Sign of the Times
Diabetes Alert Dogs
After many months of full time training, Jake, a yellow Labrador retriever was placed with his new owner to alert her to the dangerous changes in her glucose levels. When Jake came to the Indianapolis Humane Society, he was excited, anxious and very rambunctious. With no signs of training at all, this dog was a long way from being an easy pet for anybody, let alone from becoming a service dog. But Jake showed qualities that immediately caught the staff's attention: he was very affectionate, very smart and very willing to work. They took him in their care and contacted Medical Mutts, an Indianapolis based service dog company, specialized in training shelter dogs as service dogs for diabetes, seizures and other medical conditions.
Diabetes alert dogs (also called DADs) have gradually become more popular over the past few years. Dogs have the ability to smell the sudden drop or rise in glucose levels and signal to their person that it's time to test.
A DAD doesn't replace other monitoring devices, but can provide another layer of security, a friendly and attentive presence on the lookout for any potential problems. Diabetes can be scary and requires constant monitoring in order to limit any potential complications that can affect the heart, the eyes, the kidneys and other parts of the body. When patients have become desensitized to the symptoms of hypoglycemia they may not be able to feel that they need to intervene before neurological symptoms occur, such as confusion, behavior change, stupor, and unconsciousness.
Sandy, a newly retired nurse has been dealing with the challenges of type 1 diabetes all of her life. Her devoted and loving husband Jim has been helping her monitor her glucose levels over the years. But Jim can't always be around. With age also comes the growing concern that Sandy might one day be on her own. So the couple started looking into the possibility of a DAD for Sandy and after months of research online, they found Medical Mutts.
Jake the Diabetes Alert Yellow Labrador Retriever with Owner Sandy
"I love him so much, he exceeds all my expectations," says Sandy about her new service dog. Jake and Sandy immediately got along. He also had to make friends with, Belle, the Great Pyrenees and the three cats that the couple already owned. But his friendly and easy-going nature quickly put everybody at ease.
Over the next few months, Jake and Sandy will become more familiar with working with one another. "He should be renamed Shadow," she says, as Jake follows Sandy everywhere she goes. Whenever he smells the change in Sandy's glucose levels, he immediately pokes her vigorously with his big nose. Over time, with practice, his alerts will gradually get more and more precise. He's also learning where to get her glucose tablets or Jim in case Sandy is too weak to move. Once abandoned, this special dog has found a new lease on life: a much needed service dog for Sandy.
Medical Mutts was created by Jennifer Cattet Ph.D. and her husband Jack Topham. With a Ph.D. in animal behavior and psychology, Jennifer has been working with dogs as a behaviorist and trainer for the past 30 years. As she worked with service dogs for the past 6-7 years, she also became more aware of the daily challenges faced by diabetic patients. Both Jennifer and Jack also wanted to contribute to making a difference in the public's perception of shelter dogs, so Medical Mutts only takes shelter dogs to train as service dogs.
For more information on diabetes alert dogs, visit www.medicalmutts.com.
Note: Medical Mutts is located in Indianapolis, IN. Because we strive to give you all the tools for a successful partnership, we have designed our program for you to access much of the information online wherever you are. We do not generally ship the dog but will ask you to come to us to pick the dog up and receive our specialized training. If that's not an option for you, don't hesitate in letting us know and we may be able to work out alternative solutions.
Cleveland Women Special of the Week
International Fashion Show
One of the highlights of the 5th annual Holiday Celebration of Cleveland's Diversity put on by the International Community Council-Worldwide Intercultural Network (ICC-WIN) was the International Fashion Show.
Modern Chinese Fashion
3 pages of pictures and videos of the International Fashion Show
If you don't have time now to look at the entire Fashion Show, this 92 second video of the Grand Finale will inspire you. The models gathered on stage and walked out to the sounds of We are the World. Cleveland is home to about 120 different ethnic groups and this cultural diversity was on display in this magical moment.
Brazilian Samba
Watch Katrina and Damon who display 2 styles of Brazilian Samba. Damon's style is more laid back while the Rio inspired style of Katrina is more energetic.
Damon Cody and Katrina Dubovikova
See more of the Brazilian Samba
ClevelandWomen.Com Facts of the Week
48% of law school graduates and 45% of law firm associates are female.
Murphy Irish Dancers
The Murphy Irish Dancers performed traditional Irish dancing in both soft and hard shoes at the 5th annual Holiday Celebration of Cleveland's Diversity held in the atrium of the Global Center for Health Innovation in the Cleveland Convention Center 
Murphy Irish Dancers
See more of the Murphy Irish Dancers
South Indian Karagattam Dance
Mahima Venkatesh performed a traditional South Indian Karagattam Dance at the 5th annual Holiday Celebration of Cleveland's Diversity. 
Mahima Venkatesh
See more of the South Indian Karagattam Dance
Poem for Unity
This Cleveland Woman was inspired to write and read a poem about Unity in Cleveland. 
Poet at ICC-WIN event
Maureen Harper, Chief of Communication
Cleveland Woman Maureen Harper, Chief of Communications of the City of Cleveland, spoke at the launch of the City of Cleveland's new economic development website. She told how the city has transformed under the Frank Jackson administration. 
Maureen HarperSee more of the Cleveland website launch
Have you seen the Amazon Deal of the Day? Everyday, a new very special deal will be offered. Look below for the daily special.
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