Rocco and I thank you!
Rocco is a pretty special pup. The end of January will mark 2 years that Rocco has been here. He started off as a foster dog for most of that time.
He was turned over to the rescue group after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It was clear that Rocco wasn't particularly cared for very well in his first home. His ears are scarred and shriveled up due to untreated hematomas. He spent 6 years with his first family, but all he came with was a broken crate, half a bag of dog food, a vial of insulin, box of syringes, and a Sharps container. No toys, no collar or leash, no bed or blanket.
Rocco and I learned together how to check his blood sugar at home. We check it twice a day. He is very good, as it's become part of our daily routine. I also learned all I could about canine diabetes, and offer to mentor newly diagnosed dogs' owners at my vet's office and at the specialty vet's office.
Rocco has been through a lot, having to leave his family, sick with diabetes, a double ear infection, and a urinary tract infection; having to learn a whole new routine regarding testing and injecting; and adjusting to a new life here. He's taken it all in stride, as most dogs to, but he suffers greatly from separation anxiety. I must be in his sight at all times when at home, or he goes a bit crazy looking for me. We've come to accept Rocco and his oddities.
Rocco is home, and he is a happy, healthy boy! Just the way I like it!
Here is an old video of how I check his blood sugar and give his insulin shots.
https://youtu.be/Oo_Zo2ceWxo