LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB)---At first glance it seems that Lexi, a Beagle/Labrador mix, appears to be a normal dog.
However, it's what Lexi can do that proves she is anything but average.
On several occasions Lexi has saved her owners life, including a very close call last year.
Nicole Harer says Lexi detects when her blood sugar is too low or high by smelling saliva. On one occasion, Nicole's blood sugar crashed.
As Nicole Harer hit the ground, she realized she couldn't move.
The diabetic alert dog did it for her, and headed to Nicole's emergency pack.
"This is the amazing part. She took out the glucose injection, which is an emergency shot for an extreme low that saves your life," says Nicole Harer.
After Lexi's help, Nicole blacked out but when she came to the dog, Nicole's husband, and paramedics surrounded her.
"The first they said was she saved your life," says Nicole Harer.
It's that story that has touched people, including members of the Pet Groups United.
At the Bark in the Park event at Seneca Park in Louisville on Saturday, the dog was recognized for her heroic act.
"The PGU is pleased to present this medallion for the Service Animal Award for Excellence to Lexi Harer," the emcee announced.
It's a big award for Lexi that Nicole says she is proud of. This also comes as Harer continues to spread awareness through books and word of mouth about what service dogs can do.
"Because she saved my life and I want to save other people's lives and it's easier than people think," says Nicole Harer.
Lexi has also alerted strangers if she notices a problem with their blood sugar.
As for Nicole Harer, she says she spends her free time raising money for people who can't afford service dogs.
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