“My Diabetic Alert Dog and Golf”
July 9, 2025
As many of you know, I am a type 1 diabetic. And as many of you know, I love playing golf. But, golf is one of the most difficult things I do. It is a long day with a slow drain on the energy stores.
One of the ways I combat the disease is with a medical alert dog. However, a few years ago my trusted medical alert dog “Brutus” died. I will admit, it was hard on me. He was never more than six feet from me for 15 years. So, when he died I was broken. People told me to get another dog.
Honestly, I just couldn’t. The loss was too great.
Time does heal all wounds. There is a scar, and I am glad I have it. When you loose another being that you love, it has to hurt. It has to mean something. Or, why did you love in the first place. And, the more you love, the more the hurt.
Enough time has passed that I have decided to get another dog and train her as my new medical alert dog.
Her name is Hazel.
We have had Hazel for 4 months now. She is fitting in nicely. Hazel is full of energy and wants to learn. I am not sure if Hazel will end up being able to properly alert yet….but, she is learning all of the skills necessary to be a great public dog. She already loves riding the motorcycle with us, playing golf, and is good walking in stores. There is still a lot of training ahead of us. We put in time every day.
Maybe, like Brutus, Hazel will be able to analyze my swing and tell me what I am doing wrong.
Welcome Hazel to the Festa family….
You are going to live an exciting life!
Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting
Written By: Marc Festa
Thanks for sharing, Hazel will do great. They are super loving and intelligent, But I praise you for putting in the time and patience to mold her. That time and consistency will help her be your support. They are smart and want to please. Please keep us posted on her progress
Roz Vizslas – you are correct. We are so happy with Hazel. She is a wonderful addition to the family. And we will be sure to keep you posted on how she is doing….Fairways and Greens….XoXo….Kath
Love to learn how you train Hazel when to alert you. Will you teach her how to ski? 😂
Bob – well that is an option huh?!? Fairways and Greens….XoXo….Kath
Having lost pets over the years we understand the hurt. Brutus was very protective; even of Kathy when she was holding him. He was a tough little dude. Hazel has the sweetest face! We can’t wait to meet her. She’s one lucky dog to belong to two very special people. xoxoxo Priss
Priss – you are so right about Brutus and you guys will adore Hazel – trust us! Fairways and Greens….XoXo….Kath
‘BRUTI’ was the best-but Hazel can do it! Lots of 💗love
Tre – tru dat sista, tru dat!! XoXo….Kath
From Deb Smith – Great read! I’m rooting for you Hazel‼️
Deb – we are rooting for her too!!….XoXo….Kath
Hazel is so cute! It’s very true what you said about how loving and losing causes scars because of how much they meant. Little Brutus was a wonderful little buddy who loved you and did a great job helping you. I’m glad we got to meet and know him. Hazel is going to do great too! She’ll get it and looks like she’s already settling in so nicely!!! Good job girly! Can’t wait to see you guys again on the road and meet her in person.
Leah – thanks! Yes, Brutus was a wonderful little dude and Hazel has some big “paws” to fill – but we believe she is up to the task!….XoXo….Kath