Millie has cancer.

11 is just that bit too young isn't it. At least her illness hasn't been prolonged and painful. Also, being a spaniel not being able to eat is probably the worst thing that can happen to them [boy do they love their food]. They are the nicest dogs in the world; even though I've switched to whippets I still melt whenever I see a cocker spaniel [especially a puppy]. Be brave. I'll think of you tomorrow. And remember that the sadness you feel now will ease with time; it won't go away but it won't always hurt as much as it does today. xx

It is a horrid thing to have to do but unfortunately those of us who are pet lovers have to face it sometimes many times throughout our lives and it sure does not get any easier. Millie in her own way I am sure will thank you for it. Lots of TLC and a special meal tonight.

I am filling up as I write this.

That's for certain MrsM, Millie's Mum most certainly will look after her at the end, and you're right, it's the last kindness we can do for her, if only we didn't love her SO much, we have had her since she was 10 weeks, and she has given us SO much joy for 11 years, and I did hope to have her for another 18 months, but it's not to be. I think we have been so lucky to have had such a sweet natured dog, and for that I'm grateful. It is comforting to have such kind words from people who have been there and understand.

Oh Nellie my heart goes out to you and I am filling up reliving that day we experienced and for you and Millie tomorrow. It is also Nellie, the final loving gesture you can do, continuing all the love you felt for Millie*

I'll be thinking about you and remember, we are all here for you

ah nellie - our final responsibility and our final privilege.
If we didn't love them it wouldn't hurt so much
(((hugs))) for you. Sweet relief for Millie. Her Mum will look after her, as she always has

It would be a betrayal of her trust if you were not to do her this last service. I can feel tbe tears for you but remember Millie knows nothing of all this. She will go to sleep in the arms of the person she loves best. Many humans are denied even this final dignity and comfort. Be brave

Thinking of you Nellie. I've been there as have many of us. It's a terrible wrench to 'let go', but it's the right thing to do. x x

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate you caring words at this difficult time.

So very sorry to hear about Millie today, nellie. You are doing the kindest and most compassionate thing you can for her.

to Nellie and Millie. You are right not to prolong her death. I shall be thinking of you tomorrow morning.

(((hugs))). You are doing the right thing

Hard though it is, you know that you are doing the right thing.

Thinking of you, nellie and sending (hugs)

An update on Millie. Millie is now having trouble eating and I am having to mince her food. Today we took her to the vet where the she discovered an enlarged lymph gland in Millies neck - oh dear! After a long chat with the vet, OH and I have decided that the kindest thing to do for Millie is to have her put to sleep. She can't get better, and all that lies ahead for her is more pain and anguish. The vet is coming here tomorrow morning, I couldn't bear to leave her today, as she tends to panic if we aren't there, and I would never forgive myself if she was caused anxiety and stress. As you can imagine this is breaking our hearts, tears are falling as I write this, but I know that this is for the best, Millie can't get better and I can't prolong her life for selfish reasons and see her suffer.

Agus, I can totally understand how you feel, and we ARE all different. Up to now we have always taken our 'pets' to the vet for the final goodbye, but this time we feel we want to keep Millie at home incurring less stress for her and hopefully us. The journey there is about 15 miles along a busy by pass, traffic lights and god knows what, and I think we both feel we can't face the journey there and back. Also the vet's practice is connected to a pet shop, so it's a bit open air (if you see what I mean!)
Thank you again Tegan - It really helps to know that there are people who care. We had the same sort of problem with a pony as you did with your dog. We got a second opinion, who wanted one xray after another, and even though the poor thing was clearly at deaths door, wanted yet another xray before doing the deed and signing the insurance papers (we had a death policy!!) we went back to our first vet and apologised profusely for going elsewhere and she was wonderful and all was ok (well, it wasn't! but from a vet point of view it was!)

The vet that gave me the [wrong] second opinion with my dog refused to come to the house to put her to sleep; I had already made arrangements with the first vet but didn't dare ask him as I'd gone to another practice for the second opinion. I would have felt much much better if my dear dog had been put down at home. I'm so glad you've got a caring vet, nellie; it does help. You must be brave for Millie; we're all holding your hand.

Our vet gives people the option of coming to the house or the last appointment of the day when the surgery is empty and no one has to walk out to a busy waiting room. We chose the latter as I personally didn't want the experience at home.

We are all different nellie but I didn't want that memory at home ((hugs))

Thanks so much glassortwo and everyone on here for your kind sympathy. We are going to the vet this morning for some painkillers for Millie, another visit on Monday, and after that, it's into the uknown. One thing, our vet is absolutely fab, so kind and understanding. She will come here when the time comes so at least we don't have to face a surgery full of people, and no doubt make a fool of myself! so at least that is something!

niggly sending you {{{hugs}}}

I seem to have got onto two threads here. I think my worry over Millie has addled my brain! Sadly the news is VERY bad about Millie. She has osteosarcoma in her jaw, and the vet has told us that she only has a month at most as it is so aggressive. You can imagine how shattered we both are. I can't write anymore.

You are all SO kind, it is very much appreciated. Millie is much better today, I've sorted out suitable food for her, and am making a list of concerns to talk to the vet about so at least I know what to expect and how to deal with each situation as it arises. I want to stay as upbeat as possible as I'm sure she knows and feels anxious if I am, (I know that sounds silly, but I just get the feeling that she does!) so, as my mother used to say, 'best foot forward!!)

nellie I hope Millie enjoys some more days in the sun.

niggly I know what you are going through, we went through it with our golden cocker, she developed a growth on one of her hind legs and lost the leg, she centralised her remaining leg and still galloped around for a few years, but over time another growth appeared and I got to the day when I knew that she had had enough and it broke my heart to make that journey, but you will know. I have filled up thinking of her still now. I read on the thread out phoenix someone has said rather a day early than day late... hope I have got that right.

Deeda, you made me laugh too, and you sunflower. Years ago we had a spaniel which turned in to an elderly spaniel, and we also had a very playful tabby cat, who liked noting better than to hide in a huge lavender bush and jump out at this poor dog and try to hang onto her ears!!!! After dog had sadly gone, cat just sat about the lavender bush, clearly it wasn't any fun any more. Millie does seem better this evening after a set back yesterday and a bad night. The op on Wednesday seemed to really knock her about, and this morning I was on the verge of ringing the duty vet, but she had a walk this pm and has eaten a good supper, and seems a lot better. Unfortunately she has a heart murmur as well as one blind eye (cataract)- oh dear poor Millie, old age isn't being very kind to her, BUT, I am sorting out what I need to ask the vet, and also info on pain relief for her. We too have decided to have the vet here when the time comes, we've always taken them 'in' before, but this time OH and I feel that we just can't face the drive and the surgery and so on, also it will be much less stressful for Millie which is our main concern. We are trying to stay as upbeat as we can, although I couldn't help a few tears this morning when she looked so ill. Thank you again everyone, your support is invaluable.

Millie is a lucky dog to have such a loving home and I am so sorry to hear what you are all going through.
You will know when it's the right time. We were in the same situation some years ago and it breaks your heart. Our vet came to the house at the end which made it marginally less stressful.
I hope your months together are filled with happy memories for the future.