I was wondering if any of you have experience with this. I have a life long friend who is diabetic and has been having issues with her blood sugar getting way to low. She was in a car accident because of this and now doesn’t drive anymore. She is lucky she wasn’t paralyzed from her neck injury. She was given opioids for the pain (along with a pretty intense neck brace) and became addicted. She is now on methadone and is slowly being weaned off. The methadone apparently messes with her sugar levels. She can’t afford to buy a trained dog and she met someone who trained their own dog. This dog jumped up on her with paws on her hip, which is how it signals sugar is too high. The person told her this and my friend responded that her sugar wasn’t high. She was told to check it and she did, and it was high. It really is truly amazing the things dogs (and other animals) can do. She was concerned that she’s not allowed to have a dog where she lives but I looked up the Americans with disabilities act and because of her situation she can have a trained service dog and can’t be kicked out of her apartment. You all always have good advice so I figured I’d ask. Thanks
I have no advice Marc, but, dogs are obviously capable aren’t they I hope there is someone here can help you, it would be a shame for this opportunity to pass
No personal knowledge, but I had a quick Google. This would be possible in the UK. They advise starting with a puppy and first taking the Kennel Club Good Citizen tests at Bronze and Silver level. The handler must be able to attend regular sessions at the training centre, also attend public access training days. The handler must be able to keep necessary records. None of which is any use to you in America! The only centre that I found is Canines 4 Hope Medical Alert Dog Training, which is based in Palm City, Palm Beach, Florida. They advertise customised Alert Dog training programs, and say that the training takes 3 - 6 months. Apparently not for profit programs are available, but the waiting list is 3 years! However, it may be worth a phone call to see if they are able to supply any other contacts. Tel.1-855-885-6262, Canines4Hope.com
I have no idea, sorry Marc, but somehow Tikva knew, as as Pereg did before her, to tell me if it was a friend or foe coming down the path if I was not able to see. With different woofs for each. But that was for sounds and not anything else. One born after the other had gone to The Bridge but both seemed to know I am hard of hearing. No help to you in this example but dogs can be easily taught although I do not know how. My two seemed to have taught themselves what they needed to know, by themselves.
