See How Star Instagram Service Dog Keeps Celiac Owner From Eating Gluten

Celiac.com 01/23/2024 - In the bustling world of Instagram, among the memes and selfies, a star has emerged, and her name is Suki. But Suki is not your typical social media sensation; she is a three-year-old Portuguese water dog with a unique talent — she can detect gluten. This ability is not just a party trick; it's a crucial skill that keeps her owner, Kendra Williams, safe from the perils of celiac disease.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition, affecting about one in a hundred Americans, where the ingestion of gluten triggers the immune system to attack the body's tissues. For Kendra, a resident of San Diego, California, managing this condition was particularly challenging, especially when dining out.

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In a video that quickly went viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of views, Suki showcases her gluten-detection skills. The video captures the duo in a restaurant setting, with Suki carefully sniffing plates presented by Kendra. A subtle poke of the nose indicates a gluten-free dish, while a raised paw signals the presence of gluten, as demonstrated dramatically at the end of the video, when a macaroon is revealed to contain the troublesome protein.

How Suki is Trained to Smell Gluten and Alert Owner

Watch Suki check food for trace gluten

Kendra was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2017 and, like many with the condition, found dining in restaurants to be a source of anxiety due to the risk of inadvertent gluten exposure. "There were many instances where food in restaurants contained gluten, even though it should have been gluten-free," she shared.

Faced with the challenges of unpredictable restaurant experiences, Kendra decided to take matters into her own hands, or rather, into Suki's capable nose. She embarked on a journey to train Suki as a gluten-detection dog. The process, with the guidance of a gluten detection trainer, took 18 to 24 months.

See Suki in training 

Suki's role goes beyond the dinner table; she diligently checks all of Kendra's food, medicine, and personal care products. In an interview with Newsweek, Kendra expressed the profound impact Suki has had on her life: "I would be lost without Suki." The duo, inseparable travel companions, has explored nine states together, offering Kendra not just a loyal friend but a vigilant guardian against gluten-related mishaps.

While Suki plays a pivotal role, Kendra emphasizes that she still reads labels and communicates with restaurant staff about ingredients. Suki, in essence, adds an extra layer of security, eliminating the fear of accidental gluten ingestion. "With Suki, I can enjoy a meal at a restaurant without fear that I may be out of commission for a week or longer," Kendra shared.

See Suki at work

The heartwarming video of Suki in action has resonated with the online community. Suki's unique skill not only showcases the incredible abilities of service animals, but also brings attention to the daily challenges faced by those with celiac disease. For Kendra, Suki is more than just a companion, she's a lifeline, sniffing out potential health risks and allowing her owner to savor the simple joy of a worry-free meal.

Follow Suki the Portuguese Water Dog on Instagram at: instagram.com/sukipwd/