Dogs4Dibetics® will use funds raised at this two-day event in the training of Medical-Alert Assistance Dogs, which can sniff out changes in blood sugar and then alert their diabetic handler before they become symptomatic.

The First Annual Dogs4Diabetics® Dog Wash fundraiser will be held at 22 participating Pet Food Express® retail locations in the San Francisco Bay Area on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19. All proceeds from the sale of self-service pet washing tokens will be donated to Dogs4Diabetics, a non-profit organization, which trains Medical-Alert Assistance Dogs to support insulin-dependent diabetics live relentlessly awesome lives in safety.

The dogs trained by Dogs4Diabetics (D4D) use their incredible sense of smell to detect an imminent drop in blood sugar in their diabetic handler, even before it can be detected by any existing technology. The dogs warn their handler of the chemical change in their body before it becomes a serious medical issue.

These service dogs protect insulin-dependent diabetic patients from the serious short term risks of hypoglycemia and help improve blood sugar management, which in turn helps them avoid the long term risks of diabetes, such as blindness, amputation, an d even death. They also provide companionship and support that helps improve the mental and emotional health of patients living with this disease for which there is no cure.

Not only do these Medical-Alert Assistance Dogs improve the individual lives of their diabetic handlers, they directly impact the families who bear the brunt of supporting the patients in managing the risks of their disease. Parents of diabetic children are greatly comforted by the fact that the dogs are on alert for changes in blood sugar when the child is away from home or sleeping.

D4D’s mission is to train and place Medical-Alert Assistance Dogs to support insulin-dependent diabetics avoid the acute risks associated with hypoglycemia as well as to provide support services required for the working life of the dog. They also work to develop, promote and advocate for standards quality, performance, support and disclosure for all medical assistance dog teams.

“D4D provides the dogs, the training and all follow-up services at no cost to their clients,” says Kevin Fick, a member of D4D’s Board of Directors and CEO for Worldwise, Inc., a leading manufacturer of dog and cat products based in San Rafael, California, and a staunch supporter of D4D’s mission.

“Dogs4Diabetics estimates the direct cost associated with their dogs in training, at $25,000,” added Christy Gillham, D4D’s Director of Development, “and that does not include the costs for the on-going support services provided to clients and the working life of their dog.”

Dogs4Diabetics is dependent on their volunteer staff, foster families who care for the dogs during training, and the medical professionals who assist in the selection and training of the dogs and in supporting clients. Beyond the tireless work of these dedicated volunteers, all of D4D’s remaining expenses must be covered by donations.

Mike Murray, Director of Community Outreach for Pet Food Express added, “Pet Food Express is pleased to support such an amazing non-profit providing such a valuable service to the community.”

Please take a moment to view this video containing client testimonials, and make a difference in the diabetic community by support D4D during their Dog Wash Fundraiser. 

For a list of the participating Pet Food Express locations please visit the website at http://www.dogs4diabetics.com/events/d4d-pet-food-express-dog-wash-sale/