I think I have a service dog!!!!!!

[MyBabyFynnlie]

To get her registered as a "Service Dog" you have to take her to obiedience classes and then take her to a therapy class. Then, she has to pass the handling test.

I'm doing that with Fynnlie. He's going to be a 'chair therapy dog' and he's in his first round of classes.

[AllDogBoots]

I'm so happy for you. A friend of a friend of mine had a diabetes service dog. I don't know all the details, but I do believe he got this dog from a woman in California who visits shelters, rescues dogs and then trains them to be diabetic service dogs.

I may be able to put you in contact with this woman. I'm working on it.

[lizzieg]

I think you have a fabulous service dog, indeed. First, a dog must go through basic obedience training. Next is the service training; here is a list of medical response dog trainers across the US. I found a trainer in NC to work with me on training service dogs for an elderly community. Good luck and warm wishes. She will do great.

Wolf Packs - Service Dog Trainers

[Lou]

Here is another thread I found here on YT for those who are interested.
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/tra...rvice-dog.html

[mscat]

Originally Posted by Lou

I'm in tears. Thank you all for caring so much, sharing your stories and doing research. It is just more than a heart can handle without crying for joy.

I'm gonna do it! I can't find anywhere in any state where service dogs have to be registered. And most states don't require a doctor's letter but I will get one just in case. I even found little pink service dog patches on ebay for crying out loud. LOL

I didn't share this on this thread but I did tell a member in a pm that I am not on insulin shots yet but the doctor says it will be soon because we are starting to have trouble keeping things in balance. There are a couple of more medications to try but it doesn't look good. In fact he says that it is unavoidable. I cried when he told me that because I have been so good about diet and monitoring and all. BUT knowing that little Ms Adie may help protect me makes it so much easier to accept!

Thanks again y'all. You are the best!

Hi Lou,
I did get a letter for my service dog from a Doctor. however, that was to have her in the apt. i live at, because of the No pet policy. You are right that you do not have to take classess in order to have a service dog legally. I like to have a vest or something like that to "show" people that she is one , when you have her with you out in public.
A therapy dog is different then a serice dog, they are not the same thing. Therapy dogs work with the public and do need training ....

[BellarousasMom]

Good luck Lou...I hope you get all your info.

[TresCutePiggies]

Type 1 diabetic here (so obviously on insulin). That's amazing Adie can sniff out when you are going low, especially when they come on quickly or if you are hypo unaware! A monitor only tells you where you are at any given point in time, not if you are on the way up, down, or stable, which people without diabetes can't quite understand the importance of knowing. I know some people like CGMS (continuous glucose monitoring systems), I'm not sure they are quite "there" yet. Of course, most insurance companies won't pay for them either at this point.

I came across this website awhile ago, so it is definitely something service dogs are being used to do: Dogs4Diabetics - providing medical alert assistance dogs to insulin-dependent diabetics

Good luck!

[Lou]

Originally Posted by TresCutePiggies

Type 1 diabetic here (so obviously on insulin). That's amazing Adie can sniff out when you are going low, especially when they come on quickly or if you are hypo unaware! A monitor only tells you where you are at any given point in time, not if you are on the way up, down, or stable, which people without diabetes can't quite understand the importance of knowing. I know some people like CGMS (continuous glucose monitoring systems), I'm not sure they are quite "there" yet. Of course, most insurance companies won't pay for them either at this point.

I came across this website awhile ago, so it is definitely something service dogs are being used to do: Dogs4Diabetics - providing medical alert assistance dogs to insulin-dependent diabetics

Good luck!

Thanks Tres!
I have been all over the web and I think I am going to buy patches for Adie's harness vest as well as an ID tag with her picture on it. They also have cards with ADA requirements on them so I will carry those too. One thing I want to do first is wait for one more episode and see how she acts. I'm pretty sure she is reacting to the low blood sugar but one more time will prove it. I won't have to wait that long I fear. They are coming more often these days. Had one yesterday at work. My niece (another diabetic) told me that the longer you have diabetes the less notice you get. Her sister went into diabetic shock or coma (I can't remember the difference) and crashed head-on into another car. She was the only one killed in the accident but it sure shook the family up. She first bounced off of a semi and then hit the care behind it head on. The semi driver said she was slumped over the wheel before she hit him. She was only 23 and actually had a roll of Lifesavers in her purse. My Mom ultimately died from the same thing. She died in her sleep and had a lot of things wrong with her but her low glucose levels always happened at night. She stopped waking up when they occurred and if it weren't for her nurses (Nursing home) checking on her throughout the night she would have died sooner. (Long story - Alzeheimers, cancer, diabetes, all at 86 years old.)

I think if all type I diabetics should consider getting a service dog if they don't have one already. I'll be interested in learning how they train them.
Thanks again!
Hugs.
L