Round the Bays race welcomes diabetic response dog

Vicki Parry takes Ada most places, including to the supermarket, and will soon be taking her on the Round The Bays run. Photo / Greg Bowker

Pets might be barred from next month's Ports of Auckland Round the Bays but for one helpful husky, race organisers will happily make an exception.

Vicki Parry and her siberian husky Ada will cross the start line on March 8 to benefit Diabetes New Zealand's Auckland branch and the foundation that trained Ada to help her owner cope with the condition.

Ms Parry, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 24 years, has found in Ada an amazing new way to ensure her blood-sugar levels remain stable.

The 30-year-old had bought Ada as a puppy, before dog trainer Flip Calkoen trained her up as New Zealand's first diabetic response dog.

How it is that Ada can sense when Ms Parry's levels are too high or low - or if they're about to be - remains a mystery, but trainers believe the ability is scent-based.

"She has made a huge change to my general health and wellbeing, along with the control of my diabetes," Ms Parry told the Herald.

So to return thanks to Diabetes NZ and Kotuku Foundation Assistance Animals Aotearoa, a charity for which Mr Calkoen helps train medical response dogs, Ms Parry and Ada will run the 8.4km stretch from downtown to St Helier's Bay while raising cash and awareness for the two groups.

Ms Parry and Ada have already raised more than $1500, helping the Diabetes NZ's Auckland branch "Team Blue", sponsored by Sanofi and Rapid Fitness, to achieve second place in fundraising among the teams taking part.

In preparation for the race, the pair have been putting paws and feet to pavement around their neighbourhood in Beachhaven.

"She comes with me everywhere. But because she is a working dog, I still need to make sure we keep a balance and that I don't over-tire her by running too much."

After work-outs, the laid-back and cheerful canine cools down in a paddling pool Ms Parry has set up at home.

While their ultimate goal is to complete a half marathon together, their first step will be getting other contestants used to the sight of a six-legged team.

"I imagine it's probably not what people are going to be expecting."

• To support Vicki and Ada's cause with a donation, search for "Six Legs" on the fundraising website www.everydayhero.co.nz.