Richard’s Diabetic Alert Dog

My name is Richard Farmer, I have had diabetes for 26 years and have struggled with the peaks and valleys of day to day life with my blood sugars. I have enclosed a brief summary of what diabetes is and how it affects myself. This information was taken from the internet. Diabetes, often referred to as a lifestyle disease, is very common nowadays. The American Diabetes Association (2010) pointed out that diabetes affects chiefly the metabolic functioning of the body. The way the body utilizes digested food for energy and growth is affected. The food that people eat is usually broken down into glucose. In order for glucose to get inside the cells, a hormone called insulin must be available. This insulin is normally produced by a large gland behind the stomach called pancreas. However, in diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient amount of insulin. At most instances, it produces very small or no amount of insulin at all. My pancreas produces no insulin, therefore my blood sugars fluctuate from low (below 70 mg/dl) to high (above 130 mg/dl). I check my blood sugars at least 5 times a day using my Freestyle Libre glucometer, and try to maintain healthy glucose levels, yet I still have highs and lows. I do not always pick up on the change and have had low blood sugars requiring immediate assistance. A diabetic alert dog will help me recognize when my sugars are trending high or low before I need assistance, thereby allowing me to have a more secure day to day relationship with those who are in my life and with my work family. The following is a letter from Diabetic Alert Dogs of America. www.DiabeticAlertDogsofAmerica.com May 17th 2019 To: Whom it may concern RE: Diabetic Alert Dog Fundraising This letter is to confirm that Richard Farmer of Wichita Falls, Tx is actively and currently fundraising to acquire a lifesaving Diabetic Alert Service Dog for himself. Richard has Type 1 Diabetes and needs the assistance of a Service Dog to help keep his blood glucose levels within a normal and healthy range. A Diabetic Alert Dog will be trained to alert Richard and family in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become dangerous. This way he may take the proper steps to return his blood sugar to normal, such as using glucose sweets or taking insulin. These specially trained Service Dogs cost $15,000.00 due to the required amount of training and time that it takes to become certified as a working Diabetic Alert Dog. Unfortunately, insurance companies have refused to assist with these expenses, therefore the burden has fallen on families and supporters to donate to provide these amazing life saving dogs to their in need diabetic companions. By assisting Richard Farmer with his fundraising goals you are making a significant difference in his life and helping him get one step closer to achieving the dream of obtaining his very own Diabetic Alert Dog. We at Diabetic Alert Dogs of America support Richard in his quest. We ask that you donate or assist in any way possible no matter how little it may seem so that he may accomplish his fundraising goals. Thank you in advance for your support. For more information on how you may help Richard Farmer, please contact him directly or Diabetic Alert Dogs of America at: (800) 975–5177 or [email redacted]