When I adopted "Tina," she was a precious wiggling Pomeranian puppy.  It didn't take long and I discovered she had terrible food allergies.  I learned to read dog food labels as well as I read labels for my own food.  One meal of something wrong would have her skin red and itching so badly she scratched herself bloody.
At about 2 years old she started going blind. Vet said likely she had cateracts, but it was odd that they were turning on her so soon. Other issues and diagnostics found that she was diabetic.
Again altering her diet, I was able to maintain her health for several years. It was like a child... one that had to have a special diet and regular medical checkups.... aside from the complications of a  blind dog.
Eventually the diabetes got worse, and she needed Insulin shots. Twice a day... for years, she bravely endured 2 shots daily... .every day... 365 days a year.  When I took trips or other things that I couldn't do the shots, meant finding somewhere and someone that could administer them... without fail. Literally it was what was keeping her alive.
My veternarian was always amazed at how well she did, and had already outlived - several times over - the life expectancy of a diabetic dog.
I loved her... and when I adopted her... she was my baby girl... better or worse, she was my kid.
One month short of her 15th birthday, she let me know... more than once that ... she was tired. No more shots. I couldn't let go... I gave her the shots anyway. Just a few days later. No. She said please, no more shots. Her big brown eyes had turned totally blue. She was mostly deaf.
(I've got tears now) 
After I finally let it rest... she lived about a week with no shots.
Quietly in my arms, she went to sleep....

Tags: diabetes, pomeranian