Johan Friesen

Life-Changing Service Dogs for Diabetics - like my son Luke.

In March 2020, my son Luke was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a lifelong condition with no cure. While advancements in technology—such as glucose monitors and insulin pumps—have made management easier, the risk remains that his blood sugar could drop dangerously low while he sleeps, potentially leading to a diabetic coma or worse.

Luke was in Grade 9 at the time, just starting high school. His diagnosis came on Friday, March 13, 2020—right before Spring Break and, coincidentally, the first day of the COVID-19 lockdown. It was the worst possible time for him to receive life-altering news that would change his future forever. Suddenly, he had to track everything he ate, regularly test his blood sugar, and inject insulin multiple times a day—all to stay alive.

As a parent, I did everything I could to help him navigate this new reality. I searched for resources, supports, and ways to make his life easier. That’s when I discovered something incredible—a service dog trained to assist people with Type 1 Diabetes.

In my research, I came across a book by Max Domi, NHL player and son of Toronto Maple Leafs legend Tie Domi. Max also has Type 1 Diabetes. In his book, he describes how his demanding hockey schedule takes him across North America, often leaving him alone at night in hotels or at home, with no one to help if his blood sugar drops dangerously low. That’s why he relies on his service dog—a highly trained companion that can detect changes in his blood sugar and wake him up before it's too late. For Max, this dog is more than a pet—it’s a lifesaving partner.

With university on the horizon for Luke, I started looking into the process of getting him a service dog. Unfortunately, resources are extremely limited, and waitlists are long due to the extensive training involved.

Why Am I Sharing This With You?

I’ve joined the effort to raise funds for this critical cause. Along with my colleagues at Alectra, I’m helping raise awareness and donations for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides—an organization that provides highly trained service dogs to Canadians with disabilities at no cost to them.

Did you know it costs approximately $35,000 to breed, train, and place a Dog Guide with someone in need? And that this organization receives no government funding? They rely entirely on the generosity of donors like you to continue their life-changing work.

I’m asking for your support. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps provide more Dog Guides to Canadians living with disabilities—including, one day, my son Luke.

Please consider donating today: https://www.walkfordogguides.com/fundraisers/johanfriesen

With your help, we can make sure more people—whether living with Type 1 Diabetes, vision impairments, mobility challenges, or other disabilities—receive the lifesaving support these incredible dogs provide.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity!