The community will be rallying to help the family of a 12-year-old Bayville boy named Deven, diagnosed with type 1 Juvenile Diabetes, purchase a specially-trained Diabetes Alert Dog (DAD) this Saturday February 25th.

Ocean County Freeholder Joe Vicari & Deven Rusnak, Facebook Photo
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The Labrador Retriever puppy is being supplied by Virginia-based Guardian Angel Service Dogs.  Company Founder, President and CEO Dan Warren says the animals bring much needed relief to families who spend sleepless nights and long days monitoring the blood sugar levels of their children. "These dogs will be able to be trained to not only alert for highs or lows daytime or night time as well. They'll be able to alert to not just the handlers, such as Deven in his case, but also Mom and Dad."

Listen to a conversation with Dan Warren

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He says the dogs are matched with their handlers as puppies and take two years to fully train using an 8 step program. Warren says the dogs detect blood sugar fluctuations through their sense of smell. He says canines have 250 million nose receptors and can detect fluctuations 25 to 45 minutes early. He says when a diabetic's blood sugar is high, they emit a sweet or fruity smell but when the blood sugar is low, diabetics emit an acetone odor.

Warren says the dogs are trained or retrieve medical equipment, juice boxes and even dial 9-1-1 if needed. He says when Deven gets older and wants to operate a vehicle, the dog can alert him of a fluctuation and he can safetly pull to the side before a crises occurs.

Warren says the animals cost somewhere between 18 and 25 thousand dollars which includes the dog, training, travel and recertifications for the life of the dog. He says they try to work with all families to purchase these animals and encourage fundraisers and donations.

There's a fundraiser being held to help the Dillane Family on Saturday February 25th at the Forked River House. A ticket of $20 dollars will get you free food and you can even meet Deven and the Labrador Retriever puppy at the event.

Tickets can be purchased at RPM Auto Sales on Route 9 in Bayville. You can also donate at GuardianAngelServiceDogs.org. Place either the Dillane Family or Devan Rusnak in the note line. For more information call 540-543-2307.

You can also watch a youtube video put together by Deven's mother at youtube.com titled Diabetesmom2009

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