Zoey the toy Cockapoo (for the uninitiated, that's the popular shorthand for "cocker spaniel/toy poodle mix") is on a VERY strict diet. She is fed the same measured portions of the same food at the same time each day. Her twice-a-day walks are consistent in length and happen without fail, worked around her humans' busy schedules. And as a result of this well-regulated routine, together with daily shots of insulin, Zoey has lived a normal and healthy life for the last five and a half years with canine diabetes.

Adopted from a litter in San Diego, Zoey was quick to be fully housetrained. So when, at six months, she began to show signs of incontinence and sticky urine around the house, everyone was immediately concerned. When her blood glucose levels came back abnormally high, the diagnosis was made official. On the basis that it would mean a lifetime of special care and medication, it was suggested to Zoey's family by their veterinarian that she be put down.

Instead, they found another vet.

Their new doctor started Zoey on a low dose of insulin and suggested immediate sterilization to avoid the unpredictable hormone levels that accompany the onset of puberty. And so today, despite a few hypo- and hyperglycemic scares in the early years as her dose was adjusted, Zoey is by all appearances a normal young dog in the care of two of Cesar's trusted employees.

Her human companions are diligent in their role as pack leaders and caretakers, and have taken Cesar's Paramedic Model to heart - because that's literally what they are! In the event of an emergency, they act quickly and confidently, working to maintain the calm-assertive energy that Zoey needs. And the result is a balanced pack with a happy-go-lucky pup about to celebrate her sixth birthday!

For more information on pet diabetes and what you
can do for your canine companion, visit
http://www.caninediabetes.org/pdorg