Library Journal
08/01/2015
Receiving a diagnosis of diabetes is traumatic for most adults; much more so for a child. New Hampshire-based councilwoman Shaheen tells of the impact that such a diagnosis for her eight-year-old daughter Elle had on their family. Determined to learn all she can about diabetes, the author focuses on discovering ways to find relief from the seemingly endless fear and anxiety that accompanies a chronic illness. Her resolve has borne fruit in that she is the cofounder and CEO of Good Measures, a company that develops online tools and services to help people manage their health. During the family struggle to cope, they uncovered a new and growing recognition of the role dogs play in the detection and monitoring of human health conditions. Enter a medic-alert Labrador retriever named Coach. The bond between Elle and Coach is amazing, and the relief and comfort it provides to both Elle and her family is nothing short of miraculous, giving testament to the benefit and power of the human-animal bond. VERDICT Strongly recommended for its insight into coping with the consequences of diabetes and inspiration to turn a negative for one into a positive for many.—Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI