Gotcha Day! (Dogs for Diabetics)
On August 9, 2021, Christy and I celebrated the fourth anniversary of our GOTCHA day.
What’s gotcha day? I’m glad you asked.
Gotcha day is the day every client at Dogs for Diabetics longs for. It’s the day every client dreams of, and works hard to achieve.
There is a process to go through in order to arrive at gotcha day. First, one must apply for a diabetic alert dog.
Once accepted into the program, they receive extensive training to prepare for living with a service dog. While in training, they attend once-a-month meetings (which used to be pot-lucks at the training center, but COVID has stopped in-person meetings – we Zoom now until further notice).
I get to meet other client teams at these meetings and those on the waiting list where clients become members of the Dogs for Diabetics family. A great community for diabetic connections and lifelong friendships.
But there is a waiting list once all requirements are met. Some clients wait a long time because D4D trainers want to match dogs with client lifestyles and personalities.
Christy waited nine months then…GOTCHA! I came running into her arms and we became a team.
Gotcha day is when a dog is placed with a client. It’s one of the happiest days of my life.
I GOTCHA, Christy. You’re mine forever.