Oh, I feel awful!

I know my boy, I can see you do. It’s the chemotherapy again.

The cancer is back, isn’t it?

Yes, I’m afraid it is.

Is that why my hock is painful again?

Yes, actually you have a small fracture in that joint because the cancer has weakened the bone.

Oh no, there go the walks again. I do enjoy getting out to the farm. All those smells.

Yes, I know you do. And the cancer has gone to your lungs again too.

But last time we checked I was all clear, what happened?

I don’t know my boy. That’s the way of cancer. Just when you think you have it beaten…

Do you think this is it, the final run?

I don’t know, my boy, I don’t know. I hope not. We took the decision to try everything possible to get you some more time. We have to try, you are too special not to try even if the side effects are bad.

When will you know if the treatment is working?

In three week’s time you will have to go back to get another set of X-rays. Then we will have to make a decision.

Well three weeks is a long time for us dogs. I can’t wait to feel better and get back to some sort of normality.

By normality do you mean barking at Tia when she gets annoying?

Well yes, that too. And getting back to walking on the farm. And seeing the other dogs out for walks on the way.

Yes, let’s focus on that. You always liked coming to work with me and I suspected it was as much for the sights along the way as anything else. There was not a lot at the nursery to interest you.

Except for when I scored a sandwich off Rory.

That I thought you had stolen.

What me steal food? Never! That’s not my style.

And I had to give you permission to eat the sandwich.

Of course, I am a good dog!

Yes you are my boy, you always have been.

If this is the beginning of the end…

Yes?

You will be there for me, at the end I mean?

Yes, of course I will. I have always promised you that.

And rub my ears.

Of course.

And don’t cry.

No, I don’t promise that.

Until then we must focus on positive things. Walks, smells, barking!

Walks, smells and barking.

You train easily!