FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

DIABETIC ALERT DOG

 

The following frequently asked questions are intended to provide a better understanding of the “Paw’s Saving Lives” diabetic alert dog philanthropic program.  Beyond these FAQ’s, please feel free to contact Dale Treadway for additional insight into this emerging program at trdway@gmail.com or (402) 709 -6738.

 

  1. What is the object of Paw’s Saving Lives Program?  To offer supplemental assistance to individuals diagnosed with diabetes for the purpose of acquiring a diabetic alert service dog. The focus of this initiative is individuals and/or families with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
  2. Who qualifies for supplemental assistance?  Idividuals and families with type 1 or type2 diabetes that complete and submit a grant application to Council Bluffs Cosmopolitan Club.
  3. Who reviews and decides on the number of grants issued and $ amount of the supplemental assistance per grant?  Grant requests will be considered by the Club’s Diabetic Alert Dog Committee.
  4. Is it possible to offer supplemental assistance to a recipient after he or she takes delivery of their diabetic alert dog?  Yes.  Subsequent assistance can be requested by the recipient for hardship cases whereby assistance is needed to offset expenses related to caring for the diabetic alert dog.  Examples include but not limited to dog food, veterinarian care, prescription medication, etc.  Such assistance requires completion, submittal and approval of a “Paw’s Saving Lives” grant application.
  5. How can I contribute to the “Paw’s Saving Lives” diabetic alert dog program?  By clicking on the Donate button on this website and following the instructions given.
  6. Will donations in support of the “Paw’s Saving Lives” diabetic alert dog program be acknowledged with a receipt for tax purposes?  Yes.  Donors who contribute will receive a formal receipt for tax purposes.  Council Bluffs Cosmopolitan Club is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
  7. Where can I obtain a copy of the “Paw’s Saving Lives” grant application?  The grant application is available from our website:  cbcosmos.org
  8. Who do I forward the completed “Paw’s Saving Lives” grant application to?  Completed grant applications inclusive of an accompanying letter describing how one’s quality of life will be improved by adopting a diabetic alert dog, may be directly by mail to Dale Treadway at 129 Fawn Park Drive, Council Bluffs, Ia 51503 or by email to trdway@gmail.com

  9. Who chooses the diabetic alert dog trainer?  The grant recipient decides on the diabetic alert dog trainer.  Council Bluffs Cosmopolitan Club does not judge or comment on the choice of handler.  Selection criteria should consider acquisition cost, lead time, location, follow-up training etc.
  10. How much should I expect to spend when acquiring a diabetic alert dog?  Cost varies widely respective of the training entity.  Known cost may range from $8,000 up to over $25,000 depending on the training entity and the services offered.
  11. How long should I expect to wait for a diabetic alert dog once a contract has been agreed to and the down payment paid?  The waiting period leading up to hand-off of the dog varies by backlog and chosen trainer.  It is not unusual for the process to require a year or more.
  12. Is there an approval process with the training entity that one must go through?  Yes.  There is a multi-step approval process that must be completed.  This process may vary by handler.  The typical inquiry begins with a phone conversation / interview.  On this call the trainer shares general information, learns more about the household needs and answers any related questions.  During the call, the applicant will get a better understanding of what life is like with a diabetic alert dog and the trainer will decide whether the applicant is a good fit for a diabetic alert dog.
  13. How long is the orientation process that precedes the hand-off of the diabetic alert dog?  The orientation process will vary by handler.  Some handlers deliver the dog to the recipient prior to orientation while others require the recipient to travel to the handler’s location.  This should enter into the applicant’s decision process.