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Comment by Sweetgirl on August 17, 2012 at 12:01pm

Hi Everybody,

I have been working with Mary McNeight, through Service Dog Academy, to train Zoe to be a DAD. We are doing well, and Zoe is going through the training.

I just want to say that Canada is a bit behind the times when it comes to accepting assistance dogs in public places. It is difficult to have to explain and go through being one of the first DAD handlers here.

This weekend, we are at a beautiful camp called Geneva Park YMCA, on Lake Couchiching just outside of Orillia, Ontario, Canada. When I called ahead, I made sure that assistance dogs are allowed. I was told yes, and to just make sure I bring my dog in when I register.

While eating our dinner, the General Manager of the camp comes and sits down at our table. He says, "I understand we have a furry friend here". I said yes. He said, "We are a no animals allowed establishment." I just kind of looked at him, and was seeing myself taking Zoe all the way back to Toronto, a 2 hour trip. I said, "she's a service dog". He said, "Oh? Well, do you have papers?" I said, "What kind of papers?" He says, "Papers that declare what kind of service she performs, etc." (which was a clue he knew nothing about service dogs...) Meanwhile, I was embarassed and everyone at the table was spellbound. Zoe, sleeping under my chair wearing her service vest and i.d. tags.

I said, I don't have papers with me because the woman I spoke to told me I wouldn't need them. I can tell you what service she performs. He says, "Okay, tell me what she does." I proceded to tell him what a DAD does, and that I wear an insulin pump, and that Zoe must go everywhere with me.

Nobody informed him, or any of the other staff that a service dog was on the premesis. Interesting.

He apologized, over and over, until I felt so bad for him.

I was later in the auditorium getting ready to play the keyboard (Zoe on the platform with me) and he came in. I thought, oh no, are we going to get kicked out of here? Really?

The General Manager approached me and he said he just wanted to apologize again, that he was sorry he interrupted my meal, and he was making the staff aware, and then he just kept apologizing. He let me know his name was Jim, and I said it was very nice to meet him and please be assured there were no hard feelings.

There are so many people with disabilities here - a whole group of cerebral palsy sufferers, people in electric wheelchairs, etc. It's kind of interesting that the place doesn't have much experience with assistance, or service, dogs.

Comment by missrobbie on May 25, 2012 at 9:08pm

After reading some post on this group, there has to be a trainer who is willing to help diabetic train their own service dogs for free. I know this world isn't that greedy yet.
1. For diabetic who don't have a dog, the diabetic needs to find a puppy near 8 weeks old from a shelter or breeder & puppy raise the puppy (social, basic training etc).
2. After that, some diabetic need help on how to train their dog for diabetes scent training and other service training.
i'm going to talk to breeders,shelters and trainers and see if these people are willing to help diabetic who can;'t afford expensive service dog programs

Comment by equineacres on January 14, 2012 at 6:30pm

Sweetgirl, I recently went to Vancouver for the day to be a tourist ( I live in WA state.) We went Stanley Park and Granville Island to shop. We had absolutely no problems with having my dog with me. The border crossing guards didn't even ask for his paperwork or vet/shot records. I don't know that you'd have too many problems, but I guess it also depends on the area. I was surprised at how accepting people were.

Comment by equineacres on January 14, 2012 at 6:27pm

Comment by Sweetgirl on January 1, 2012 at 9:35pm

Hi Miss Robbie,
There are low cost programs to train your own DAD. I am doing the research now. There is a place in Vancouver, BC, that is FREE.

I am seriously considering Service Dog Academy, with Mary McNeight, in Seattle, WA. She has FREE videos on YouTube. Just go to Service Dog Academy dot com, and you can see them - there's about 18 now. The reason I am strongly considering going with her is that she is quite thorough in her training, and she will also talk to you on the phone if you need.

Tidewater K9, from Virginia, will sell you one DVD for $250, and then you pay another $250 for additional support. The guy is quite nice, as I have talked to him on the phone.

I am in Canada, and find that people have never heard of DADs before, but when I explain it they think it's great. BUT, because of public ignorance, I fear it's going to be hard to get my dog into public access situations like stores and restaurants. OMG it is going to be so much work to train her, and then to have her refused access?

I did buy a little service dog ID tag and my son-in-law attached it to her collar for me. Not sure if anyone will see it as valid.

Thanks for listening,
Mary-SweetGirl

Comment by missrobbie on January 1, 2012 at 6:45pm

There has to be a cheap/low cost way to get DAD or train your own dog.

Comment by Linda G on January 1, 2012 at 6:10pm

HAPPY NEW YEAR :)

Comment by equineacres on October 28, 2011 at 6:38pm

I own a DAD. He alerts to BG higher than 170 and lower than 80. He has given early warnings to steep sudden drops. After an alert he can tell me whether it is high or low.
DADs do require constant maintenance on their training. If someone thinks they are getting a "finished dog" that is perfect and never requires work, then they are doomed for disappointment.
There is a lot of information on diabeticalertdogs.org and access to trainers (including Scott) if you are interested. They actually recently held a Diabetic Alert Dog workshop/conference last weekend that was full of good info.

Comment by Richard157 on October 28, 2011 at 6:03pm

Here is the article I saw in the Diabetes Health magazine, about a DAD.

http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2011/10/19/7320/life-with-kolumb...

Comment by Kathy on October 28, 2011 at 4:34pm

Thanks, Richard.
I did see this. I wish they had been more detailed on what the dog could do. It is very encouraging though.

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