Hope enjoys an evening nap.

We kept the vulture at bay for another day.

Hope’s oncology veterinarian said, “ Her cancer is much more advanced.”

We knew that. But how much more? We didn’t want to lose her too soon.

An ultrasound revealed a colon mass through all layers of the intestine, but the mass was the same size as early August, as were many of the lymph nodes. But those nodes around her neck and under her jaw are huge, but her air flow is good.

The vet went through a litany of treatments. No, a 30 percent chance of another round of different chemotherapy drugs is not worth it now.

Hope does not appear to be in any pain. We will treat symptoms for her comfort.

“Hope is good at adapting,” the vet said. “She compensates for her cancer.”

Our sweet girl had to compensate to survive in an Amish puppy mill for five years.

We are in hospice mode. We are taking this one day at a time. Last night when I came home she was glad to see me and ran toward me. This morning she wolfed down her breakfast. Now she is snoozing on her ottoman.

We won’t let her suffer. We will treasure each day, each hour.