[PHOTOSTORY 4: STRUGGLE] Life With a Diabetic Dog

 By: Camryn Hughes 

Francesca Romero and her dog Chapo sit on her couch. "Chappo got diagnosed with doggy diabetes around 6 months ago. It definitely has altered my lifestyle" said Romero. 

Chapo sits, staring into the camera with cloudy eyes. "He's 14 years old and my heart dog for sure. I love him so much and would do anything for him" said Romero 

Romero and Chapo walk outside. "I try to spend as much time with him outside as I can, he really likes staring at the birds". 

Romero sits on her back patio. "Chapo has to go to the vet tomorrow to get his blood glucose measured, that'll be another 300 bucks" said Romero. 

Chapo stands in the grass, staring at the birds. " I love him and would do anything for him, but it's kinda difficult to manage sometimes because all his insulin and food I have to get him are expensive because everything has go to be managed" said Romero. 

Romero sits on the phone. The vet's office called to reschedule Chapo' s appointment due to the primary veterinarian being sick.

Romero is annoyed while speaking to the vet on the phone. "I cancelled other appointments so I could take him to this so it's just frustrating to haver to reschedule, but I get that life happens" said Romero. 

Romero cleans up an accident left by Chapo. "Ironically this is how we found out he had diabetes. He peed everywhere all the time" said Romero 

 

An alarm goes off to remind Romero to feed Chapo at the right times. Chapo must eat 12 hours apart to get his insulin timed correctly. 

The diet of a diabetic dog is very important. All Chapo's meals must be measured precisely to make sure he receives the right amount of calories to take the correct dosage of Insulin to keep him from Ketosis. 

Romero carefully pours Chapo's measured food into a bowl. " It's less food than he normally eats and it's really hard not to give him treats but I know it's what's best for him" said Romero.  

Chappo eats his food. " I try to always do his feedings at 9 AM and PM to keep it 12 hours apart but sometimes when I want to go out or do stuff it's difficult to plan around his schedule" said Romero. 

Romero sets a timer for 15 minutes. Chapo's insulin must be given 15 minutes after he eats his food to maintain his glucose levels. 

Romero holds up a list of instructions on how to give a dog an Insulin shot. " I always read it again no matter what because I'm a little paranoid and want to make sure I do it correctly since it can have such major consequences if I dont" said Romero. 

Chapo's syringes, Insulin, and packaging sit out on the counter. "I like having everything ready for when it's time for his shot" said Romero. 

Romero prepares to pull Chapo's insulin shot while reading over the instructions once more. "Always good to double check ya know" said Romero. 

Romero pulls the correct dosage of Insulin for Chapo. "Im getting better at this but it still makes me anxious" said Romero. 

Romero administers the shot to Chapo. "The vet told me to always give it in his left shoulder. I forgot why but I know it has to be the left shoulder" said Romero.

 

After administering the shot, Romero disposes of the sharp in her container. "I like that I just have to turn this lever and it takes it away. Then I just take it back to the vet when it's full and they dispose of them. It's just something I don't have to worry about" said Romero. 

Romero and Chapo resume their night on the couch. "Honestly most my friends are super respectful of Chapo and his schedule. I know it can be a lot but it makes me feel better knowing that my friends understand what I need to do for him" said Romero.