And it just got a whole lot worse. Yesterday, Paula asked Andrew to take her and Baloo (her second greyhound) to the vet, as she has been limping for a while and rest has not improved it. Andrew took them and the vet decided to do some exploratory X Rays. Paula and Andrew went back in the afternoon, and the news was what every greyhound owner dreads - bone cancer. Nobody is quite sure why these dogs are more prone. It is more common in greys and other large, long legged breeds like Great Danes. Some say that there is simply more leg to get cancer in, and others think there may be a link between the cancer and the fast growth rate in long leg bones in some of the hound species. Anyway, we know it is the worst pain, and there is almost never a good way back. The vet offered to put her to sleep straight away, but Paula decided to take her home, and allow the vet to come round today, to put her to sleep at home.

Andrew came home absolutely devestated, and we spent one of the most miserable evenings I can remember. Originally, Paula asked if Andrew would come round and be with her when the vet visited. Naturally Andrew agreed but it was with a very sad heart. Later in the evening, Paula said her daughter would be coming up so no need for Andrew to be there. This morning, we took ours to the park, and we saw Paula, walking Jim and Baloo near the lake. We were able to say goodbye to the beautiful girl, which was a small comfort. Things just carried on getting worse. Boola got his foot stuck in the footbridge near the lake (a sharply worded letter is now on its way to the park management) and then after pausing for a moment, I set off again and felt my calf muscle do a horrible crunching tear - both painful and deeply annoying. By the time I got back to the car, I was thinking "What's next?" although with considerably more swear words.

It 's been a quiet day - we've been doing some shopping and preparations for tomorrow's visit by Andrew's parents. Andy had to go to the vet this afternoon anyway - but fortunately he simply needs some anti-inflammatories to deal with a leg that he walloped when having a particularly eventful zoomie in the bedroom one day.

We spoke with Paula earlier this evening. Apparently, all went very peacefully and the dear girl is now at peace and free from pain, which is thankfully one of the great blessings of dog ownership, that we can take this hard decision for the creatures we love. I will be very pleased to see the back of the end of 2010.