Life-saving assistance dog made honorary University staff member
20 January 2025
A medical assistance dog who can help prevent his diabetic owner from falling into a diabetic coma has been made an honorary member of staff at the University where his owner is studying.
Chief, a four-year-old German Shepherd, has been by Mexican student Philippe De Alba Anguiano’s side for the last two and a half years and the pair have recently travelled from Philippe’s home in Mexico City to rural Gloucestershire where type 1 diabetic Phillipe is spending a semester studying at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU).
Philippe said: “I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 10 years old and, over the years, I have had real trouble monitoring my glucose levels. A couple of times I have been really ill and had to spend time in hospital.
“I now use a Continuous Glucose Monitor, essentially an insulin pump, and this usually works fine but sometimes it doesn’t work very effectively and that’s where Chief comes in.
“He is a working dog but, to him, this work is really play. He does it for reward – he helps keep me well and I pay him in dog treats!”
Chief, who was specially bred to be a medical assistance dog, has been trained to pick up on certain smells that Philippe’s body gives off when he has either a high or low blood sugar level and to alert him before anything becomes a problem.
Philippe added: “If Chief senses that my blood sugar is too high or too low and I might be in danger, he will whine to alert me and will also use his nose to bump my arm or leg to let me know. I can then check my levels and take whatever action is needed to get my levels back to where they should be.”
Chief, who lives with Philippe in the RAU’s Halls of Residence, can even pick up on changes that occur during the night and has been trained to wake Philippe or to bark to raise the alarm and get help if Philippe does not respond.
In recognition of the valuable work that he does to keep Philippe safe and healthy, the RAU has now honoured Chief with his own RAU Staff ID card.
Presenting Chief with his card, RAU Chief Operating Officer Graham Pollard said: “A core principle for all our staff is to ensure that students are kept safe and are equipped to have the best possible experience whilst they are here.
“Chief is doing this as well as any of our staff members - performing a critical role keeping Philippe healthy in a really remarkable way, as well as being friendly and welcome addition to campus for all who meet him - so it feels only right that we formally recognise Chief’s contribution.
“We could not be more delighted to welcome him as an honorary member of the University’s staff.”
Philippe, who is studying for a degree in Biology at Arkansas State University’s campus in Queretaro, Mexico, came to the RAU’s Cirencester campus last September to study specific wildlife and environment, and livestock modules as part of an international partnership between the two universities.
Chief is originally from Germany but was trained as a medical Assistance Dog by Bocalan, a Mexican organisation that trains dogs to help people with physical disabilities or social and emotional needs.
As well as accompanying Phillipe to his lectures, Chief regularly travels with Philippe and his family and has visited 38 different countries. Chief also has his own social media accounts – on Instagram and Tik Tok – which Philippe updates regularly!
Philippe explained: “He loves travelling! He’s been on boats, planes, and cruises with me – he really loves cruising! Every trip just reinforces how essential and life-changing his presence is and the important role assistance dogs play.”
And Philippe’s love and gratitude for Chief has been reflected in Philippe’s studies and future career choice. When he graduates in 2026, Philippe hopes to work in the area of cynology - the scientific study of dogs!