One year old

Allen is turning 1 this week and I wanted to update my blog for everyone to hear about what an amazing gift he has been in my life. 

Allen has become my pal, my loyal companion and honestly my best friend. We argue and disagree but when it comes to life or death he is ALWAYS there for me. He constantly alerts me, that's not to say my diabetes is getting worse. To explain this, every time I eat my blood sugar goes up and everytime I give insulin my blood sugar goes down.  Allen is trained to alert me before I get into the dangerous levels. To prove that he is in fact aiding in my health I went to visit my diabetes doctor the week before Allen arrived and then in December I went in again for my 3 month check up. At every doctor appointment I get my glucose tested for the last 3 months. The results came back and my doctor is so happy with the results. My levels are more consistent and the average is lower (which is fantastic). Although we weren't surprised by this, it demonstrates medically that the service Allen provides to me will help me live a longer and healthier life. 

As for life with a constant companion, I am more happy and less scared to be alone. Honestly before Allen arrived, although I don't often admit my fear I was terrified of being alone and having my diabetes get me into a dangerous situation. 

Now my life is full of confidence that I will live another day. He keeps me healthy and happy. 

Allen is brilliant with his nose and he uses it often! He is a pointer for sure. 

I am still trying to earn money to pay for Allen. Fortunately I am a little over half way to paying him off. But paying for him is tough and keeps me struggling financially. If you are so inclined, please donate to his cause. I am forever in everyone's debt for the help I have already received.  Please pass my blog along to others who may be able to help. Thank you!!

One Month

One month...

Allen was delivered to me on October 3rd.  We spent 2 days training together with Ed, the diabetic dog trainer.  Day one we learned all his commands, the ins and outs of how he works, we took him out in public (cafe rio and petsmart).  I was successful in my training so he was left with me to bond with me.  Thankfully we had had opportunities to see each other during his training, that I was able to bond with him very quickly.  In fact even within the first hour of meeting he was already doing his job in alerting me.  It was quite amazing and definitely incredibly reassuring that I had made the right decision in getting Allen.  

Week one - was EXHAUSTING! He is definitely a puppy and continually tries to test me.  He doesn't like to sleep in his bed on the side of mine, he has made it clear that he will be in my bed.  How could I resist this face??  He alerted me continually, at least twice a day to let me know that I needed to test my blood and get under control.  We are still learning and he occasionally will just alert me when he wants a treat, ha...puppies.  

Week two - Allen is testing me in every way.  He is starting to believe that he is master. He does very well in public settings, but when it is the 2 of us, he constantly is disobeying me.  While all of this is frustrating at times, he very actively is aware of me and my blood sugar and continues to alert me correctly.  We travelled to Northern Califonia for my fall break and he realized that he is a dog.  He was able to play with so many dogs and learned how to fight and run fast (or at least faster than me).  He loved the Fern Canyon we took him to, loved walking and playing in the water (where no other dogs are allowed, he is able to go).  I took him to the beach and he felt the ocean water for the first time.  Thankfully I didn't have to worry about him drinking the water because he was too scared of the waves, so he wouldn't get close to the water for very long.  But at the beach it was the first time he got more than 15 ft. away from me.  He was running up and down the sand, completely in love with his freedom.  Traveling in the car with him was easy as pie.  He layed in the back and slept most the day away, 14 hours in a car can be long for anyone, but he did brilliantly (he was probably exhausted from all his free time).  

Allen alerting me at work

Playing in the Redwoods

Week 3 - Getting back in to work mode has been a bit difficult.  I think he forgot what he was trained to do ;)  He didn't alert me too much on day one being back, but day 2 he was right back to his job.  In fact once when I was driving home from Provo he made his way up to me in the front seat and alerted me to test my blood.  I pulled over and in fact he was correct and my blood sugar was 72.  What an incredible moment I had when this happened.  It was a recognition that I am going to be okay if I am ever alone, no more car accidents, no more serious issues.  Allen is doing his job.  

He thinks this is where he can ride in the car....

Week 4 - We are getting into a routine.  Allen loves kids and always wants to play with them or any dog that he sees. He is apart of my life fully now.  We go out to eat, we go running/hike/walking together.  We are at work together and even sleeping together.  He is the most incredible blessing.  What an amazing thing for a dog to be able to sense my blood sugars in enough time to save my life.  

Allen and Baer cuddling on my bed

Allen's new BFF, Riken

To everyone and anyone who donated I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I am continuing to raise money as I am still short.  Please pass the message along as anything helps.  And please let me know if you have any questions.   

Open Mic Night - Benefit Concert

Hey guys,  

Last night was such a fun success! We had an incredible turn out thanks to Michael Wood, Karla Reyna and Jessica Peterson.  The talent was incredible and enjoyed by all!  My only wish was that Allen was there to experience it with us... 

An update on Allen the service dog.  He is currently a month a head of schedule and working on his final round of training, scent training.  They have no doubts about him or his abilities so we have scheduled his delivery date! October 3rd they will come to Utah to deliver him and train me.  I can't even believe he is on his way. What an amazing thing.  

(those eyes!)

(what a goofy guy!)

It is because of you and all the support you give me that we have gotten this far and the success is because of you and your generosity.  I appreciate it more than you will ever know! We still need to continue to raise money, so please spread the word! To everyone you know.  

          

                               www.DiabeticAlertDogsofAmerica.com

To: Whom it may concern

RE: Diabetic Alert Dog Fundraising

This letter is to confirm that Bryn Mangrum, is actively and currently fundraising to acquire a life saving Diabetic Alert Service Dog. Bryn Mangrum has Type 1 Diabetes and needs the assistance of a Service Dog to help her keep her blood glucose levels within a normal and healthy range.

A Diabetic Alert Dog will be trained to alert Bryn in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become dangerous. This way she may take steps to return her blood sugar to normal, such as using glucose sweets or taking insulin. 

These specially trained Service Dogs cost $15,000.00 due to the required amount of training and time that it takes to become certified as a working Diabetic Alert Dog. Unfortunately, insurance companies have refused to assist with these expenses, therefore the burden has fallen on families and supporters to donate to provide these amazing life saving dogs to their in need diabetic companions. 

By assisting Bryn with her fundraising goals you are making a significant difference in her life and helping her get one step closer to achieving her dream of getting her very own Diabetic Alert Dog. We at Diabetic Alert Dogs of America support Bryn in her quest, and ask that you donate or assist in any way possible no matter how little it may seem so that she may accomplish her goals.

Thank you in advance for your support. For more information on how you may help Bryn, please contact her personally or Diabetic Alert Dogs of America at:

(800) 975 – 5177, or info@dadofamerica.com

Thank you. 

To whom it may concern, 

Allen is doing amazing!!  He very smart and learning so much already. They say ' he is either ready for an adventure or to cuddle up,' it seems he is the perfect match.  

With your help I have raised enough money to pay the deposit and that is how we were able to select him.  Now the training will begin :)  Take a look at the pictures and check him out.  

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dadofamerica/sets/72157643600636305/

I have already had an overwhelming amount of support and help! I have almost raised 30% of my goal. Thank you so much to everyone out there. But I am still far from the goal. Please pass this along to everyone you know and might be willing to support!  

My campaign: "Paws for Safety" is underway and in order to reach my goal I need your contribution and support. 

Making a donation is super easy! Simply and click on the Paypal link at the top of this blog and donate. Any amount makes a difference!

OR

If you wish, people you can make donations to the company directly on behalf of me. Any donations received (with me as a beneficiary) of course will 100% go towards the dog. You can pay with credit card from the “Payments” tab located on the bottom right hand corner of the website or by sending a check to the business mailing address at 3651 Lindell Road Suite D Las Vegas, Nevada 89103.  

Again, the website to do this is:

http://www.diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com/

I am forever in your debt!

Sincerely, 

- Bryn Mangrum

About Me:

My name is Bryn.  I am a lover of nature and people.  I am happy, adventurous, independent, a world traveler, and I am a diabetic.  I have been a Type 1 Diabetic for over 20 years and can no longer feel my high and low blood sugars. I currently work as a guidance counselor at a high school where I am constantly on the go. 

I recently had an experience at school, in front of co-workers and students, which was a frightening reminder for everyone of the importance of being readily aware of diabetes.  As a result of this experience, I am hesitant to be alone; when I drive, when I hike, when I run, when I sleep, etc.  As a result, I began researching Diabetic Alert Dogs on the web and discovered the Diabetic Alert Dogs of America page.  I have found this to be the most appropriate and safe option for my condition.  

What a service dog for diabetics does:

Diabetic Alert Dogs are trained to alert diabetic owners in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become life threatening, so their owners can take steps to return their blood sugar to normal, such as using glucose sweets or taking insulin.  A Diabetic Alert Dog is specifically trained to react to the chemical change produced by blood sugar highs and lows. Diabetic Alert Dogs can provide emotional security and a sense of balance for individuals and for those who have loved ones with diabetes. They can help diabetics, such as me, lead a more confident, and independent lifestyle. 

The Training Strategy:

A positive and loving environment is a key to the successful dog training program. All of the dogs are trained in a family environment, where children of all ages interact with them daily. This adds another dimension to the dog’s preparedness to transition into any home environment.

The training is different for each dog because they individually structure the training to compliment the specific temperament and personality of the dog and its future diabetic owner. It has to fit not only the dog, but the capabilities and sensitivities of the handler as well. The best training method enhances communication between dog and person, it teaches without causing pain, fear, or confusion, by breaking down each skill into small steps and build on each success. Knowing when to stop, back up, and make things easier produces faster results than trying to push a dog. They believe a stressed dog is not learning. Just like with humans, making learning fun and rewarding allows for a greater level of learning ...and retention!

Fundraising:

The only concern in getting a trained dog is the financial burden.  As a Type 1 Diabetic, the costs already strain my education salary.  The service training for a dog like this, at this time of my life, is beyond my financial abilities.  I am hoping that through this fundraiser I will be able to afford a trained dog that will assist me in living a long, full and active lifestyle.  Any amount will help and I will be forever grateful!  I have set up Paypal account to help with the fundraising.  Click on the link to donate directly. 

To check out the company that will be training my dog, visit 

http://www.diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com/

If you wish, people you can make donations to the company directly on behalf of me. Any donations received (with me as a beneficiary) of course will 100% go towards the dog. You can pay with credit card from the “Payments” tab located on the bottom right hand corner of the website or by sending a check to the business mailing address at 3651 Lindell Road Suite D Las Vegas, Nevada 89103.  

Again, the website to do this is:

http://www.diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com/

I am forever in your debt!