PATA D'AÇÚCAR PROJECT
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A challenge launched by a person with diabetes to a professional dog trainer, culminated in the structuring of this project.
The goal is to select and rescue dogs from animal shelters, care for, train, prepare and give them away for free guardianship. This way we provide to help people with diabetes to better control and monitor their blood sugar.
THE SELECTION
At the end of each year, our Training Department along with our Veterinary Department, travel to shelters for abandoned animals, apply to the canine community a set of 12 specific tests in order to obtain indicators of character, motivation and focus in addition the necessary sanitary condition. The dogs must achieve 100% in all parameters.
THE RESCUE
After carrying out the complementary tests of health diagnosis, using partner services and the endorsement of our Veterinary Department, proceed to the rescue and registration of the selected dogs, forwarding them to the THF that collaborate with the Project.
THE TRAINING
Keeping animal welfare in mind, the training process starts right after the vaccination plan is completed. With the socialization and environment work started, we gradually move on to the olfactory detection work, culminating in the applied olfactory detection. This basic work lasts approximate 8 months, and the long-term train laststhroughout the dog's life in their guardian's house.
THE AFFECTION
Throughout the training process, our students are gradually exposed to the presence of people with diabetes so that they can gradually connect their training acquired skills to the "real world" they will encounter throughout their lives.
THE ASSIGNMENT
ADAPTATION
The adaptation process lasts for 3 months and takes place at he house of the effective guardian. It is during this period that the dog adapts and acclimates to his new home and family and where the real practice of all the lessons learned begins.
After completing the basic training process, our associates can apply for one of the dogs. This way, they can benefit from the guardianship program of one of the training dogs. For this purpose, surveys and interviews are lead by specialized personnel and where candidates can get to know the new heroes.
At the end of this process, 2 candidates are selected for each dog (1 effective + 1 substitute).
THE GUARD
Once the adaptation process is completed, a guardianship contract is signed between the Associação Pata D'Açúcar (permanent owner of the dog's registration) and the selected candidate. This contract compromises in the first line, the guarantor of animal welfare for the rest of the life and the permanent monitoring of the technical team of the Association.
The DT1 Medical Alert Dogs, trained by the Pata D'Açúcar Association, are monitored and assessed throughout their lives in order to guarantee proficiency levels and olfactory capacity, at no cost to their guardians.
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All the implicit work in the Social Project is financially supported by our sponsors / godparents.
HOW CAN I APPLY?
To access the guardianship program, 2 conditions are required:
1º Be our member;
2nd Be a Type1 Diabetic;
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The invitation form to apply for guardianship of a dog from the Pata D'Açúcar Program is sent by email to the members, on a date established by the Board.
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