David's Anna Update - March 19

Everything with Anna Bannana is going very well. It's going to be a while before she is at a proper maintanance level with everything, assuming that it's possible to acheive that.

The goal is to not just acheive good blood glucose readings, but to also be able to feed regular meals and to give a constant insulin dosage. Having said that, I *do* have her stable, and am very, very pleased thus far with the progress in such a short time. We've gone from such high blood sugar levels that I couldn't get a reading (day 1) to "high but not life-threatening" (beginning of day 2), to "right on the money" (end of 48 hours).

What's frustrating right now is that even though I've been getting good numbers, I have been giving different amounts of insulin with each dosage over the last few days. I'm fairly optimistic that after she's been on insulin for a period of time things will even out. All we can do is keep doing what we're doing and be grateful for the fact that a) I'm probably two weeks ahead of the game from what would normally happen with the average patient/owner/vet relationship and b) for the time being we seem to be out of grave danger (figuratively and literally speaking).

I know everyone's anxious to know how things are going... I apologise for the delay in updates; I'm concentrating as much time as I can towards getting our patient in good health. Plus, I ran out of insulin yesterday and had to make a get some shopping done. I also don't want to give anyone a false sense of security. But, as I say, at this point her glucose levels are no different than a non-diabetic. My big concern is that no ordinary person is going to draw blood from a dog 3 or 4 times a day and know how to adjust the insulin dosage. So, we'll keep plugging along and see where we get.

David's Anna Update - April 10

Wanted to let everyone know that Anna is close to "there" in terms of regulation on her insulin. At least, it seems that way. I'm still drawing blood from her and Sebastian as we hit the trail to UGA tomorrow. My professional life is utterly chaotic... this morning I intended to start a glucose curve on them at 8:00. I rushed in to check on patients, and when I opened the building, 2 employees were absent. There was a nonstop flow of patients and I didn't even get back to the car for 45 minutes. Was supposed to leave the hospital at 1:00, for the day. I left at 6:45. So I am quite behind in communicating but am keeping things moving in terms of care of Sebastian and Anna Banana. And I couldn't resist this. I call her Anna Banana all the time.

David's Anna Update - April 11

Here is the latest: She and Sebastian, the Diabetic Duo, went to UGA today for his checkup with the Diabetes study. The school had wanted me to switch Anna's food to Sebastian's diet and gave me permission to do so, but I felt hesitant, not knowing if she'd end up in the study. I wish I'd done so earlier because they gave me a bag for her today whether she ends up in the study or not. Though, I do think she will qualify and that the new food will improve her health. Plus, there is a possible new home that is willing to keep her in the study.

Alice's Anna Update - May 4

Anna, our precious diabetic girl has been regulated on insulin and was adopted into a diabetic savy home last night!!!! Wahooooo! Arhooooooo! God bless all.

Message from Anna's New Home

We have a new family member! Looks like everything is going to go great.

We tried to have Anna sleep with us but she wanted to explore and didn't want to be shut in the bedroom. The hubby had to work today, so Anna and I went downstairs and camped in the living room. Quinn and Ivy preferred their kennels. Anna and I got some time together. She whined for a little bit and I think she was looking for David and Sebastian. I'd call her and she'd come get petted, then go back to her exploring. She decided she'd rather sleep on the tile in the entryway. I preferred the sleeping bag on the carpet.

About four o'clock, she told me she needed to go outside. I was a little slow on the uptake. I thought she was pacing because of the thunder. Silly me! I guess I need a little work on speaking "Anna". But I'm a quick learner as long as I don't have to conjugate the verbs!!

After our walk, she decided the space under the end table made a better den and we finished the night.

Breakfast was a little chaotic. My husband forgot to bring Anna's food in from the car and he had parked in the driveway. Anna and I had a "shower" while getting the food. Of course breakfast coincided with some of this morning's heaviest rain. Everybody decided somebody else was getting better food than they were. "Just a spoonful of gravy helps the kibble go down." (My apologies to Mary Poppins!) Everybody ate their own food and Quinn and Anna got their shots without a hitch.

I now have three fuzz balls sleeping on my feet, so things are off to a good start.

Thank you so much for allowing me to adopt Anna!! We love her already!

- Michele

Michele's Anna Update - May 20

Anna seems very happy in her new home. My mom and dad loved her. So did my niece and nephew. I think even my sister was impressed, and she is a cat person.

Anna surprised us by showing us she can open the latch on the gate! Quinn and Ivy were delighted! After a rousing game of "Now You Chase Me", everyone got rounded up to come inside and stand in front of the fan and have a big drink of water. We now have padlocks on all the gates. The neighbor's new puppy didn't know what to think when the three fur balls went bounding into his yard. Poor thing peed, pooped and turned belly up, just for good measure.

Anna LOVES to ride in the car. She's waiting at the door as soon as I pick up my purse. We are going to have to teach her she can't come to work with us, no matter how much we'd like to take her.

Michele's Anna Update - November 4

Anna and the Amazing Eskidrilles are getting along just great. We've had a couple minor challenges, but nothing too serious. Since Anna is a good 25 pounds heavier than Quinn, Anna will just pin her, show her who's boss, and then let her up. I'm very proud of her for stopping there. Ivy, my omega, loves to see someone else made to submit for a change.

Anna's not too interested in playing "Got Your Tail", but she'll watch and cheer (bark) them on.

Anna LOVES my hubby! And he ADORES her. She is his shadow. Her favorite place to sleep at night is under his nightstand or behind the headboard on his side of the bed.

I think she has finally gotten used to the shot routine or she has become one giant "cookie slut!" Either way, we can give her her shots without a problem, as long as there is a "cookie" waiting for her when we're done. Quinn is the same way.

After our experience with Anna, I recommend rescuing a dog to anyone who wants one. She is such a loving part of our family, even my parents have trouble remembering she's only been with us six months. She fits in like she's always been a part of our family. Thank you so much for allowing me to adopt her.

If you would be interested in helping with the expenses of other sammies like Anna that meet the SamUrgency guidelines, please contact us at

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