After an 11-year-old with type-one diabetes saw one of her friends pass away in her sleep from the disease, she was in constant fear.
Her parents started raising money to get a service dog and give their daughter peace of mind.
That dream finally became a reality when the dog arrived to Abilene Regional Airport.
"I went to bed at about one, I was so excited," explains Ashley Bolden.
11-year old Bolden is not the only one who could barely contain her emotions today.
"This is going to be the beginning of independence for her," says her mom, Jennifer Bolden.
Jennifer was also on edge as family and friends waited for Ashley's service dog to arrive.
"In about 45 minutes he'll be here. It's just unbelievable," says Ashley.
Unexpectedly those 45 minutes turned into hours.
The dog was traveling all the way from Virgina and got delayed, but around 1:15 Ashley's service dog, Perseus, was carried through the gates in the arms of his trainer.
It was a moment the family could not have imagined in their wildest dreams.
"The best part about it is the relief that it brings to the family," says James Faulker, Perseus' trainer.
The service dog will be able to sense low or high blood sugar levels, giving Ashley the independence she has always wanted.
Jennifer explains, "Even though this dog will be with her, it's just going to give her freedom and confidence to do more things on her own."
Some things that some take for granted, like participating in sports.
Jennifer continues, "That's been kind of worrisome for me. She can either be low or high from adrenaline , so this dog will alert us of anything going on with her blood sugars that we need to be aware of."
In the midst of tears being shed and kisses passed, the dog's trainer rejoices in knowing that he was able to help another family get a life-altering asset they so rightfully deserve.
"It's one of the best things I could do. That's why I enjoy doing it. I wouldn't trade it for the world," says Faulker.
The family is still raising money to completely pay for the new puppy.
If you would like to assist the family in their efforts you can do so by clicking here.
Her parents started raising money to get a service dog and give their daughter peace of mind.
That dream finally became a reality when the dog arrived to Abilene Regional Airport.
"I went to bed at about one, I was so excited," explains Ashley Bolden.
11-year old Bolden is not the only one who could barely contain her emotions today.
"This is going to be the beginning of independence for her," says her mom, Jennifer Bolden.
Jennifer was also on edge as family and friends waited for Ashley's service dog to arrive.
"In about 45 minutes he'll be here. It's just unbelievable," says Ashley.
Unexpectedly those 45 minutes turned into hours.
The dog was traveling all the way from Virgina and got delayed, but around 1:15 Ashley's service dog, Perseus, was carried through the gates in the arms of his trainer.
It was a moment the family could not have imagined in their wildest dreams.
"The best part about it is the relief that it brings to the family," says James Faulker, Perseus' trainer.
The service dog will be able to sense low or high blood sugar levels, giving Ashley the independence she has always wanted.
Jennifer explains, "Even though this dog will be with her, it's just going to give her freedom and confidence to do more things on her own."
Some things that some take for granted, like participating in sports.
Jennifer continues, "That's been kind of worrisome for me. She can either be low or high from adrenaline , so this dog will alert us of anything going on with her blood sugars that we need to be aware of."
In the midst of tears being shed and kisses passed, the dog's trainer rejoices in knowing that he was able to help another family get a life-altering asset they so rightfully deserve.
"It's one of the best things I could do. That's why I enjoy doing it. I wouldn't trade it for the world," says Faulker.
The family is still raising money to completely pay for the new puppy.
If you would like to assist the family in their efforts you can do so by clicking here.
