[Anne]

I want to say a huge thank you to the people who have lost their dogs to this horrible disease for continuing to support us in this thread. It must be so very painful for you to come in here whilst you are grieving and feeling an enormous sense of loss. Please know how much I appreciate your genuine concern and kindness in being here for us.

Sophie had her first restless night last night. She sleeps on my bed and didn't sleep well. She's not her usual happy, energetic self today. We see the oncologist in two days time and I'm not optimistic of the results of her tests.

She never whines but is very lethargic today which isn't like her. She seems to be uncomfortable so I'll increase her pain meds. I've not seen her like this before. She still has a healthy appetite so hopefully she's just tired from her restless night and her trip to the park yesterday.

I guess we all hope that our very sick dogs will go gently and painlessly to sleep of their own accord. Unfortunately this rarely happens and we need to make the heartbreaking decision to end their pain and let them go in peace.

I think it's the stress of caring for our dogs that's so exhausting and the frustration of knowing no matter what we do we can't make them better. Though we wouldn't have it any other way than to keep them alive as long as they are enjoying life it takes it's toll on us too. I know whatever pain I'm going through is insignificant in comparison to what Sophie is going through. I'll fight alongside her as long as she is willing to fight her cancer.
She will let me know when she's ready to go and I will listen to her.