In an unexpected twist, students at Crestview High School in Springfield, Virginia, were greeted with an unforgettable surprise when they opened their yearbooks this year. Introducing the star of the junior class: meet Charlie, the beloved service dog of Mark Thompson.
Sophomore Emily Carter, who rides the same bus as Mark, was delighted to discover Charlie’s photo included in the yearbook. She quickly shared the moment on social media, and her tweet quickly garnered nearly 3,000 retweets, spreading joy among followers everywhere.
Charlie plays a vital role in Mark’s life, as he manages a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. According to Mark, Charlie uses his extraordinary sense of smell to alert him when his blood sugar levels are dangerously low or high, often recognizing changes 20-40 minutes before Mark himself does. “He’s saved my life multiple times, including waking me up at night when my blood sugar drops too low,” Mark explained. “Charlie has turned my diabetes into a positive aspect of my life instead of a burden.”
Having attended school alongside Mark since last year, Charlie has become a cherished part of the school community. Mark recounted how natural it felt to have Charlie included in the yearbook. “I spoke to a friend in the yearbook club about including Charlie, and she brought it up to the teacher in charge. The administration was fully supportive of the idea,” he shared.
On picture day, Charlie posed effortlessly for the camera. Mark added, “After I took my picture, I moved Charlie in front of the camera, and they captured his photo beautifully.”
As Mark prepares for his final year of high school, he knows that Charlie will be by his side every day. “He’ll be with me in college and whatever comes after that,” he said. However, Mark humorously noted that there is one event he plans to attend solo: “He might be in the prom photos, but he won’t actually be at prom.”
For more on parenting and family life, check out this post on home insemination techniques. If you’re interested in further information on home insemination, consult the experts at Make a Mom. Additionally, for valuable insights on pregnancy, you can visit Healthline.
In summary, Charlie the service dog has not only been a lifesaver for Mark but has also become a beloved figure at Crestview High School, earning his rightful place in the yearbook.