when Benji was just a couple years old. Those two years, though, left a lasting impact on the Dennison family and led them on the path to finding a trained medical alert dog for Benji. Dennison began to read and research and speak with trainers. She found an online community of parents who also had children with hyperinsulinism to be a particularly valuable resource. “We researched breeds and decided that a mixed breed would be the best option to reduce health concerns (with the dog),” explained Dennison. “At one point we looked into bloodhounds as they are excellent for diabetic alert, but they are just too large for a small child.” Dennison worked with a private trainer and consultant in eastern Iowa who matched them with Johnnie, who was three years old at the time she came to live with the Dennisons. “Yes, she’s a girl named Johnnie,” said Dennison. “That’s what happens when you let a three-year-old name a dog!” Johnnie is part Shiba Inu, a breed not traditionally used for service work. The Shiba Inu, a spitz breed originating in Japan and first bred for hunting, is also a breed that generally requires experienced owners. “Fortunately for us, she possesses only a few traits of her breed,” said Dennison. “I’m not sure what she is mixed with, but her small size and sunny disposition make her the perfect match for Benji.” As with all diabetic alert dogs, Johnnie, now 9, was scent trained to identify the smell that a diabetic person has when their blood sugar is outside of the normal range. Johnnie’s training took place in a nursing home. In addition, Johnnie was trained to be in multiple public settings just as any other service dog to ensure she could demonstrate assertive yet not aggressive behavior. When Johnnie senses that Benji needs help, she lets the rest of the family know very clearly. “Johnnie paws at the feet of my husband and me when she senses that Benji’s blood sugar has dropped,” said Dennison. “When she thinks that her alerts have not been addressed fully she tends to emit what is know as a ‘shiba howl.’ It’s a tough noise to describe, but it can’t be ignored.” Johnnie came to the Dennison home when Benji was a preschooler and medically at his lowest point. “After she joined our family, I remember her frequently having a kind of wild look in her eyes as she watched us frantically try to keep (Benji) stable on a daily basis,” said Dennison. “Her demeanor always remained calm, although I’m sure she must have been thinking ‘What did I get myself into?’” Johnnie soon eased into her role as Benji’s diabetes alert dog. It didn’t take long for Dennison and the rest of the family to realize that Johnnie would also become Benji’s friend. “Benji has a great appreciation of the importance that Johnnie plays vDENNISON continued on page 22 Vignette® ModernModern Roman Shades Vignette® Roman Shades Cozier winters. Cooler summers. Cozier winters. Cooler summers. Energy savings year-round. Energy Cozier winters. Cooler summers. savings year-round. Energy savings year-round. Vignette® Modern Roman Shades Increase your comfort and help lower your energy bills with insulating Increase your comfort and help lower your energy bills with insulating Hunter Douglas shades. Ask about rebate savings on select stylesinsulating today. Increase your comfort and help lower your Hunter Douglas shades. Ask about rebate savings on energy bills withtoday. select styles Hunter Douglas shades. Ask about rebate savings on select styles today. Kara Scott REBATES REBATES STARTING AT AT STARTING REBATES STARTING AT $100* * $100 * $100 on qualifying purchases on qualifying purchases January 13–April 9, 2018 on qualifying purchases January 13–April 9, 2018 January 13–April 9, 2018 Mozaks Floors and More Mozaks Floors andAve More Mozaks Floors More 1205 Broadway and 1205 Broadway 1205 Yankton, SDAveAve Broadway Ask us about special about special Yankton, Ask us Yankton, SD SD 6 Ask us about special savings on select Hunter Monday - Friday: 9 AMAM -PM savings on select Hunter Monday - Friday: 9 6 PM savings on select Hunter Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5:00PM 9 5:00 PM Douglas operatingsystems. Saturday: 9 AM -AM - 6 PM Douglas operating systems. Saturday: Douglas operating systems. Saturday: 9 605-665-9728 AM - 5:00 605-665-9728 PM www.mozaksfloorsandmore.com www.mozaksfloorsandmore.com 605-665-9728 www.mozaksfloorsandmore.com *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 1/13/18–4/9/18 from participating *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 1/13/18–4/9/18 from participating dealers indealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 4 weeks of rebate the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 4 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating claim receipt. Funds do not expire. 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