Animals Using Natural Abilities to Save Humans

Often times we may see a dog out and about, fetching a ball at the park or being walked by their owner, without truly appreciating the gifts that nature bestowed upon on them and considered how they could change a human life.  Many people know that dogs can track the scent of another animal, or have heard stories of a dog that reacted to an earthquake prior to their owner feeling anything.  Did you know that a dogs sense of smell is 50 to 100 times greater than that of a humans?  Knowing that, can you conceive of the possibilities if one took the time to harness and train that sense what it could do to save a human life?  Here are some stories of people who have and the lives they have changed.


Dogabetics is a program that was created by Ron Pace, owner of Canyon Crest K-9 Training Center in Tacoma, WA, for the soul purpose of training dogs to be Diabetic Alert Dogs.  This means they are trained to detect the change in blood sugar levels in a diabetic child or adult.  “You can teach a dog to smell the difference between Pepsi and Coke,” says Pace. “When you’re teaching a dog to use its nose, it just depends on what you want it to find.”  Currently, Pace has a staff of volunteers that are currently working with 100 teams (owner/dog) to train the dogs to detect a change in their blood sugar levels and notify the owner in a way that helps him/her know they need to check themselves and take the necessary steps to get back within normal range.

For more information about Canyon Crest K-9 Training Center or the Dogabetics program please contact www.dogabetics.com or (253) 926-9200.  

Paws With A Cause is another program that trains service dogs to dial 911 when their owner is having a seizure.  Now the dog doesn't literally dial 911, however they are trained to remove the receiver of the phone and when they do this their teeth inevitably holds down the button that will speed dial 911.  Once they hear the operator the dog will whimper as if in distress or bark continuously into the receiver until help arrives.  Many people suffer from epileptic or grand maul seizure that can be life threatening. Imagine the freedom it gives people with these disabilities to live independently and without fear.

For more information about Paws With A Cause please contact www.pawswithacause.org or call (800) 253-7297.

Both of these organizations need dogs donated to them in order to give people with special needs a companion that will impact their lives forever.  In the future if you know someone that is able to donate a 6-18 month old dog (particularly a Labrador) please use the contact information above for each organization.  The key is finding a dog with the right temperament to bond with the owner, be adept to the training and able to withstand any environment (planes, escalators, concerts, etc.).  If you find yourself wanting to make a tax deductible donation in 2011 contact either of these programs to make the difference in the life of both a dog and a human.