DOGS4DIABETICS Fall 2015

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Katherine Montgomery
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1 Quarterly Newsletter DOGS4DIABETICS Fall 2015 Keeping you in the KNOW - Latest and Greatest at Dogs4Diabetics HAPPY TAILS Life with a Medical-Alert Dog. Hear Allison s tails of her and Hally. p.3 TRAINER TREATS Are your pups ready for the Holidays? Get helpful tips on how to prepare. p.5 D4D & Righteous Pups Australia Exciting news, D4D has partnered with a service dog organization in Australia. p.7 1

KIBBLE FROM THE CORNER OFFICE - by Ralph Hendrix, Executive Director D4D enjoyed the company of several of our young clients and friends this summer who helped with every aspect of our program.

My wife told me of a story shared on Good Morning America this week of the new book, Elle & Coach, by Stefany Shaheen, which reminded me of all our young and amazing clients.

2 KIBBLE FROM THE CORNER OFFICE - by Ralph Hendrix, Executive Director D4D enjoyed the company of several of our young clients and friends this summer who helped with every aspect of our program. They assisted in training, record keeping, dog grooming, and recycling. It was wonderful to see how they have grown, and how they re thriving in their everyday lives. My wife told me of a story shared on Good Morning America this week of the new book, Elle & Coach, by Stefany Shaheen, which reminded me of all our young and amazing clients. You could put the names of all our youth and their dogs on the title cover, Kristin and Rochelle, Savannah & Allie, Dylan & Celeste, Herman & Carter, and the list goes on. I found it interesting that I have heard every story told in this book from the many parents I have known at D4D. The experiences when their child was diagnosed; the difficulties in all aspects of learning how to cope; the highs and the lows; everyone speaks of the same things. It tells of the maturity that our young people develop early; the independence that they yearn for and earn; the responsibility that they take to deal with their diabetes; and the tremendous amount of work they undergo to develop a bond with their dogs to sustain a reliable and consistent alerting process. While this book is not about our program, nor the extensive training that we provide to our dogs and clients, I hope that you have the opportunity to read it for the inspiring story it tells. It provides a comprehensive understanding of Type I diabetes, and how it impacts the lives of those who have to deal with it over a lifetime. It also presents the difference these dogs can make in the life of a person who wants to invest the time, effort and love that it requires to develop a relationship with a properly trained Medical-Alert Assistance Dog. Share your story with others, and help them know of the value these dogs provide in the lives of people with diabetes. D4D s objective is to serve more people across a larger geography, continuing to provide these great dogs at virtually no cost. Your help to spread this message and help us grow our program will make this happen. Please remember D4D through your year-end donations. Savannah (top) and Kristin (bottom) are two of the wonderful Client/Dog teams who generously donated their time to D4D this summer. We are always in need of volunteers, and promise a tail waggin time... so give us a call, and get involved! 2

HAPPY TAILS... Almost 4 years ago, Allison was placed with her Medical- Alert Assistance Dog, Hally.

With a big smile on her face, Allison explains, Hally is known for her over enthusiastic tail, and love of tennis balls.

Allison talks about how her experiences at D4D have been rewarding and life changing. D4D has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people who have been an amazing support system.

All photos by Yellow Neener Photography One of my favorite memories is when Hally alerted my softball coach to my low blood sugar.

3 HAPPY TAILS... Almost 4 years ago, Allison was placed with her Medical- Alert Assistance Dog, Hally. When I was partnered with Hally, I learned that she had many nicknames such as, wiggle butt, Hally Lally, and Hally Berry. With a big smile on her face, Allison explains, Hally is known for her over enthusiastic tail, and love of tennis balls. D4D has forever changed my life, and I am forever grateful for all they have given me! Hally is my best friend, my lifesaver, and my happiness. Allison talks about how her experiences at D4D have been rewarding and life changing. D4D has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people who have been an amazing support system. D4D and the D4D community has given me the most amazing memories and gift, Hally! All photos by Yellow Neener Photography One of my favorite memories is when Hally alerted my softball coach to my low blood sugar. Allison explains she and her softball team were conditioning in her school gym, which meant a lot of running and exercise. Hally was tied down on the side of the gym, next to my softball coach, and as I sprinted by, in that split second, Hally sat up, started wagging her tail, and grabbed her bringsel. Allison goes on to talk about how Hally got the attention of her coach letting her know I need to check my blood sugar. Sure enough I was low, and who knows how low my blood sugar could have gone if Hally didn t alert. I felt fine. There are so many stories just like this where Hally has truly saved my life! 3

Most exciting is our upcoming Graduation on Saturday, November 7, from 2pm to 4pm at the Walnut Creek Christian Academy. This is going to be one of the best graduations ever!

4 ARMSTRONG S DOG HOUSE - by Danielle, Mark Ruefenacht s trusted Medical-Alert Dog & Best Friend Woof! There is so much to fill you in on... us dogs and humans have been really working hard at D4D since my last update. Most exciting is our upcoming Graduation on Saturday, November 7, from 2pm to 4pm at the Walnut Creek Christian Academy. This is going to be one of the best graduations ever! We will be honoring the work of a huge group of my dog buddies and their humans. I hope that you will all come and enjoy their stories! See our event calendar for more information: Also, Guide Dogs for the Blind has been great, and has provided us with lots of dogs this year, so all of my friends have a chance at a service career. Our trainers, volunteers, and fosters have been busy as bees, working their tails off to train and place us dogs with our humans. Oh, by the way, have you seen our new monthly newsletter, The Monthly Treat, which follows our dogs in training? It is now available for all to see on our website, check-out our new dogs in training, and see what they re up to! I am really looking forward to the Holidays as we have so much for which to be thankful. Be sure to read Treats from the Trainers that provides helpful reminders about the Holidays and keeping us safe. Well, I could go on and on about all the great things happening here but it's time to wrap up. I'm grateful for the opportunity to fill you in on what is new and exciting at D4D. Woof! Check-out Winifred (Winnie), kickin tail and taking names in her D4D training! 4

5 TREATS FROM THE TRAINERS - By Carrie Skym & Christina Vincent-Power Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the Holiday festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations: No Feasting for the Furries... By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans. Leave the Leftovers... Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills. Yellow Neener Photography Christmas Tree... Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset from spilling. We want your loved ones to stay safe during the Holiday season, and hope these tips from our friends at the ASPCA are helpful - Program Manager, Carrie Skym Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe. Toy Joy... Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe. Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, such as Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Wired Up... Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth. 5

6 We Raised an Amazing $12,690 your support makes all the difference in fulfilling our mission, thank you! Dogs4Diabetics! 3rd Annual DOGtoberfest!! Thank you for your support! Yellow Neener Photography 6

all Medical Assistance Dog organizations.

7 EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT... - D4D Founder Mark Ruefenacht is honored by Guide Dogs for the Blind As a pioneer in the Medical-Alert Assistance Dog industry, Mark continues to champion high training standards and ethics for all Medical Assistance Dog organizations. As well as access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and continued research into the training and use of dogs to assist in the mitigation of different medical conditions. Yellow Neener Photography It was in 2004 that Mark founded Dogs for Diabetics, the first-of-its-kind Assistance Dog organization fully accredited with Assistance Dogs International (ADI) for the training, placement, and follow-up services of dogs to assist insulin-dependent diabetics. In an effort to serve the larger diabetic community, save more lives, and share our knowledge, Dogs4Diabetics has entered into a landmark agreement with Righteous Pups of Australia to train and place dogs with insulindependent diabetics in Australia. Hollis (D4D Chief Canine Ambassador) and Mandela from Righteous Pups seal this exciting agreement with their paw prints. D4D and Righteous Pups of Australia are working together because both programs are highly respected for the quality of their training programs and their commitment to a lifetime of support for a client/dog team. Righteous Pups of Australia has a similar model to Dogs4Diabetics of providing these life-saving dogs at no cost to the recipient. Additionally, D4D and Righteous Pups of Australia are both accredited, and meet the standards set forth by Assistance Dogs International. Yellow Neener Photography Dogs4Diabetics Founder Mark Ruefenacht said, "We are thrilled to be working with Righteous Pups who reflect our high standards of quality and share our values of integrity and ethics. We are so pleased to have Dogs4Diabetics in Australia (D4D-AU)." Stay tuned for more news and photos as we work together in this important endeavor to have a global impact on the diabetic community. 7

8 S E Q U O I A C L U B Our Fall class will go through 130 hours of comprehensive training to learn all there is to know about becoming expert dog handlers. MEET OUR FALL CLIENT CLASS... All of our clients learn dog health care and grooming. Peggy learns corrections and behavior modification. Tiffani tackles and masters the art of dog engagement. 8

9 We Need Foster Care Providers... One thing that makes our training program unique is that our dogs never live in a kennel. They spend their days at the Nylabone Training Center in Concord, but they spend their evenings and weekends with loving foster families. Foster Care is the foundation of our program, and the number of dogs we can accept SPECIAL into our program is determined WAGS by the number of Foster Care Providers available. Yellow Neener Photography Consider being a foster, not only will you discover the delight of a four-legged, wet-nosed companion, you will join a community of like-minded people all working toward improving the quality of life for people who are diabetic. Our dogs save lives for our diabetic clients and change the lives of our Foster Care Providers. Get involved and really make a difference, Foster Care leader, Stephanie Perkins for more information: fostercare@dogs4diabetics.com DONATE Thank you to each and every donor. Your donations, large and small, contribute to the success of our program! Donate online at Mail in a donation to: Dogs for Diabetics, Inc Willow Pass Road, #157 Concord, CA Or visit to find out the various other ways you can contribute D4D THANKS YOU Thanks to all who made this newsletter possible: Mary Hooker, Yellow Neener Photography Ralph Hendrix, Executive Director Christy Gillham, Director of Development Carrie Skym, Programs Manager Christina Vincent-Power, Trainer Diane Ketcham, Programs Coordinator FIND US ON FACEBOOK, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER & SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE - 9

of as Partners to the Achievement of our

D4D Client Carol and D4D Ambassador Dog,

We welcome other organizations to develop

10 CORPORATE SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT BECOME A PARTNER OF D4D The following organizations have supported Dogs for Diabetics, Inc. for many years with donations of dogs, financial resources and various other goods and services which have been critical to D4D s mission. They have earned the right to be thought of as Partners to the Achievement of our Mission. D4D Client Carol and D4D Ambassador Dog, Valisa. We welcome other organizations to develop a similar commitment to serve the Medical-Alert Assistance Dog community throughout the United States and the World. THE D4D FAMILY THANKS YOU!!!!!!! 10

11 MEET QUEST, A NEW PUP IN OUR TRAINING PROGAM who was generously donated to D4D by a wonderful Minneapolis breeder, Amy Ross - Quest is a handsome tricolor, rough coat Collie

A Treat For All to Enjoy - by Mark Ruefenacht, Founder

Vol. 1.Issue 3 Puppy Raiser Newsletter The Monthly Treat October 2015 Look what your pups are doing A Treat For All to Enjoy - by Mark Ruefenacht, Founder Mandela (left) and D4D Chief Canine Ambassador,