:BigApplause::bigbow:

Can you explain to me how a dog can save the life of a diabetic. I have several friends and family that are diabetic and they do just fine. None have a life saving dog. Maybe I should get them one? But what can a dog do to save a diabetic's life?

The ADA laws permit food service and grocery stores to ask only two questions when a person claims to be accompanied by a service dog.

1. Is this dog a service dog?
2. What is it trained to do?

If a person with a dog tells you the animals is a service dog, you must allow him into your restaurant or grocery store, even if you suspect the person is not telling the truth.

Apparently there is a distinction between a service dog and a therapy dog, which is becoming more commonplace for former veterans with PTSD, and therapy dogs do not have the same privileges. See more at Laws Regarding Dogs in a Grocery Store | Chron.com

Happinow,, I know that your question was sincere and I have not seen this particular answer to your question so I will offer it as a means to fuller understanding. "SDs" are helpful for a number of people with a variety of conditions, a common one being severe anxiety which can lead to agoraphobia for example. This dog "may" have been the difference to the blind individual staying at home or attempting a more normal life like many of us take for granted. Of course I do not know what the dog was there for and am only offering a plausible suggestion. I do not care if a few are faking the need of "SDs" if it helps the majority of those truly in need ... lead a better life. There but for the grace.... Regards Happinow

[QUOTE=capecodbob;776362]Can you explain to me how a dog can save the life of a diabetic. I have several friends and family that are diabetic and they do just fine. None have a life saving dog. Maybe I should get them one? But what can a dog do to save a diabetic's life?[/QUOTE

Try a google search to answer question: "how service dogs help diabetics." They can even be trained to hit a button on a special phone to dial 911.

I know a diabetic who does NOT do just fine. He's narrowly escaped death several times. If his daughter hadn't come home when she did, he would have died last September, according to the doctor in the ER. He could benefit well from one of these dogs.

Thank you for the education
 

I am amazed that dogs can assist so many people with such a variety of needs. I guess I just was in an old way of thinking in that people, for the most parts, had seeing eye dogs. That's what I grew up knowing. With the needs of people changing, so has the training of animals to aide with their needs. I am going to do more research on animals who are trained to assist humans. I now find it fascinating. Thanks for all of your thoughts.