Read about the life-changing and life-saving stories you are helping to create by providing Diabetic Alert Dogs to Australians in need.
Eliza and Sal
“Sal is my best little friend! I’m always so confident in my diabetes management because I know I have her support. I’m less anxious about hypoglycaemia and know I have a companion to pick me up on the hard days,” says Eliza.
Eliza, our first Diabetic Alert Dog recipient, was matched with Sal in October 2022. A busy Diabetic Nurse, educator, and sports enthusiast, she had dreamed of having a Diabetic Alert Dog since childhood, but the high cost made it seem impossible.
From day one, Sal brought Eliza peace of mind and quickly adapted to her active lifestyle—whether playing cricket, walking in fundraising events, or joining her at work in the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where Sal also brightens the days of young patients.
Sal detects Eliza’s low blood glucose levels multiple times a day and performs lifesaving tasks: retrieving a hypo kit, getting help, and pressing an emergency button if needed. “She’s picked up on lows when I’ve had no symptoms and before my monitor detected them—giving me time to treat them before they became serious.”
Lions Diabetic Assistance Dogs are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of Lions and donors. “Knowing this service is free is life-changing for people who couldn’t otherwise afford it,” Eliza says. “Raising money for these dogs changes—and saves—lives.”
Her advice to others living with type 1 diabetes: “Don’t let diabetes define you—you’re stronger because of it.”
Mark and Josie
Diabetic Alert Dog Josie, a beautiful miniature Labradoodle, was placed with her recipient, Mark, in May 2024. Before Josie came into his life, Mark described things as “quiet”—but now his days are filled with affection, activity, and the boundless energy of his newest companion.
Since her arrival, Mark and his wife have embraced a range of new daily routines. They take regular walks together, keeping everyone fit and active, and enjoy plenty of playtime, where Josie’s cheeky personality shines. Training sessions are also part of their everyday life—something the whole family enjoys. Josie especially loves the reward at the end, as pictured here helping Mark pick out her favourite treat.
Living with type 1 diabetes presents daily challenges, but Josie helps Mark manage his condition by alerting him to hypoglycaemic events (low blood glucose levels). She works alongside Mark’s continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to provide an extra layer of safety—sometimes even detecting changes before his monitor does.
For Mark, one of the most valuable parts of having Josie is the companionship she provides. She’s more than a working dog—she’s a trusted friend who brings joy, comfort, and reassurance every single day. It’s no surprise that Josie has also become a favourite among staff and volunteers at Lions Assistance Dogs, winning hearts everywhere she goes.
Owen & Airlie
Diabetic Alert Dog ‘Airlie’ was delivered to her recipient Owen in April of 2024. Airlie marked a significant milestone for the Diabetic Alert Dog program, as she was the first dog delivered interstate and our sixth dog overall delivered to a type 1 diabetic.
Airlie quickly blended in very nicely with Owen’s family and is the perfect fit as Owen’s Assistance Dog. Airlie also made friends with the family cats and loves to snuggle with them on cold winter nights. Now that Owen has Airlie, he is going on more walks which helps keep his blood glucose levels lower and also helps keep them both fit.
Airlie provides an extra level of comfort, especially when Owen is home alone. Knowing that Airlie can perform the ‘Emergency Button’ task and alert his Mum is a huge sense of relief for Owen and makes him feel safe.
Since receiving Airlie, there was one situation where Owen’s Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) was ‘out’ and he was hesitant to give himself extra insulin as he didn’t have his Blood Glucose Level Meter with him. Knowing that his Blood Glucose Levels were high from Airlie's alert, he was able to make necessary adjustments via his sugar sources.
Airlie is very funny, entertaining as well as high energy which is great for Owen's lifestyle. Her intelligence has given Owen and his family a great sense of security as well as a perfect addition to their family.
Dandy & The Lions Club of Canberra Lake Tuggeranong
Each placement of a Lions Assistance Dog is accompanied and supported by a local Lions Club who volunteer to provide hands-on follow-up support that ensures success for both the new recipient and Assistance Dog. Diabetic Alert Dog, Dandy, and his new recipient, were visited by members of the Lions Club of Canberra Lake Tuggeranong three times a week over a period of 12 weeks. During this time, the Lions evaluated Dandy’s tasks, reporting back to Dandy’s trainer at ALHD to ensure his work was well-maintained. The Lions Club has previously been involved in Hearing Assistance Dog placements, but Dandy is their first Diabetic Alert Dog.
For the club, the most rewarding part of the follow-up process is seeing the bond between Dandy and his recipient blossom. The members of the club have been interested in understanding the process of training a Diabetic Alert Dog. Their favourite part has been watching Dandy perform his tasks that may one day save his recipients life.
Dandy is an incredibly happy dog and loves other people, but not as much as he loves his recipient. The bond they have has been extremely rewarding for everyone involved and the Lions Club is excited for future opportunities regarding sponsorship and follow-up training for more Assistance Dogs in the near future.
Learn how these dogs work
Each Medical Assistance Dog costs us approximately $40,000 to raise, train, and deliver. However, they are provided to recipients free of charge thanks to events like Lap the Map.
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