Protector

Traveling for the holidays can be hard on everyone, but for someone with an invisible disability it is especially hard. Trips like a simple overnight stay require a lot of hustle and bustle there are no spur of the moment choices when you have medications to gather, and instructions to give.

Tonight’s story we would like to share comes not from one of the owners of a Service Dog by Warren Retrievers, but by the aunt of a two Type 1 Diabetic children who have one of our service dogs.

I picked up my nephews today to come spend the night with Anthony, my son,  and they decided to go outside to play for about an hour.

Both boys are diabetic.

I was doing paperwork in the office when Delta their alert dog/ guardian angel comes into the office and starts licking me. I figured I better go tell the boys to check (keep in mind they are playing in the front yard and he is at the door watching them).

They both check and are over 300 which is high blood sugar. The oldest gives his self insulin and the younger one tries but his pump refuses to let him because he was already receiving insulin from a earlier bolus he gave himself before he went outside.

So they go back to playing and I go back to my work bout 45 minutes goes by and they come in. Delta is freaking out growling and pacing in font of me. So, the boys check even though they seem fine. I figure better safe then sorry.

The oldest is fine but the youngest is 77, very low, very quick so it’s time for sugar!!!

I thank God for this wonderful pup he just saved Eric’s life once again. I would not have seen him going from 300 to 77 in 45 minutes from running and playing.

I love you Delta you’re the best!!!

Typically children with Type 1 have a hard time spending a few hours away from their parents protective eyes, so sleep overs are out of the question, but Delta’s family knows that their protector will watch him when his parents are not there to do so.

If you or someone you know could benefit from having a Service Dog for an invisible disability

please visit our Contact us page.

To read more information about the types of services our medical alert dogs

can provide please Click Here!

To help contribute towards our programs, so another family can geta much needed service dog please Click Here!

Our offices and staff are closed for the Holidays until 1/2/13 at 9:00 am. 

We are so excited to welcome the New Year as our organization continues to grow! Be safe and enjoy this time of year!

Twas the Day I Got Scout

Small children are squirming not wanting to sleep, because tonight is the night they have been waiting for. Christmas day is tomorrow!

What can possibly better? How about a fun story to get you in the mood?

Now, for your enjoyment Service Dogs by Warren retrievers presents a Twas the Night before Christmas Parody by Joshua Putnam:

Joshua and Scout

By: Joshua Putnam
Twas the day that I got my new life saving dog.
When I first saw her she looked like a big brown log.
She loves to play with her toys and run outside.
But when she’s in trouble she tries to hide.
She is always so protective over me.
And when she sees me she is so filled with glee.
After a long, hard day of play she goes to sleep.
The next morning she wakes and jumps straight to her feet.
Most mornings she starts off the day with loud barking.
When the food comes out at her bowl she’ll be parking.
Some people think that she’s just a normal pet.
If that’s what you’re thinking now, you’ve lost that bet.
If you see me, you can bet that she’s around.
She came into my life to keep me safe and sound.
She keeps check on me with her super great nose.
As far as glucose goes, she keeps me on my toes.
She knows when I’m going high, she knows when I’m low.
She alerts and gives “the paw” to let me know.
Whenever she signals, I always go check.
But if I try to ignore her, she gives me heck.
She watches over me while I sleep really sound.
Each night at the foot of my bed she can be found.
She wakes me up if I start to get in trouble.
I give her treats, at night I might give double.
Diabetic alert dog, she does her job well.
Working for me day and night with her sense of smell.
My life is better with her, there is no doubt.
She’s my pet, my hero, my wonder dog, SCOUT!

What a great story! Thank you for sharing it with us Joshua! Want to read another "Twas the Night" parody?

Check out Dan’s special Delivery:

Twa’s the night before Christmas all snowy and white
All the D.A.D’s they were resting before their big flight
And Dan he was saying his final good byes
As he turned around slowly and covered his eyes…. Read More!

If you or someone you know could benefit from having a Service Dog for an invisible disability

please visit our Contact us page.

To read more information about the types of services our medical alert dogs

can provide please Click Here!

To help contribute towards our programs, so another family can geta much needed service dog please Click Here!

Our offices and staff are closed for the Holidays until 1/2/13 at 9:00 am. 

We are so excited to welcome the New Year as our organization continues to grow! Be safe and enjoy this time of year!

Family Time

More important than the gifts, food, and tv specials are the loved ones that we spend our Christmas with. Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers is honored that so many people have welcome our dogs into their homes and hearts. While a Medical Alert Dog can be an important tool in keeping a healthy happy life, they are more than that. When one of our Service Dogs is welcomed into a home they become part of the family.

Family sticks together through good days and bad, which is why when young Trae had to go in for surgery his newest family member was there with him:

Trae was having surgery yesterday and we left at 5: 00 am to be up at Children's hospital.
In the wiring room there was an autistic little girl she screamed and started waving her hands and acted like she wanted to pet Ironhide, her mom asked if she could and of course we said yes!!
So, Ironhide didn't jump or anything else this beautiful little girl stood there petting her. Ironhide kept moving her head side to side on this little girl while she petted her.
Later, during Trae's surgery Ironhide alerted to a high so we thought someone else in the waiting room may have had diabetes but Ironhide kept alerting so I go up and talked to the lady at the desk. I told her that someone needed to check Trae his alert dog was saying he's high.
She's was like...... "Ok...." So I went back and sat down and then I got called up to the desk the surgery rooms nurse wanted to talk to me so I picked up the phone.
She asked, "Trae's mom?"
I'm replied, "yes"
She then questioned me, "How do you know he's high?"
I proceeded to tell her how he has a service dog for his diabetes.
Then she asked me how to get into the insulin pump and check the basals so I did.
Well, Ironhide was still acting a little funny and kept acting funny, so my husband took her outside away from where we were.
They called me back to Trae's room. He was kicking and crying and just in pain and kept saying, "it's itching."
Well then came dad and Ironhide. She jumped up and started to lick the tears away from Trae. She gave him a BIG OLD KISS, and they both calmed down.
Trae stoped crying and she laid at the foot of his bed not moving, no wiggling no, movement just by her boy !!! This is the reason why we choose Warren Retrievers .... 
We Love Our IRONHIDE AND SHE'S MORE THAN JUST A SERVICE DOG SHE'S OUR LITTLE GIRL !!!

Who will you be spending your Christmas with?

If you or someone you know could benefit from having a Service Dog for an invisible disability

please visit our Contact us page.

To read more information about the types of services our medical alert dogs

can provide please Click Here!

To help contribute towards our programs, so another family can geta much needed service dog please Click Here!

Our offices and staff will be on holiday from the close of business on 12/21/2012 until 1/2/13 at 9:00 am. 

We are so excited to welcome the New Year as our organization continues to grow! Be safe and enjoy this time of year!

December 21st

December 21st has been creating quite a stir most of the year. Considering that the sky hasn't turned on odd color, it's not raining popcorn, and we are all still here it seems only fitting to make the day special somehow so for your reading pleasure today we bring you a poem written by one of our families, and two emails from families with service Dogs from our program.

Dan’s special Delivery

Twa’s the night before Christmas all snowy and white
All the D.A.D’s they were resting before their big flight
And Dan he was saying his final good byes
As he turned around slowly and covered his eyes….

He crouched down beside them as the tears finally came
As he explained to them all they’ll now call you by name
Giving kisses and hugs, to each and every one
He knew that tomorrow his mission was done…

Dan knew deep inside what he was doing was right
As he finished his sleigh to leave before light
He loved them so much and didn’t want them to leave
But raising these D.A.D.’s were so families don’t grieve…

“I Love you so much” he said to them all
As he finished the loading of D.A.D.’s big and small
He got them all in and wrapped them up tight
To protect them from the cold of this Christmas Eve night…

The last one was loaded; Dan stepped in his sleigh
As he grabbed onto the reigns one D.A.D. wanted to play
He put her back in all comfy, cozy and snug
As he prepared to lift off she gave Dan a D.A.D. hug….

The oldest ones have their first flight to remember
To get these puppies home on the 25th of December
The children were all waiting as were husbands and wives
For their D.A.D.’s to come home to save some “D” lives…

Now Malachi, Now Louts! Now Sugar and Belle!
On Archer on Koa! On Angle and Blaze!
To the front of the sleigh to grab all the reigns!
We have to leave now we have to leave fast..
Or Christmas will soon be part of your past..

Where’s Ironhide and Elvis? Dan said loud and clear
As he heard the two barking, they came up on the rear
Protecting the puppies out of instinct for sure
Dan knew right then a there we need a “D” cure…

Through the cold and the wind and the darkest night sky
Dan weaved and he steered as he waved his goodbye
To all of the trainers left there down below
As he flew out of sight it then started to snow…

The puppies were all playing in the sleigh covered white
Hoping to be home by the new Christmas light
Wiggling and rolling and laughing you see
As their Santa, Dan Warren flew over that tree…

And out of the clouds the D.A.D.’s flew through the snow
As the puppies were all barking at the site down below
Ironhide and Elvis knew their job wasn’t done
As they watched the D.A.D. puppies having some fun…

They older one’s knew their destination arrived
As Blaze and the rest saw Dan wiping his eyes
He couldn’t explain, he couldn’t foresee
How the puppies would react to their kids having the “D”…

As he delivered them all with the help of the best
He knew that these children would surely be blessed
When they awoke the next morning they all ran to see
What Santa Dan Warren had for them under their tree…

They snuggled and loved them and promised they would
As they sprang to the window as fast as they could
But out in the distance what did they see
Dan and the D.A.D.‘s flying over the trees…

He finally looked back as his team turned around
And saw the town gathering down there on the ground
Now back to the farm as he waved his good byes
And the children saw this time Dan wiping his eyes….

Written by: Sherry Dillane
Dedicated to: Dan Warren
December 20, 2012
In honor of what he does for his families and our kids!

What an amazing Christmas tale! Now onto the letters! The first one was written by Elvis' family. Elvis is a Diabetic Alert Dog from our program. Elvis' job is to let Kinz's parents know when blood sugars get too high or low. For someone with diabetes this can be crucial for keeping them alive and healthy.
Dan!

Just wanted to tell you and everyone at Warren Retrievers Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hope you all enjoy the holidays and your time with your loved ones! The work you all do matters to so many families!
I didn't set my alarm last night (I have been brave enough to do this here and there), because my alarm is my comfort zone even though Elvis usually (90% of the time) wakes me way before it would go off...but it's all I have had and known since diagnosis 3 years ago, its my "what if".
Elvis continued his job diligently and woke me to 3 different highs, each needing corrections last night/early morning. My New Years resolution is to let go of my alarm and all those fears that come with it that have held me prisoner since diagnosis...hypoglycemia as brought an even larger twist to our routine because Kinz has NEVER woken up to a single low.
We have our boy who alerts all day and night, he is never off duty no matter what...Elvis is the much needed answer to our prayers! never thought I could get to this point. From our heart and home to yours, warm wishes this season to you all!
Sincerely
Jesica and family

WOW! Elvis has certainly been doing the job he was trained for. 

Now our next letter comes from Theo's family, Theo lives with not only a great human family but a wonderful K-9 family as well. Theo has been doing a great job at setting a good example for the other dogs in his home.

Dan,

Theo has matured into an athletic, beautiful, well-behaved young man. He is as smart as a whip, eager to please, loving, and he is without question, my go-to service dog. He is almost 100% perfect on activating our phone system to call for EMS assistance when I am down. As a result, Griffin, our 5-year-old English lab has become much better at the service part of his responsibilities.

Dan, you would be so impressed with both Theo and Abby. They are happy, well-loved, and loving pets and Theo takes his service responsibilities very seriously. He is absolutely stunning to look at—all muscle, a beautiful head, alert eyes, tall, about 80 pounds (but lean—not a bit of fat on him), and a beautiful russet color. Abby is much more shy than Theo but so sweet, smart, and well-behaved. We almost didn’t have to train her; she just learned everything we want her to do by watching our 4 other dogs. Please let us know if you want updated pictures of Theo and Abby—you would be VERY proud as are we. We definitely will be getting our next puppies from Warren Retrievers—no doubt about that! You are so right when you say that Warren Retriever labs respond best to love, training, and good communication. Praise is the path to learning for them.

Happiest of Christmas to you and a blessed New Year,

Carole and Don

We should all try to set such good examples for our peers to follow. Great job Theo!

Well that is it for today, All of us from Service Dogs by Warren retrievers want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

If you or someone you know could benefit from having a Service Dog for an invisible disability please visit our Contact us page.

To read more information about the types of services our medical alert dogs can provide please Click Here!

To help contribute towards our programs, so another family can get a much needed service dog please Click Here!

Our offices and staff will be on holiday from the close of business on 12/21/2012 

until 1/2/13 at 9:00 am. 

We are so excited to welcome the New Year as our organization continues to grow! 

Be safe and enjoy this time of year!

Emails that make you smile!

Have to love emails like these..... 

Dan,

Theo has matured into an athletic, beautiful, well-behaved young man. He is as smart as a whip, eager to please, loving, and he is without question, my go-to service dog. He is almost 100% perfect on activating our phone system to call for EMS assistance when I am down. As a result, Griffin, our 5-year-old English lab has become much better at the service part of his responsibilities.

Dan, you would be so impressed with both Theo and Abby. They are happy, well-loved, and loving pets and Theo takes his service responsibilities very seriously. He is absolutely stunning to look at—all muscle, a beautiful head, alert eyes, tall, about 80 pounds (but lean—not a bit of fat on him), and a beautiful russet color. Abby is much more shy than Theo but so sweet, smart, and well-behaved. We almost didn’t have to train her; she just learned everything we want her to do by watching our 4 other dogs. Please let us know if you want updated pictures of Theo and Abby—you would be VERY proud as are we. We definitely will be getting our next puppies from Warren Retrievers—no doubt about that! You are so right when you say that Warren Retriever labs respond best to love, training, and good communication. Praise is the path to learning for them.

Happiest of Christmas to you and a blessed New Year,

Carole and Don

The Gift of Peace

What better gift can you get than that of peace?

Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers works with many invisible disabilities, including Diabetes. It seems that more and more families lose a loved one during the night because of hypoglycemia, extreme low blood glucose. We hear stories about husbands, wives, children, and parents who can not sleep for fear that someone they hold dear might slip into a hypoglycemic episode during the night, these can cause seizures, coma, and death.

One such family has found the peace of mind they need to sleep thanks to a four legged hero:

Alissa and I were sleeping when Sugar woke up and started alerting!

This woke us both up.

Alissa checked and she was low.

After treating her low. Her and Sugar were soon fast asleep again cuddled together in bed.

What’s the best gift you could hope for this year?

Sugar  is a Diabetic Alert Dog from Warren Retrievers.

To learn more about SUGAR and our Diabetic Alert Dog Program please Click Here!

To learn how you can Help a family like the one Sugar protects Click Here!

To learn how to Help a family and have a chance to win $5,000 Click here!

Bark! Bark! Subscribe to our mailing list so you can get an email when we post great new stories!

How do you plan to spend your Christmas this year?

Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers thrives to make sure no matter how you are enjoying your holiday that you can do so with peace of mind. Invisible disabilities can be hard during this time of year. Families and friends don't always get that there is something wrong, but our Service Dogs not only know when something is wrong, they can also help prevent a bad situation from becoming worse.

Hope just alerted to a high. K is 347, and doesn't have enough insulin left on board to bring her down to target range. Good high Hope. Hope does not settle and re-alerts...I decide to check ketones...K is not only high, but running ketones! Hope then lays down and is settled. Good girl Hope!

Hope is a Service Dog from Warren Retrievers. Hope is one of the Service Dogs in our Diabetic Alert Dog program, and this year her family will be able to enjoy the holidays a bit better knowing that she is on duty!

Want to help a Family in need? Check out our Donate Page!

Are you in need of $5,000 this Christmas? Check out our Current Events Page!

Holidays are a time for family. Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers is proud to be apart of many different families.

There is nothing like that bond between owner and service dog. That is why today we would like to share a story from one of our families about the anniversary of the day one of our dogs joined theirs!

Wow what a day we just got home from Nashville and we are happy to report that Nathaniel's new Endo is wonderful.

I am so happy with the changes that he made and our future with Vanderbilt.

Today also brings joy to our lives as we mark the 1 year dog-a-versary with Malachi....

It was on this day 1 year ago that our angel came into to our lives and what better way to celebrate that with a true Malachi alert....

His very first alert was a low 15 mins into meeting Nathaniel and they haven't stopped since...

Today on our way home Malachi alerted...

What is scary is that he alerted while on the way home when I turned around I found Nathaniel asleep in the car.

With a quick check of Nathaniel's BG reveled a 63.

I am so stinking proud of my boys that it is not even funny.

What makes someone family? Is it a common gene? Marriage? Or something more?

To find out more about Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers and how to become part of our family visit our Contact Us page and send us some information about you so we can send you some information about us! 

No game when it comes to work!

Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers know how to play just like the rest of us, but when it’s time to work they are on the job!

Check out today’s story posted this afternoon by one of our families:

Delta saying high.

The boys’ cousin come over and all the boys decided to go outside and ride bikes.

I was busy doing stuff, and completely didn’t think to have them check before they went outside. So while talking on the phone Delta came over and alerted. After yelling at Micheal to come in and check Delta was quick to confirm it was him. I was positive Micheal was low since he has been very sleepy today and had a low sugar after church.

Once Micheal started to test though Delta said high.

I was positive Delta was wrong, but when the meter popped up showing over 200 it was Delta giving the I told you so look!

You would think the story would be over there, but NO Delta kept alerting which made no sense, so I had Micheal call Eric in who was also high!

I love this pup! He is truly a blessing!

Delta is a Diabetic Alert Dog from Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers.

To learn more about Service Dogs and our programs Click Here!

What games does your family like to play during the holidays?

Happy Hanukkah

We hear miraculous stories each and everyday, from families who have welcomed one of our Service Dogs into their homes.

Like this one from Delta's family:

At 2:50 am

Both boys were sent to bed after hanging out with dad way past their bedtimes. Now a mere hour before both boys were high so neither bothered checking sugars, and Delta our Diabetic Alert Dog was asleep in the livingroom.

As soon as the boys passed through the living room to go to bed, Delta woke up and came running into my room. His paws hit my legs and he gives a good bark to make sure I know he means business. I'm sure both boys are high, but get up to go check them since Delta said to. Now as I go to Micheal's room, Delta runs to the kitchen which is odd.

Soon though he joins me in Micheal's room very upset and anxious. Micheal was joking and laughing, which is why his reading had me doing a double take. 38

38!

The kid was fine! Absolutely acting just like normal! The only one who knew anything was wrong with him was Delta.

He had 40 carbs and is now 119, and all I can do is praise the L-rd for sending Delta in to warn me something was wrong.

Delta is a Diabetic Alert Dog from Warren Retrievers. Our Service Dogs are trained to help individuals with invisible disabilities. To learn more about us and the programs we offer visit our website at www.sdwr.org

Want to Help a Family in need, and get the chance to win $5,000?!? 

Check out our Holiday Raffle! http://www.sdwr.org/current-events/