"Sugar Dog"

When Maybel was 2 years old we started our research on diabetic alert dogs and how having a service animal might be beneficial. We began applying to some nonprofit organizations that provided diabetic alert dogs for free or at a low cost, training may not be covered in the cost with all organizations. We were not selected as an applicant but reapplied yearly with hopes of being selected. It's estimated that several thousand people apply for diabetic alert dogs each year across the country. Organizations specializing in diabetic alert dogs often face high demand, leading to waitlists that can span several months or even years. 

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We have decided to take further action and start fundraising for a diabetic alert dog. There are significant costs associated with obtaining and training a service dog. Diabetic alert dogs can be expensive, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the organization and the level of training required. This expense often includes not just the initial cost of the dog and its training, but also ongoing support, medical care, and equipment.

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Since insurance does not cover these costs and many families find the expense prohibitive, fundraising becomes a crucial way to make this essential support more accessible. Fundraisers like Maybel's Journey help gather financial resources from the community, friends, and family to bridge the gap and in the end, hopefully provide Maybel with the life-changing benefits of a trained diabetic alert dog.

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Why does it cost so much?

The cost of a trained diabetic alert dog is high due to the extensive and specialized training required, which can span several months and demands significant expertise. This training includes both basic obedience and advanced skills to detect changes in blood glucose levels. Additionally, the selection and breeding of suitable dogs involve careful consideration of temperament and health, further contributing to the cost. Ongoing support, including health care, certification, and administrative expenses of running a service dog organization, also add to the overall expense. These factors collectively ensure the dog is highly trained, well-cared-for, and able to provide effective assistance, reflecting the substantial investment needed.

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The least expensive option is to adopt a dog on your own and then have it trained for diabetic alert work. Selecting a breed known for its trainability, temperament, and health, as these traits are crucial for effective alert work. Once adopted, we would reach out to reputable service dog training organizations like Medical Mutts or Dog Training Elite that offer specialized diabetic alert training. It's important to ensure that these organizations can work with a dog that's been chosen independently. The training process will involve teaching the dog to detect blood sugar changes and alert Maybel and her caregiver. Depending on the company, we have been quoted $13,000 - $17,000 for training. That doesn't include the cost of the dog itself. We haven't found a breeder at this time but are looking for specific breeds recommended for diabetic alert dogs. 

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Breeds that excel in diabetic alert dog training typically include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles. Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are favored for their intelligence, strong work ethic, and friendly temperament, which make them highly trainable and responsive. German Shepherds are chosen for their versatility, keen sense of smell, and ability to focus on complex tasks. Standard Poodles, known for their high intelligence and sensitivity, are also well-suited for this role. Doodle breeds like Labradoodles and Goldendoodles combine the desirable traits of Poodles with those of other breeds, enhancing their suitability for alert work. These breeds generally possess the characteristics needed for effective detection and reliable performance as diabetic alert dogs.

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What about adopting from a shelter?

Adopting any dog from a shelter as a diabetic alert dog can be challenging because not all dogs possess the specific traits required for this specialized role. Diabetic alert dogs need a high level of trainability, a keen sense of smell, and a calm temperament to effectively detect changes in blood glucose levels and alert their handlers. Shelter dogs may not always exhibit these traits, and their history or behavioral issues might impact their suitability for this demanding task. The training required for a diabetic alert dog is intensive and requires a solid foundation of obedience and socialization, which might be difficult to establish with a shelter dog without knowing its background and early experiences. Adopting a dog younger than 6 months is best for diabetic alert and scent training because puppies are more adaptable and responsive to early socialization and training. Starting training at this age allows them to develop a keen sense of smell and the specific skills needed for scent detection over time. Early training helps the dog form strong bonds with their handler and integrate seamlessly into their daily routine, enhancing the effectiveness of their alerting abilities.

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​The most promising and of course, the most expensive option is adopting a diabetic alert dog from a specialized company. Depending on the company, we have been quoted $25,000 - $35,000 for training and the animal. Adopting a diabetic alert service dog from a specialized company is beneficial because these organizations are experts in selecting and training dogs specifically for this role. They have rigorous screening processes to choose dogs with the ideal temperament, intelligence, and health for effective alert work. These organizations carefully select parent dogs based on their genetic health, temperament, and trainability. They aim to produce puppies with a strong sense of smell, high intelligence, and a calm, focused demeanor, which are critical for detecting blood sugar changes. The companies then provide extensive specialized training to the dogs, teaching them to recognize, detect, and alert them to fluctuations in blood glucose levels ensuring reliability and accuracy. This approach ensures that the dogs are well-prepared to perform their alerting tasks reliably and integrate smoothly into their new homes. When you buy a diabetic alert dog from a specialized company, the package typically includes not just the trained dog but also a comprehensive support system. This expertise and support are crucial for ensuring that the service dog integrates successfully into the handler's life and performs its duties consistently, making the adoption process smoother and more effective than training a dog independently. Some adoption packages may include necessary equipment like a service dog vest, identification tags, and sometimes specialized medical alert gear. This ensures that both the dog and the handler are well-prepared for successful management of diabetes.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this information. I hope you found it educational and insightful, and that it helps you better understand the process and expenses associated with our fundraiser. Your support is invaluable, and we appreciate your interest in learning more about this important cause.

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