How do you choose the dogs for your program?
How long does it take for me to get my
trained canine?
Is there a cost to participate in your
program?
Is your program open to anyone in the country?
Can I donate money to help others?
Are you a legal non-profit corporation?
What types of dogs are used?
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How do you choose the dogs for your program?
Actually we have a set of criteria in terms of a dogs age, breed and such, but in reality the dogs choose us. What exactly does that mean? Each dog acts or reacts to people differently. They are more sensitive to smells etc. As such dogs that are sensitive to the differences in a person who has diabetes or epilepsy are ultimately the canines we want for our program. So in short, the dog actually picks the person whom it will work with within our program. It is the relationship the canine has with the person inflicted with Epilepsy and Diabetes that is crucial in the selection of which dog to use for that particular individual.
How long does it take for me to get my trained canine?
Service dogs must become acquainted with the individuals they are serving. This takes time. The period for diabetics is usually shorter than canines trained for epileptics. For diabetics on average it is one and half years and for epileptics the average is closer to two years.
Is there a cost to participate in your program?
To best answer this question we need to know what your needs are. I suggest you contact us with your needs and hopes and we can let you know what to expect at that time.
Is your program open to anyone in the country?
For the time being we are concentrating our efforts to an area surrounding our corporate headquarters. this would include in general, eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. If you live outside of those areas please don't hesitate to contact us. We may be able to offer some assistance with your particular needs, or direct you to someone, or some corporation, which can help you.
Can I donate money to help others?
Yes.
You can donate money to the Cape
Cod Five Savings Bank listed on our donation
page. Money given, besides being a tax deduction for you,
will be used for food, veterinarian bills, training, purchasing
of animals, bedding, etc. If you would like your donation
to be used for one particular purpose, just specify that wish
when you make your donation.
You may also want to see what other donation options we have.
Are you a legal non-profit corporation?
Absolutely.
We became a 501-C3 Non Profit Corporation February of 2004.
What types of dogs are used?
We have identified several breeds that can detect the slight body changes that occur in diabetics and Epileptics. These include: German Shepards, Golden Retrievers, Smooth Coated Collies, Flat Coated Retrievers and Yellow Labs. Typically we prefer young dogs so they can be trained. Eight weeks old is the particular target age we strive for. If you have a dog which may be useful in our program, please feel free to fill out our form on our dogs.php page.
If your question hasn't been answered here, please use our contact form
P.O. Box 1325 North Falmouth, MA 02556-1325
Phone: (508)292-7977
· www.awarenessk9foundation.org
Awareness K-9 Foundation™ is a registered trademark of Awareness K-9 Foundation, Inc.
No use of the trademark is allowed without permission of the Awareness K-9 Foundation, Inc.
