Diabetes Dog? Fact or Fiction?

[Heatherkansas]

Does anyone out there have any real experience with diabetes dogs?  I've done some reading on line about them, but I really can't get a feel for how reliable they are or whether it's just kind of gimmicky.  

Right before my daughter was diagnosed, we lost our beloved lab mix of more than 14 years (it was a rotten summer!).  We adopted another dog in late July--a 10 month old lab mix puppy.  He seems reasonably intelligent and he already sleeps in my daughter's bed (stretched out next to her with her hand on his head---unbelievably sweet), so I can't help but wonder if I could train him to "earn his keep."  I doubt that I would give up those middle of night BG checks, but it might give me a little bit of extra comfort....

[Jadegirl1819]

If you go to the parent forums on childrenwithdiabetes.com there are a few families on their that have diabetes alert dogs.  They speak highly of them.  They even go to school with the children.

[aschwarz06]

i would talk to other families i have heard they are amazing. i really want one for my son but we will wait till hes older since he is only 2.  you could talk to a trainer and see if your pup has the natch for it and can be trained. the pup will have to go through training and become certified if you should choose to use yours so that he can be with your daughter all the time

[SusanD]

We've looked into them, but the 12k sticker price makes it unrealistic.

[aschwarz06]

Most places let you make payments and also receive donations. Those who donate can choose who the donation goes too.I have talked to a few places and they said most people also fundraise and do not end up paying the majority of the cost

Quoting SusanD:

We've looked into them, but the 12k sticker price makes it unrealistic.

[jesicaRN]

 We are actually raising funds right now to get one for my daughter. They are over 98% accurate.  We looked into them right when she was diagnosed, but the price scared me.  We paired up with Warren Retrievers and Guardian Angel Servic Dogs to fundraise.  They cost well over 12,000 through them, but i have an actual friend who has a dog through them and she is a blessing!!!!

[aschwarz06]

We want to get Luke one but don't have a down payment and would like Luke to be older so he can handle the dog. I'm afraid if i am the primary care giver the dog will attach to me and i will then have a 12k pet.

[Dreamcatcher35]

[Dreamcatcher35]

i saw one on nightline or one of those shows... there was also one ar diabetes family day @ vanderbilt. they train them by having kids test their bg and then write it on a test tube... then swab a qtip in their mouth and put that in the tube.  the dog smells this to get used to the number's smell