This morning I had a very constructive and helpful conversation with our vet. She thinks that Poppy's life is coming to an end, and all things considered she feels that now is the right time to say goodbye. At the moment Poppy still has times when she feels up to a little walk, or a search for her dummies, but we agreed that not eating means that very soon she will not have the strength for that, and it would be cruel, in effect, to leave her to starve to death. In addition, the fact that I have to go to be with my mother would mean extra stress and anxiety for Poppy. She loves OH of course, but really she's my girl and we are very bonded.
It's a truly hard decision to make, you all know that, but despite having been weeping all morning, I feel calmer now, and I think it will mean I can face whatever comes our way in the UK better without worrying about Poppy and OH at home. We have made the appointment for Monday midday. I am grateful that I will be able to be with Poppy at the end.
This is shaping up to be a really shitty Christmas.