Support Maybel's Journey with a Diabetic Alert Dog

This is our T1D warrior, Maybel! A little over 3.5 years ago, when she was 11 months old, she was rushed to the emergency room and diagnosed with type one diabetes in diabetic ketoacidosis. As a type 1 diabetic, Maybel requires 24/7 monitoring by her parents, making it a challenging task for everyone in her family, especially overnight. After years of living with this life altering diagnosis, Maybel's family thinks this is the best way to help protect her. This special service dog would be able to detect her lows while sleeping, provide her more geographic freedom when she is with friends, playing, and be a companion for Maybel; and another set of eyes for her parents managing her health.

Sugar dogs or DAD (diabetic alert dog) (type one diabetic service dogs) are able to detect high and low blood sugars even before a monitor can detect. These dogs are trained to alert people nearby if their owner's blood sugar changes severely, retrieve medications and other supplies in an emergency and provide emotional support. DAD are trained to monitor 24/7.

The exact cost for a DAD will depend on the organization and training program chosen but on average an investment in a diabetic alert dog can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000. Certain breeds of dogs are more successful for this type of service work. Maybel's family hopes to adopt a dog in need of a home from a shelter to not only help manage Maybel's diabetes but to also help contribute to the welfare of animals in need, and to then get proper training for the animal. This will also help lower the cost. This is an out of pocket cost and very expensive, but we believe it is worth every penny being able to know Maybel has someone by her side always looking out for her.

Maybel is working hard to find ways to raise money. She is selling Lemonade and has hopes to host a bake sale! Maybel raised $3,100 in total! We are beyond grateful for the support and generosity! Her big brother was happy to help!

We're creating a blog journal so you can follow along with us on her T1D journey! visit juiceboxbabies.com to read more!

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