CALEDONIA, Mich - For West Michigan teen, Katie Krampitz, keeping her blood-sugar levels in check is a matter of life and a dangerous medical emergency.
Thanks to her Diabetes Alert Dog, Rue, Katie and her family know that someone is always watching her back.
Rue came to the Krampitz family about 2 years ago after a particularly scary incident following a soccer game.
Katie said, "I was really light-headed and shaky. I almost couldn't get up and walk to go get something, because I felt like I was going to fall over and pass out."
Now Katie's blood sugar levels have improved drastically, all thanks to Rue, who's strong sense of smell can detect changes in Katie's blood sugar.
"My doctor told me it was entirely Rue," Katie said.
Just as Katie's overall health is important, so is little Rue's, that's why she and other service animals can take advantage of free eye screenings through the month of May.
Katie's father Ed Krampitz said "She's always watching Katie, she's aware of her surroundings, she takes nonverbal commands as well as verbal commands, so seeing Katie and being able to respond to nonverbal commands in public is a really big deal."
It's all possible through Stokes Pharmacy and the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
"It's a very easy, low-stress exam, they just look into the eye very quickly, look at the lens and the back of the eye and make sure everything is intact."
Rue is now the "poster dog" for the Stokes campaign to raise awareness for the eye screenings in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
For more information visit the ACVO website and you can also donate to Katie's Fundraising Page to help the Krampitz family with Rue's expenses.
Rue is getting her free screening Tuesday, May 24th at Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Grand Rapids.
