Our story
All the experiences with our diabetic dog Parker — the highs, lows, and everything in between — has inspired us to share what we've learned to help other diabetic dog families.
This is our pet project
We’re on a mission to help diabetic dogs — and the people who love them — live long and happy lives together.
Our Border Terrier Parker — our lovable, rambunctious little soul — was diagnosed with diabetes in the middle of winter 2023. Even though he had been losing weight and was drinking large amounts of water, the diagnosis from our vet hit us hard.
Little did we know how it would impact our lives.
Since that fateful call, we’ve ridden every high and low: from eye-watering vet bills to frightening emergencies.
It seems like he’s been through it all: ketoacidosis, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, hypo- and hyperglycemia, cataracts, eye removal, diabetic neuropathy, and more.
Like any pet parent, we turned to our vet, specialists, and the web for information and guidance. While there’s lots of clinical information online, there's little about what it’s actually like to live with a diabetic dog.
It affects your routine. It requires planning. There will be surprises and moments of analysis, research and immediate decision-making. You will need special tables, tools and products. It impacts your pocketbook. It can be life changing.
We want to share what we've learned
We’re not veterinarians. We’re not here to give medical advice. But after years of research, late-night blood sugar checks, insulin routines, and hard-earned lessons, we knew there are other diabetic dog owners in a similar situation.
There are an estimated 200,000 to 700,000 diabetic dogs across the U.S. and Canada. And yet, despite the numbers, living with a diabetic dog can feel incredibly isolating.
Our goal is to help other dog parents feel a little more informed, a little less alone, and a lot more supported.
This is for Majorie, the first dog tested with insulin by Sir Frederick Banting. This is for our little barker Parker. This is for every pup like them.
- Peter and Rob
Parker and his people
Meet the team behind My diabetic Pet.
Rob Hyams
Diabetic Pet Parent & Writer
Rob is a brand and marketing consultant, but his most important role is being a diabetic dog parent — a journey with Parker that inspired him to co-create My Diabetic Pet.
Peter Matthews
Diabetic Pet Parent
Though his career keeps him busy, Peter Matthews is co-creator of My Diabetic Pet and,
most importantly, Parkerʼs dog dad — supporting our familyʼs journey every step of the way.
Parker
Chief Inspiration Officer
Parker is a spirited 14-year-old Border Terrier, born in Connecticut and now living in Ottawa, whose journey with diabetes inspires everything we share at My Diabetic Pet.
Cats and diabetes
When we first envisioned this project, we wanted to help pet parents with either a diabetic dog or a diabetic cat. Thatʼs why we chose the name My Diabetic Pet.
After we started, we realized a couple of things: we have a lot of information on diabetic dogs to share.
And we wanted to focus on lived experiences. We donʼt have a diabetic cat and, after researching feline diabetes, learned that itʼs very different.
In dogs, diabetes is usually similar to type 1 diabetes in humans, while in cats, diabetes more often resembles type 2. This means some cats, if diagnosed early and given proper treatment, can actually go into remission and no longer require insulin. Unfortunately, dogs rarely experience this. And thatʼs just the start of the differences.
So our focus will remain on diabetic dogs. We have so many
stories and insights to share to help other pet parents.
