Little Bayville Girl Gets Lifesaving Diabetes Alert Dog

Little Olivia Covino's life just got a little easier. Relief came in the form of Oliver, a diabetes alert dog who arrived at her Mill Creek Road home in Bayville this morning.

Now her parents John and Melissa Covino will know if Olivia's blood sugar readings are too high or too low. Oliver had already alerted to a high reading shortly after he arrived at the Covino's home today, her father said.

Olivia, now 5, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was only 4. The little girl was born with one kidney and suffered from urinary tract infections. The diabetes was discovered during blood work for her other problems, her mother Melissa said.

Having Oliver is "going to be a lifesaver," her mother said.

Oliver, now 1, ambled back and forth through the family kitchen and patio outdoors. Dozens of friends and family members showed up to celebrate. One of them was Sherry Dillane - whose son Devon received a D.A.D.named Blaze back in 2012.

Oliver sported a D.A.D. alert vest and harness. He didn't come cheap. SDWR Warren Retrievers charged roughly $25,000 for him, which included extensive training.

But the Covinos were able to raise the money through fundraising.

The organization no longer trains puppies, but starts them when they are full grown, said trainer Cheri Campbell.

Campbell will stay in the area for the next few days to help the Covinos and Oliver get used to each other and give them some training tips. Some of Oliver's training will help him to:

• High & Low Blood Sugar Alerts
• Early High/Low Detection
• Retrieve Third Party Support
• Retrieve Food & Medication Such as Glucagon, Glucose Tabs, Insulin, Juice , Meters, etc.
• Dial 911 on a Special Device
• Public Access Training, Testing, Certifications

Images: Bayville Volunteer Fire Company