Update

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.  It has been a very busy month so far.  We went on vacation with Brad's family to Florida.  Brad's sugars were either ok, or low.  That's what happens when you are on the move all the time. 

He is getting so excited about getting his dog.  He knows that I have "liked" the Guardian Angel Service Dog site on Facebook and they post pictures of the pups when they have been matched with their families.  He keeps asking me if more pups have been born.  I told him to expect probably August - October to receive word about his pup.  He is so excited.  Brad has decided to change the dogs name from Phoenix to Kai.  There is a trail that Brad hiked called the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon.  Brad is hoping that with this dog he can go hiking more.  So it is a very fitting name.  I also found out that Kai means Ocean in Hawaiian.

So I have been brain storming about how to raise funds for Brad's dog.  I thought a t-shirt might be neat.  Also anyone who helps us at events can wear these so we can be uniform.  My friend Wendy came up with the idea for a Penny Tee that said SUGAR DOG on it.  Because that is what Kai will be.  So I whipped something up on CafePress and it is awesome!  Now just to find a printer to get them printed up and I can sell them.  I will keep you posted on all fundraisers through this blog and on Facebook. 

Hope everyone is well! 

Tiff

Exciting day for families on the list for their D.A.D

Today, Warren Retrievers posted on the Facebook wall pictures of the angel dogs that were assigned families.  I am so excited for these families.  I know how excited they must be as well.  I looking through the pictures of these sweet baby (and I mean baby, they have to be about 10 to 12 weeks old) puppies and I think about how much relief they are going to bring to the recipient family.  I am sure each family that received the notification that they were going to receive their dog just jumped for joy.  They should.  Diabetes is such a silent disability.  You never know when your loved one is going to have a problem with their blood sugars or what the doctor is going to say at the next visit.  The relief they much feel knowing that their guardian angel is on the way and is going to look out for them.

I cannot wait for the day when I see "Congratulations Bates Family" on the Facebook wall with pics of Brads guardian angel.  I am looking forward to that day very much.  Diabeties affects all members of my family.  I know that the pup has to have extensive training and that it won't be fully trained right away, but just knowing that this amazing creature is going to help and protect or family from that silent disability is simply breath-taking.

Congratulations to all the families again!

Tiffany

New Interview with Dan Warren

I just wanted to pass this story on.  Dan Warren did an inverview for a family getting a D.A.D.  Excellent interview on what these amazing dogs do for families with loved ones with Type 1.

So excited we are about to go through this life changing process.

http://wobm.com/fundraiser-to-help-a-bayville-boy-get-a-diabetes-alert-dog/

Fundraising Ideas

Time to hit the ground running!  I am currently working on ideas for fundraising and soliciation to companies for goods and services as a donation.  If you know of a company that is generous to causes such as this, I would love to know about it.  Also, I am open to ideas that might be in line with fundraisers that you have been to that were a blast.  We want anyone who makes a dontation to get something in return, such as a fun night out.  I would be willing to write a letter that would explain the need for the Diabetic Alert Dog in addition to the letter received from Warren Retrievers explaining that all donations given are given to a charity.

I am thinking about putting together a trivia night.  I know they are a lot of fun!  We are hoping to have some large and small fundraisers.  If anyone has a really great background in this, I need your help!

Thank you!

Tiffany

Make a Donation Now!

While perusing the information that we received from Guardian Angel Service Dogs, I found out that you can make donations online!  I hate to ask for money, but, we have to raise some serious money for this pup.  This is great as some would rather not send a check.  We are going to have some fun fundraisers, but if you would simply rather donate to this cause you can.  All donations are a charitable donation under the auspices of a 501(c) (3) non profit organization.  I have a letter from Guardian Angel Service Dogs if you would like a copy.

If you make a donation through their website, please make sure you put your email address in the email address box.  They will verify your information and who the donation is for (Bradley Bates), through your email.  This is due to the fact that they cannot customize the PayPal button for each person.  All donations received for Brad's Alert Dog will go to Brad.  I will have more details on the fundraisers coming soon!  We have to get rolling if we are going to reach our goal!

Select this link to make a donation: http://www.guardianangelservicedogs.org/

Thank you so much for opening your hearts and helping!!

Tiffany Bates

Examples of what these amazing dogs do!

You can "like" Guardian Angel Service Dogs on Facebook and there are people who post what their amazing dogs do for them.  I copied a particular post from a lady who has two sons with Type 1.  They have one dog, named Delta, which checks and alerts both kids.  I thought this was an amazing story:

‎4:33 am

I slept past my alarm clock.

I felt a heavy weight land on my chest.
...
Wet stuff was all over my face.

With semi-consciousness I said, "Do we need to check?"

Half closed eyes made out Delta touching his nose to the floor with a bowing type motion (front down/ back up) too fast to be stretching.

"Who is it?" I made my way to the living room, with a panicked pup at my side. I chose to check Eric first. 300

"Good High Delta" Why did he make a low signal?

I leave Eric's room with Delta running past me. He pushes his way through Micheal's door and lands on top of Micheal. Delta's panicked. He's licking Micheal trying to wake him up.

Panic feels my chest as I realize Micheal is Pale, and not responding to Delta.

"Micheal."

"MICHEAL!"

Finally he moves.

I tell him "Hand, Delta says your low."

A quick squeeze, poke, a drop of blood and 5 seconds pass.

44

Micheal was 44 at 4:33 am.... it would be another 2 hours before I was supposed to get him up, because I slept past my alarm clock.

I could have lost my oldest baby last night.

Instead because of Delta he was given a soda, and was able to get up and go to school at 7:30 with a blood sugar of 132.

Seriously good stuff these sweet doggies do.  Now just to get the fundraising under way!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guardian-Angel-Service-Dogs/137261369677876

Guardian Angel Dogs

Just wanted to post a link to the website so everyone could read up on these wonderful animals.  We are so thrilled to be working with them.

http://www.warrenretrievers.com/
http://www.guardianangelservicedogs.org/

Check back in the coming weeks for more information including on how you can help!

Love,

Tiffany, Brad and Sabrina