Please dont take your dog for granted

There are times when we take our dogs for granted, however much we love them.
But when something out of the blue happens, were given a sudden jolt, as if to remind us just what a major part of our life that friend is.
And so it was that recently I received a phone call from a friend whose dog Ive looked after many times. Shed been unwell so the owner took her to the vets, hoping that a quick check up and some medication would sort things out.
But hearing how shed been behaving, the vet carried out a number of tests including scans and thats when the cause of the problem was revealed  -  a brain tumour.
This very sad news upset me. Ive known this 6yr old dog since she was a pup. What could I say to a person whose pet has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and whose life span is now weeks rather than years ?
Since the phone call Ive visited the owners and their dog. She greeted me in her usual enthusiastic manner and displayed none of the symptoms associated with her condition.
However, I dont think Ill visit her again. I believe the memories I have should be of a dog who was healthy for six years, rather than sick for a few weeks.

Janet