She'll dictate the pace.

Thank you for all your comments yesterday. What a kind place the dog blogging  world is. We're surprised at the speed with which the cancer is metastasizing and Sophie is shrinking. She's now all flesh and bones. Her fur hanging off her like a sweater two sizes too big. Last night there was a special dinner of warm roast salmon and pasta followed by trifle. This was wolfed down with the gusto of a puppy and the lick smacking delight of a gourmand. Nothing like cold trifle to boost a girls zest for life. 

The night largely peaceful. Under the moonlight Sophie and Angus were out walking along the cliff tops at one thirty in the morning. Sophie seemed to think this was the time she always goes out for a comfort break. She was equally sure that the cliff top route was the one she wanted to take. She leads me straight there. Angus follows on behind wearing hastily thrown on clothes and slippers. This is the dog and tramp look.

This morning at six she's ready for the off again. It seems the family diva is determined to ignore her prognosis and revisit old haunts. She is proving to be one feisty lady.

The chapel cloister is our first port of call. This is purposefully examined  from one end to the other. Seagulls and pigeons are glared at. She then heads through the old iron gate to look at the sun rising behind the cathedral. This familiar sight meets with her unconditional approval. She stops here for a full five minutes.

In the walled garden she considers chasing a crow but thinks better of it. Then the confusion and tiredness return. The rest of the journey completed in her companions arms. After the shock of yesterday we've decided that while she can relish her meals we will delay the trip to the vets.  When she loses the passion for roast salmon or trifle we'll know the time has come. This is a test that's worked well for our previous generations of PONs. We'll let her dictate the pace and set the menu. It won't be long now but some journeys simply don't need to be rushed. We'll drift rather than paddle down this next stretch of the river.