Diabetic Alert Dog for Miranda

Do you worry about not waking up every morning? I do. 

My name is Miranda, and I am a Type 1 Diabetic - Insulin Dependent.
I am hypo/hyperglycemic unaware and in need of a D.A.D.  to allow me to live an independent lifestyle and make sure that I continue to wake up each morning, healthy and alive. 

Please explore my GoFundMe page and learn more about Type 1 Diabetes, D.A.D.'s (Diabetic Alert Dogs) and why I need one! I would love for you to follow my journey in getting a D.A.D. and answer any questions you may have!


What is Type 1 Diabetes? 

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that I was born with. This disease is not caused by lifestyle choices nor could it have been prevented. Simply put, my body believed that my insulin creating cells, beta cells, were foreign and harmful. This misled my body to attack and kill all beta cells - this also eliminated my insulin supply. Without insulin, a person cannot survive. The glucose (sugar) in their blood becomes uncontrollable and eventually acidic which leads to death.

Thankfully, I was diagnosed before it got to that point and I now give myself synthetic insulin through injections to control high blood sugars and food consumption (about 6-10 injections per day). I also have to check my blood sugar every 3 hours through a finger prick to determine what my blood glucose is (ideal range being 100-120). But diabetes isn't just about high blood sugars! When it is low, I need carbs (sugar)! It is extremely hard to stay in range. I am on a forever roller coaster ride of highs and lows!

I hope you enjoyed your crash course on Type 1 Diabetes! 


What is a D.A.D.? 

Diabetic Alert Dogs are trained to alert in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become dangerous. With an early alert, I am able to correct a high blood sugar with insulin or a low blood sugar with a sweet like applesauce (my favorite!).  A Diabetic Alert Dog is specifically trained to react to the chemical change produced by blood sugar highs and lows. 


The Training Process:

Diabetic alert dogs are put through an extensive 3 step process, all training being executed through positive rewards! 

1.  Obedience School - In obedience school, dogs are taught... 
                       -   Verbal commands
                       -   Hand signals 
                       -   General commands (eg. sit, stay, come, heel, lay down)
2.  Public Service Training - In public service training, dogs are taught...
                       -   Public service manners
                       -   Exposed to a variety of sounds (eg. traffic, children, alarms)
                       -   Exposed to a variety of sights (eg. livestock, lights, cats)
                       -   Exposed to things in my daily routine (eg. trapshooting)
3. Diabetic Scent Recognition and Alert Signal Duties
           In this step, dogs are taught... 
                       -   To recognize MY specific scent using samples of my blood! 
                       -   To alert me using their paws
                       -   Alert me of a high or low blood sugar



Why does it cost so much? 
A Diabetic Alert Dog is not cheap. They are extremely smart and a lot of time, money and hard work go into their training. There is also a lot more than just the dog included with this program. Not only will I be getting a lifesaving companion, but I will also be getting... 
                         -   Medical care including vaccines, spay/neuter and microchip 
                         -   Over 1,500 hours of intense Service Dog Training
                         -   Public Service Certification (allows for me to bring my dog everywhere)
                         -   Obedience Training Certification (20 voice and hand signals)
                         -   Scent Recognition and Active Alert Certification
                         -   Service dog vest
                         -   Three service dog identification cards
                         -   Service dog collar identification chip 
                         -   Certification with US Service Dog Registry
                         -   Training dog collar 
                         -   Flat buckle dog collar
                         -   6ft long adjustable lead 
                         -   Service dog coupler lead
                         -   Bag of motivational dog treats
                         -   Bag of Fromm premium dog food
                         -   Logo tote bag
                         -   Veterinarian and registration paperwork for your dog
                         -   Two days of in home lessons and training demonstrations (at home!)

How can you help? 
I appreciate any help I can get, even if it's just a share of my GoFundMe page! Please spread this message and donate to help me reach my goal of getting a Diabetic Alert Dog! Prayers, shares, donations and support all are greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!