"Sugar Dog"

Maybel was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 11 months old. A diabetic alert dog, or as Maybel likes to say "sugar dog," would be a valuable addition to her type 1 diabetes care. These specially trained animals can detect changes in blood glucose levels that may not be immediately noticeable to a person with diabetes or their caregiver. By alerting the individual or their caregivers to impending high or low blood sugar episodes, the dog provides an early warning system that helps prevent severe complications and allows for timely intervention. This not only enhances safety and stability but also reduces the stress and burden of constant monitoring. Additionally, the companionship and emotional support provided by a service dog can improve overall well-being, making daily management of the condition less overwhelming. Sugar dogs can also be trained for retrieval of important items, such as a diabetic supplies bag or medical device.

Adoption and Training

When Maybel was two years old, we began researching diabetic alert dogs and how a service animal could benefit her. We applied to several nonprofit organizations that provide diabetic alert dogs at little to no cost, though training is not always included. Unfortunately, we were not selected but continue to reapply each year, hoping for approval. Several thousand people apply for diabetic alert dogs annually, leading to long waitlists that span months or even years.

Because of the urgent need, we have decided to take action and fundraise for a diabetic alert dog ourselves. The costs associated with obtaining and training a service dog are significant, typically ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the organization and level of training. These expenses go beyond just the initial cost of the dog and training; they also include ongoing support, medical care, and necessary equipment. Since insurance does not cover any of these costs, fundraising has become an essential step in making this life-saving resource accessible to families like ours.

We plan to work with Top Notch in Elkhart, Indiana, a reputable service dog training company that has provided us with an estimate of $25,000. Our goal is to raise $30,000 to help cover additional expenses, including travel costs for multiple trips to Elkhart as we transition the dog into our home and complete training.

Diabetic alert dogs undergo extensive and specialized training that can take months and requires significant expertise. Their training includes obedience, scent detection for blood glucose fluctuations, and public access skills. The selection and breeding process is meticulous, ensuring the dog has the intelligence, temperament, and drive required for this highly skilled work. Additionally, ongoing support, certification, and healthcare contribute to the overall cost, ensuring the dog remains well-trained and effective.

Breeds that excel in diabetic alert dog training include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles. These breeds are known for their intelligence, strong work ethic, and keen sense of smell. Doodle breeds like Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are also sometimes used due to their blend of these desirable traits. Selecting a dog specifically bred for service work increases the likelihood of success, as these animals are carefully chosen for their ability to remain focused, calm, and reliable in various environments.

While adopting from a shelter is a wonderful way to give a dog a home, it is not typically the best route for acquiring a diabetic alert dog. These dogs require specific traits such as a strong drive to work, a highly developed sense of smell, and a temperament suited for intense training. Shelter dogs often come with unknown histories, behavioral challenges, or health issues that may make them unsuitable for this demanding role. Experts recommend starting with a puppy as young as possible, as they are more adaptable and can be trained from the start to detect the handler’s unique scent changes associated with blood sugar fluctuations.

The most promising—and most expensive—option is obtaining a diabetic alert dog from a specialized company. These organizations conduct rigorous screening to select dogs with the ideal temperament, intelligence, and scenting ability. They carefully choose parent dogs for their genetic health and train puppies extensively to ensure they reliably detect and alert to changes in blood glucose levels. Purchasing a diabetic alert dog from a reputable company also includes ongoing training support, certification, and necessary service dog equipment such as vests and identification tags. These elements are crucial in ensuring the dog can seamlessly integrate into daily life and provide reliable assistance.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about this process. We hope this information has provided insight into why a diabetic alert dog is so essential for Maybel and why fundraising is necessary. Your support means the world to us, and we appreciate every effort to help make this life-changing resource a reality for our family.