SUPPORT A DIABETIC ALERT DOG

Help MD Dogs train a trainer,
to train a dog,
to help an individual with diabetes

Meet Rooney! Rooney is a sweet and sensitive chocolate Labrador being trained in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and who is the first puppy in MD Dogs Diabetic Alert Dog pilot program. Rooney began her training in August of 2020 and is learning to be a Diabetic Alert Dog with the help of MD Dogs Associate Trainer, Amira. By the end of her training Rooney will be alerting to low and high glucose levels which will be a lifesaving skill for someone in need, regardless of their financial situation. This program and our organization is made possible through donations, and we are grateful for support of any size!

WHY ARE WE ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT?

1.25 million people have Type 1 Diabetes in the U.S. alone
Over 2/3 of Type 1's don't remain within their goal glucose ranges, putting both their immediate and longterm health at risk.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes are at a significantly greater risk for mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders due to the struggles they face each day.

Diabetic Alert Dogs can help.

By providing physical alerts, these dogs keep individuals in a healthy glucose range more often, and by providing emotional assistance every minute of the day the dogs serve as any ally in the daily struggles with type 1 diabetes.

However, these dogs require care and training 24 hours per day, for up to 24 months, making them costly and unattainable for many families. Our goal is to fundraise so families don't have to, but we rely on donations to continue making a difference in the type 1 diabetes community.

HOW MUCH DOES A DIABETIC ALERT DOG COST?

The image above demonstrates the categories that distribution of expenses to ensure Rooney is able to become a fully trained, healthy Service Dog for an individual with type 1 diabetes.

MD Dogs' goal is to provide a Diabetic Alert Dog with minimal to zero fundraising requirements for the family. However, in addition to requiring 24/7 attention from our Associate Trainer, raising and training a lifesaving canine is financially expensive as well. Our specific estimates show that Rooney and the continuation of this program past the pilot program phase will cost approximately $18,265. By fundraising throughout Rooney's training, our goal is to cover as many of Rooney's expenses as possible so her future family doesn't have to. The goal is for this program to become self sustaining to provide future Diabetic Alert Dogs for more individuals in need, as well as opportunities for future Diabetic Alert Dog trainers. Any gift designated for Rooney will go directly to this pilot program and Rooney's expenses for her future family.

HOW CAN YOU HELP TODAY?

DONATE TO
ROONEY
Any amount helps! From $5 to $5,000 we are incredibly grateful for your support to directly help Rooney become a Diabetic Alert Dog for someone in need. Every dollar given for Rooney, is a dollar her future family doesn't have to fundraise for or worry over. These funds will go toward expenses such as vet bills, health testing, and scent training materials.

SPONSOR
ROONEY
Rooney's sponsors, whether individuals or corporations, provide funding for at least one month of Rooney's training which is $834. As a thank you, sponsors receive: quarterly updates, an invitation to visit Rooney at a point in her training, a signed photo of Rooney with her handler, and individuals will be recognized and thanked on social media.

PARTNER WITH ROONEY
Corporate partnerships are available for organizations who would like to partner with MD Dogs in any form to help minimize Rooney's expenses. Corporate partners will be recognized for their signficant impact and assistance in various ways such as social media and even having their logo on Rooney's vest.

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