My boss and I have started a Non-Profit organization to raise money for underprivileged children, and soon adults as well, to own a Diabetic Service Dog. We have come together with Alert Service Dogs Inc. to see how the dogs are trained and the owner also mentioned how people call trying to get a dog for their child that has been diagnosed and she can hear the hurt in their voice when she tells them how much it is. This has really hit us hard since one of our close friends daughter Mady has been diagnosed and we have started this organization because of her. We really want to help as many people as we can and have been trying everything in our power to get people to notice us. We are also having our first event to raise money, a golf outing in September. Does anyone know how I can spread the word on this site without being “spammed”, we really want to help. madysway.org
Have you tried local newspapers and/or television? Persuade someone to give you a prize and you can hold a big raffle.
Well, you already have spread the word. It sounds like you are working with a for-profit training business. There’s nothing wrong with that. I commend you for forming a non-profit to help fund the training for people with diabetes. I’m not sure about TuD or the Diabetes Hand Foundation policy on other nonprofits’ use of the site to raise money. I’m sure someone will answer that.
I have a hypoglycemia alert dog that I’ve lived with for five years. It’s been an absolutely positive experience for me. My dog has not only added to my personal safety but has also been a meaningful companion.
Are you aware that there are some non-profit organizations around the country that train and place fully qualified service dogs? Their fees are either very low or even free. That is how my dog placement happened.
One thing you should be aware of is that even successful placements need some ongoing support. I’ve heard some criticism of for-profit trainers not providing that needed follow-up support. Please understand I am not implying anything by this note; I just wanted you to be aware of some of the issues from an established service dog team.
Good luck with your philanthropic endeavors!
Best promotion is always to find a celebrity local or national with diabetes or has a child with diabetes to join your cause. It’s also a long shot. Next to that would be politicians. Look at their records to see how much they speak out about diabetes. They actually can be useful sometimes.
That being said, I have looked into a diabetic dog for myself as an adult that lives alone with no friend or family support. The idea of passing out scares me half to death and my providers have all suggested I go live in a nursing home. I am 43. I refuse to do that. I am aware that these dogs can cost in the $10’s of thousands of dollars which is more than I make in a year on disability.
I appaud your effort to reach out to children as well as adults but please keep in mind that there are a lot of organizations and individuals more than willing to give to a child but very very few willing to give to a needy adult for things of all sorts. I suggest you research what is available out there already for each population because you are right you cant help everyone. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying you should not provide to children or adults either way, you just may need strict criteria to help the most people. It breaks my heart everyone who needs one should be able to get one. IMHO.
Sorry I actually misunderstood that message at first! But I was not aware of them needing profit, I thought that was just the price of the dog. I am going to look into the other Diabetic Dog training business and see if we can find them somewhere else as well for less. I am so happy to hear your positive experience with the Dog, they are amazing animals and I love the impact they make on many. Looks like I have a lot of research to do! Thanks for your kind words.