Thank you

Edmund (left) and Eric

I'd just like to say 'thank you' to everyone who left a comment on my last post, and for your messages on Twitter, Facebook, email and by text.

When I got back from my holiday on Saturday I was shocked to find Edmund looking so unwell. He'd been off his food a bit for about 2 weeks but as he and Eric were staying with my parents, I thought he'd perk up. I thought he was off his food because it had been so warm and he's never been keen on too much heat. I also thought that his arthritis was affecting him, but I wasn't unduly worried.

He did, indeed, seem to perk up a bit but wasn't eating enough to sustain his weight.

I took him to the vet on Sunday morning and she immediately diagnosed liver failure - probably caused by a tumour. His liver was 'very large', although she said that he didn't seem to be in any discomfort as she poked and prodded.

She made it quite clear that he would not get better. They could prolong his life for perhaps a few months by performing a number of procedures and dosing him up on medication. She also made it clear that the kindest thing to do would be to let him go.

It wasn't a difficult decision.

So that he could have a few happy days at home, she gave him a steroid injection and an antibiotic and some 'liver powder' capsules that he was to have each day.

Once home, he perked up a lot. He got some of his appetite back and although he wouldn't touch dog food, he thoroughly enjoyed ham, sausages, beef slices, chocolate biscuits, cheese, McDonald's chicken and his last meal, Wednesday night, was spaghetti bolognese cooked by me.

To an animal lover, this sounds horrendous! I've never fed him this sort of food, but the vet said he needed to eat to take the capsules - and to be honest, none of it was going to do him any harm at this stage.

These few days enabled everyone who loved him to come to terms with what was going to happen.

Yesterday morning, he had his last trip in my car and was peacefully put to sleep. It was very dignified and entirely befitting an amazing little dog who lit up so many lives in his 12 years.

I'm now left with... well... the 'thick' one. My Eric.

Eric does not seem to be the least bit affected. Perhaps, in time, he will miss his brother, but I do hope not. I like that he's thick.

He's happy and long may he continue to be. Edmund wouldn't want it any other way.

My Eric