Marigold: Gluten Detection Dog in Training

Marigold: 10 Weeks Old

"I’ll start by saying that it is challenging to express the full depth of my gratitude towards Kari and Celiac Service Dogs, but I will try to put it into words as best I can. 

When I decided that pursuing a Gluten Detection Dog would be the best course of action for my health, safety, and happiness, I found it to be a daunting journey with very few simple routes or straightforward answers. By the time I had given Kari a call, I had a list of mis-guidings from the internet and other dog trainers I had talked to. As a person with Celiac Disease herself, not only could Kari relate to what I was experiencing, but she was also keenly aware of the importance of starting off in the best way possible, giving me, and my pup the greatest chances of success. 

Kari expertly guided me through the hardest, and ultimately highest stakes part of the Gluten Detection Dog journey; selecting the right puppy. I must admit, I had a very strong idea of the dog I wanted before going into this, but after trusting Kari’s advice and recommendations, I ended up with a pup that best suits my needs. I was recommended to several breeders who raise their puppies with ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) and ESI (Early Scent Introduction) of gluten, and who had successful service dog lineage. After we selected my breeder, Family Loved Labs, together, Kari went above and beyond. She performed a behavioral analysis of the puppies in the litter when they were 7 weeks old, and hand-picked the pup that showed the most aptitude for gluten scent detection, and service dog work. I am beyond grateful for the foundation-building work that Family Loved Labs put into raising such a beautiful and resilient young puppy, and for Kari for recognizing my puppy’s potential and bringing us together. 

Marigold: 10-months

My sweet puppy, Marigold, and I, have been training with Kari weekly, since she came home at 8 weeks old. I now have a 10-month old puppy who is maturing into a confident and capable service dog in Training. Kari has helped with every step of the way, from fostering Marigold’s interest and drive for gluten detection, outlining goals and guidelines for service dog work, and providing a knowledgeable and reassuring sense of compassion on those days when you say “Help! I think my puppy is broken!” 

I can’t tell you how valuable it feels to know that all of the stress, time, energy, emotion, and expenses put into this journey have been made worth it with the right dog and the right trainer. Thank you so much Kari, I can’t wait to see how much more Marigold and I will grow together. 

~Erica & Marigold"

Follow Marigold's journey on Instagram @missmarigolden