Ep 207 Suki The Gluten Detection Dog
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
On this episode I speak with Kendra, the human who trained Suki to be a Gluten Detection Dog. Kendra speaks about how Suki was trained to alert her if any food, drink or medication contains gluten. Kendra trained Suki during Covid, and although Suki is ready to accompany Kendra into restaurants, stores and on public transportation, the training is ongoing. Kendra takes us through some of the interesting instances when Suki was able to detect very small amounts of gluten, which Kendra would not have been able to detect from ingredient lists. I preface and follow up my conversation with Kendra with some general information on working dogs, that you, like me, may not have been aware of. I’m looking forward to a follow-up conversation with Kendra, so if you have any questions for her, please email me at acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
You can follow Suki on Instagram at @sukipwd
Kendra also mentioned her trainer, the website is www.crescentservicedogs.com
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Celiac Kid Stuff – https://www.celiackidstuff.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
I find the idea of having a dog that can alert to any gluten in a food, beverage or medication is almost a miracle. I shouldn’t be surprised since we have all seen videos of drug sniffing dogs, finding illegal drugs hidden in well sealed packages, buried in other pungent substances. I will never cease to be amazed at the enhanced sense of smell of our canine companions.
That got me thinking as to how most of us look for gluten in our foods and medications, and thought of some pros and cons for the current options.
Pros and Cons of Different Ways to Detect Gluten
Reading and Understanding Labels – steep learning curve of the suspect ingredients as well as navigating current labelling regulations; time consuming to read every label every time; must research or call the manufacturer if there are unanswered questions; research and ask questions every time a meal is eaten from a restaurant with the more questions you ask, the more you should be able to be assured of the safety of your food; discretion can allow you to keep your diagnosis “private”
Nima Sensor – cannot test food before you buy it; the sensor is only testing for gluten in the small sample used and if negative : ) does not necessarily mean that the entire serving is gluten free, as gluten may be present in another part of the food; cost to purchase the sensor; cost to purchase the individual test strips, there may be a hesitancy to use the costly test strips saving them for the most suspect of foods; testing foods while in a restaurant or out in public may get some questions and stares and is making the diagnosis “public”
Gluten Detection Dog – very long and involved training for both dog and owner; if properly trained the dog can alert to gluten in any form at a store before purchase, at home preparing food and all ingredients, food ordered in restaurants and medications; dog can travel with owner to detect gluten while away from home; a well trained dog can detect very small amounts of gluten under 20ppm; ongoing cost of keeping a pet including food and health care; having to be prepared to deal with public reaction to a dog wearing a “gluten detection dog” vest; training never stops and must be continually re-enforced; owner still has to understand all the rules around gluten free and be vigilant in restaurants when ordering; making the diagnosis “public”
My comparisons are not very scientific, and they do show my bias. I’ve never been a fan of the Nima Sensor, I think it can give a false sense of safety. I’ve learned to read labels and re-learned as regulations changed, and I’ve done it over 25 plus years, so I’m comfortable with that. As a newly diagnosed celiac Kendra saw the diagnosis as a significant problem with her job which involved regular travelling. The decision to purchase and train a gluten detection dog is a major life commitment. Clearly Kendra will reap the rewards of her hard work and decision for many years to come. Just as the Nima Sensor may be the answer for some people, and reading labels is the answer for most of us, wouldn’t it be great to have a cuddly companion who is always watching out for any gluten in your food.