Diabetes Alert Dog Needed

At 3 months of age I had my pancreas removed, due to a tumor, subsequently rendering me an insulin dependent diabetic for the rest of my life.I have lived my entire life, with the help of my family, dealing with my condition through daily injections of insulin, checking blood sugar levels, diet and exercise.Although I have good control of my blood sugars it is nearly impossible to have complete control.

I spent the last several months researching Diabetes Alert Dogs (DAD) across the country. My goal was to find a dog that would have the capability of detecting and waking me up when my blood sugars are dangerously low or high. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to and have had the opportunity to volunteer at Penn Vet Working Dog Center in Philadelphia, PA (www.PennVetWDC.org). They have established a working dog center which now includes Diabetes Alert Dogs.We have started the process of training Punches with detecting low and high blood sugars.This is done through the odor of my saliva.I have and will continue to supply the center with samples of low and high blood sugars.This process is done by placing gauze in my mouth for a minute, then storing it in a vial, freezing it and labeling the container.I then have it transported to the center.

The cost and time to train a service dog (sometimes as much as $20,000) is substantial and the process can take a full year to complete.I am asking for donations so Punches and I can become partners.

Thank you for any support you can provide.

Lindsey Kelly