To be a featured in an upcoming who am I email read the information at the bottom of this email!

Sam is a 10 year old Rat Terrier/poodle mix.  I got him at a pet store (I know, I know but I fell in love!)  He is the best dog I have ever had, honestly.  He is so sweet, yet protective.  He is great with everyone, especially kids!  He's the kind of dog you can bring anywhere with you and he gets along.  
When Sam started urinating in the house, drinking tons of water and loosing weight around Christmas of 2006, I at first thought oh no, he's not getting old already, he was only 9!  Being a nurse, it finally dawned on me that he might be diabetic.  And sure enough he was.  I was completely overwhelmed at first, like everyone.  It took us some time to get the insulin, food, routine, etc., together so that it worked for Sam!  We finally seem to have things under fairly good control.  And I am grateful as I was not ready to loose him yet!
Sam has a two year old "brother," Jack, a Papillion.  Of course, he was a little put off at first when Jack came to us.  Sam was used to being the little King!  But being the good dog that he is, he adjusted and puts up with all Jack's shenanigans!  He has never bit him or been mean to him, even though Jack put him through the puppy paces.  Jack loves Sam, follows him everywhere.  When the mobile groomer comes to the house and Sam is out in the van, Jack sits on the couch and cries.  He misses him so much.  So I am always telling Sam that he can't go anywhere yet because poor Jack would be distraught!
So far Sam is doing well with the diabetes, maintaining his weight.  He's more active than he's been in years so I can tell he feels good.  And so far according to my vet, no sign of cataracts!  All paws crossed.  We thank all of you for your support and encouragement.  

Colleen and Sam and Jack

Diabetic Pet's Name:  Sam

Breed:  Rat Terrier/Poodle

Birth:  3/16/98

When Diagnosed:  12/06

Age Diagnosed: 9

Weight: 24#

Kind of Insulin and Amount Per Injection:  Relion N 11 3/4 units Bid

Food: am=3/4 Little Ceasar with 1/2 cup dry EVO reduced fat, pm=home cooked mixed with 3/4 cup dry Evo reduced fat

Do you home test?(blood, urine and/or observation): urine test and observation

Other Health Problems?: none (all paws crossed!), mildly elevated alk phos getting better

Webpage of Pet: http://www.caninediabetes.org/whoamijune2.html

Your Location:  Oak Lawn, Illinois  (suburb of Chicago)

How did the diagnosis of diabetes in your pet change your life?:  Of course there was a bit af rearranging to do.  Lots of frustration at first until we settled on routine, diet and Insulin.  And it can tie you down some, but I don't mind.  He is the best dog I've ever had and would do anything for him.  And we are so fortunate to have people who help us out a lot!!!  Don't have pictures to send, I have to practice on how to send them!!!   

When Colleen sends a picture of Sam we will add it to the page!

If you would like to participate in the Who am I? emails
Then contact one of the moderators listed at the bottom of this email
Write an introduction, send a picture of your pet
The moderator will send you the blank questions to fill in and then they will post your email for you....One will be going out every Monday Morning....This way each pet is the star for a week.
Michael will take the email and turn it into a pdf file and upload it to the yahoo groups files and I will turn it into an html file for the website.

Judy Dick
Email:  queenie@mnsi.net

Karen Baldassarre
Email:  kbal37@comcast.net

Michael Jay Smith
Email: smithmj@clearwire.net

Bonnie Iovine
Email: biovine@comcast.net

Josephine
Email: curaduk@aapt.net.au

Jane, Lee and Margo have a lot on their plates right now so the above moderators are available to do the Who am I Email?