INDIAN PATH, N.C. — An Indian Trail mom says she invested countless dollars on a service animal to help her child with her medical condition, however the dog doesn’t do what he’s expected to.
Kimberly Cain says her child, Talitha, was detected with Type 1 diabetes when she was ten years old.
“Whole new world. We had to start doing carb counting, insulin shots, just everything changed,” she said.
[ MORE ACTION 9: Family says pool builder dug hole, did little else ]
She desired another layer of defense, so she began checking out service dogs. She was drawn to a business in Las Vegas, Diabetic Alert Dogs of America.
“I got excited because they were able to deliver. They said that they could do it and I got excited, and I let my emotions take over,” she informed Action 9′s Jason Stoogenke.
She purchased a dog, Espn. She says she paid $17,000 which Espn was expected to inform them if Talitha’s sugar levels got too expensive or too low. But Cain says the dog has actually just notified them 10 times. “Three of those were correct,” she said.
“He had a mission and that mission was to help save my daughter’s life and help her in any situation that she had that might be uncomfortable or hard for her. And instead, I’m taking care of what I feel like (is) another kid,” she said.
Diabetic Alert Dogs of America informed Stoogenke it uses a totally free life time training guarantee to all of its clients. But Cain says she’d need to spend for all the travel costs to get Espn back to Vegas or bring a fitness instructor to the Charlotte location. She says it’s too high for her wallet.
“I am hurt. I am very hurt. I’m very sad,” she said. “I feel I was taken advantage of.”
[ MORE ACTION 9: Fort Mill family was pleased with new home until it rained heavily ]
If you have an interest in Diabetic Alert Dogs of America, you can file a complaint with the Nevada Attorney General.
If you are thinking about purchasing a service dog for any medical condition:
– Research the business.
– Assistance Dogs International gives accreditationhowever just for nonprofits. Even then, it’s not needed however might offer you more assurance.
– Make sure you understand your rights (ideally get in composing) if the dog doesn’t carry out like he/she is expected to.
– If you’re fretted about the cost, remember your versatile spending account must help (if you have one). Also look for grants online (for instance, Veterans Affairs).
As for diabetes particularly, Stoogenke checked out research studies on whether dogs work for that illness. The research study is combined.
(VIDEO: Disabled veteran says Charlotte restaurant didn’t enable service dog inside)
This web browser does not support the video aspect.
