Vets called for old dog to be put down three times — now it’s 18 years old and ‘thriving’

A dog owner who ignored vets’ recommendations that her beloved pet of 18 years – who helped her cope with the death of her brother – be put down three times, said her canine friend is “thriving” now.

Emma-Jane Taylor, 50, a director of a lifestyle business from Henley, Oxfordshire, is best friends with her west highland terrier, Charlie, who helped her cope with the loss of her 57-year-old brother when he suddenly died of a brain haemorrhage.