My Frenchie, My Guardian Angel

Chevy small block 350, affectionately called “Chev” or “ Chevy” was more than just a pup. He was a buddy, my friend, a companion, and he encouraged me to get up and get exercised even when it seemed hard or tough. When I would pull in the drive, after a long shift as a nurse, I would see his little black and white face waiting for me. Sometimes it even seemed like he was smiling at me with a cheeky little face and his pronounced underbite.

Chev, literally, walked through hills and valleys with me. He was loyal, when I needed loyalty the most. He sat with me and cuddled me, as I coped and grieved loss through a divorce. He came along for the ride, through new jobs and new houses. He flew with me on airplanes to serve and help others. He was the best. He was a very well cultured and experienced little doggie. You are probably getting the picture that I am painting…. He was truly a “woman’s” best friend! If I could have afforded a Louis Vuitton bag to tote him around in, he would have had one. He was boujee, even before boujee was a thing. Although, he was a stocky little frenchie - so he would have required a pretty big Louis to carry him around. Nevertheless, He deserved the best.

Chevy had many sweet and spunky characteristics, as do most precious pups. But he was special. He was many things to me, but I would have never thought I would have called my dog a lifesaver, an angel, a hero, but he was. You see, I have type 1 diabetes and have since I was 10. I am well controlled and super healthy. But one particular night, during a time in my life where I had loads of stress and lack of sleep, I fell asleep very, very hard. I slept for hours. I woke up to Chevy scratching my back frantically. I shook it off and said “Stop chev!” He persisted. He kept scratching and making noises. I started to come to and realized I was drenched in sweat. I felt very drowsy, confused, and my hands were shaking. I knew right away, my blood sugar was very low. I felt fear! This low felt different than any I had experienced previously. I was very aware in those moments that I felt alone and had no one to help me. I, quickly, grabbed my diabetes bag with my meter and shakily pricked my finger. The number 29 popped on the meter screen. Now a days, when you are really low, it will just read LOW. But back then the number flashed. The number 29 was etched into my mind. I hurried as fast as my jello- feeling legs could carry me to the fridge. I was able to treat the low blood sugar and give thanks to my little French bulldog that saved my life. The reality is… I would not have woken up without his frantic whimpering and scratching. I was already very close to coma and felt it down to my core.

Chevy later went through training and was given the actual role and title of being my diabetes alert dog. He was my true companion. He was my most valuable emPAWee, for sure. Although, he took his job seriously and never left my side. He enjoyed being present for new adventures in my that included new love, even marriage, and was able to protect a new baby in the family, as well. One thing is for certain, without those little paws and my noble steed/pup saving me twice, I would not be the wife, mother to two children, author, nurse, and pastor that I am today. He saved me and gave me life. He was many things but most importantly- he was my guardian angel. I wasn’t alone that night. God sent me Chevy.