I feel the need to point out a dangerous comment that A.J. made. She was speaking about people with diabetes whose dogs can sense when their “insulin” is dropping. A diabetic’s insulin does not drop, their blood glucose or blood “sugar” drops. I say this is dangerous because if a person with diabetes was giving insulin during a low blood sugar they could slip into a coma or even die. A.J.’s statement makes it seem like the proper treatment for a low would be more insulin, when if fact, it would be a fast acting carbohydrate such as orange juice. In a world where so much misinformation about diabetes exists, I think it is important that scientific organizations like you be accurate. I strongly encourage you to edit the piece and remove this dangerous and false statement.

Again, I enjoy the program and this episode touched my heart.

Kind regards,
Chris Graham

[Cyborg]

I didn't see that one, but I did see the South Park version with the Dog Whisperer they hired for Cartman...

[notme]

Chris, I also saw that episode and remember that EXACT statement. You are absolutely correct. The lady had some sort of panic disorder and she spoke like she was in a race with someone. However, I caught her "a dog can sense when someone's insulin drops" and was a bit frustrated. I did nothing. I am glad you wrote, although I doubt they will do anything.

I also watch "The Dog Wisperer". I think the guy is genious with dangerous dogs. I find some of his training a bit heavy handed for my breed of dog, but admittedly he deals best with large aggressive dogs. I have applied some of his training techniques with my two pups and I have them both walking right next to me without pulling.

I had to laugh at the episode of the dog that barks at the tv. I have a dog that "DID" that. My dog was sleeping next to me and I got to watch the entire episode without him barking because he was asleep. He woke up and another episode of the "Dog Whisperer" was on and he started barking at the dogs. I got him to stop almost immediately and watched the marathon of dog Whisperer's the rest of the night without him barking. The man is brilliant!!!

[Chris Graham]

The guys is really smart and seems to just "get" dogs. I've been using some of his tools with our Pug who thinks he is the top dog. I am working really hard to let him know that I am in charge before our baby arrives in July!

[Funnygrl]

Chris, you did ad great job with that letter. You made your point very clearly and politely. Please let us know if you get a response.

My dog's name is Sparky too!