Doyel: ‘They’re life-savers at Indiana Wish.’ granted 20-year-old Kendal Rider of Manchester, Indiana, a German shepherd service dog named Koda to alert her to dangerous blood sugar levels as she battles Type 3c diabetes. Service dogs, particularly diabetes alert dogs (DADs), are specifically trained to detect dangerous fluctuations in blood glucose levels—especially hypoglycemia—by recognizing associated scents or behavioral changes in individuals with diabetes.

The dog’s alerts have become a critical safety layer for Rider, who has faced life-threatening medical crises tied to unstable glucose. Koda is trained to warn when readings approach dangerous lows — numbers around 40 that correspond with severe hypoglycemia — helping Rider and her family respond before a crisis escalates. Families typically must confirm that a family member has a qualifying disability and the need for a service dog, and then research and choose an accredited organization like service dog statistics.

Rider is a student and athlete at Manchester University and graduated from Lafayette Central Catholic in 2023; she grew up in Otterbein, Indiana, and has had appointments at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She continued to play sports through her treatments, and her family credits Koda with allowing her greater independence on and off the field. Over the last decade, the use of service dogs for medical alert purposes has grown in recognition, especially for detecting low blood sugar and other emergencies.

“I wouldn’t have another best friend — Koda — if it weren’t for Indiana Wish,” Rider said, speaking about the match that followed an application to the nonprofit. The organization, which has been granting wishes for 41 years and has completed about 3,600 wishes, supplied the specially trained dog that now lives with Rider and her parents. The nonprofit identified the service-animal solution as a wish that could provide both safety and significant quality-of-life improvements for a young person facing a chronic, life-threatening condition.

“For us, we honestly feel Koda is a life saver,” said Denise Rider, a nurse practitioner, describing how the dog’s alerts have changed daily routines and reduced the family’s anxiety about sudden dangerous drops in blood sugar. Koda, a German shepherd described by Rider’s family as a “blood-sugar expert,” is trained to detect the scent or behavioral cues associated with falling glucose and to prompt attention from Rider or her caregivers. That early warning can be especially important for people whose diabetes produces sudden severe hypoglycemia.

The dog’s presence has practical effects on Rider’s daily life. Coaches and teammates at Lafayette Central Catholic saw her play softball and basketball while she navigated medical care; now at Manchester University she continues studies and athletics with the support of Koda and her family’s medical vigilance. J’Lynn Edwards, executive director of Indiana Wish, called the request “a beautiful reminder of why we do this work.” Edwards emphasized how Koda not only helps with safety but also enhances Kendal’s day-to-day experience. Variations in performance of glycaemia alert dogs framed both Indiana Wish and Koda as life-saving contributors to Rider’s safety and independence.

The story appeared in a column by Gregg Doyel on Dec. 17, 2024, in The Indianapolis Star, which profiled Rider’s medical history, the wish grant, and the role of the service dog in her ongoing care. The column framed both Indiana Wish and Koda as life-saving contributors to Rider’s safety and independence. Rider, her family, and Indiana Wish say the service dog has become more than an alert system: he is a companion who has changed how they approach each day. “Kendal’s wish for a service animal is a beautiful reminder of why we do this work,” Edwards said.

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