There's life in this old dog yet .

First insulin injection at six thirty. Second twelve hours later. In between four, small, but regular meals . A mixture of 30% i/d and 70% w/d works a treat. Half a pain killer in the afternoon and a Cortisone tablet every other day .

Morning and afternoon ambles - ten minutes , max, if its wet and arthritis inducing. Half an hour if it's warm and dry . Sometimes a quick doze in the grass by the cows field . An illicit half croissant from the waitress every morning . A taste of human food after every meal - the undoubted highlights of the day . Lot's and lot's of sleep . Reassurance as required, and then some more for good measure. Peals of laughter.

As any old PON will tell you ' the purpose of life is a life of purpose ' . Somehow , against all the odds, there's life in this old dog yet.