We've decided against surgery in an attempt to save greyhound Geordie from cancer – Helen Martin

For those who read a previous column about our darling greyhound diagnosed with cancer on his paw, here is the update – not great.

Helen Martin's greyhound Geordie has cancer and, after consultation with her vet, it has been decided not to attempt an operation

During several vet and oncology discussions we had considered amputation ops of toes or a leg. Either would be agonising, not guaranteeing a cure and causing agony learning to walk again in some way. He’d been a top racer for four and a half years and has lived with us for just over another four and a half.

Finally, the decisions were made by both us and our trusted vet. He wouldn’t understand that an operation was anything other than a vicious attack, so rule it out.

Let him live on and be happy as he can still walk and enjoy his grub. At some point, painkillers might help, but with insolvable pain the bad day will eventually come with a painless injection.

Animals are much more instinctive and capable of reading minds and attitudes than humans. There must be no tears, no sad and sorrowful looks, and a happy atmosphere.

Regular vet checks, nice healthy treats and as much as we can do. His little bro cat seems to have the same attitude and is spending lots of time lying with him.

Those of you who love animals like me will understand that I couldn’t write columns for a few weeks, perhaps because I’m now retired and older rather than young and ambitious. All pets die before us, but many dogs not as young as him.

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