Barking sad

TRIPS to the pub, walkies at the seaside, plenty of cuddles – and a final supper at Mcdonald’s.

It’s the bucket list that some might say is barking mad. But Nicola Coyle, who runs Britain’s first doggy hospice, is determined all animals should see out their final days in style.

Former nurse Nicola, 46, said: “It can be an utterly heartbreaking job.

“But I just can’t bear the thought of them spending their final moments without the love they deserve.”

Nicola takes in dogs with around six months to live. They come from kennels, vet surgeries or charities, where they will most likely be put down within seven days if not rehomed.

The mum of two helps them complete a bucket list, taking them for ice creams on the beach and throwing birthday parties.

They go for Mcdonald’s drive-thrus, enjoy steak dinners at the pub and get all the cuddles they need. She has rescued so many pooches there is no space left in her garden for their remains. Instead she keeps them in urns in a room she has turned into a memorial. Nicola spends up to £500 per dog from her own pocket or through fundraising. With the help of her children, Harvey, 14, and Olivia, 15, she has cared for more than 30 from her Nottingham home – and hopes to one day open a purpose-built hospice. She set up the Grey Muzzle Canine Hospice Project after witnessing the heartbreak of dogs dumped after owners could no longer afford vet bills. She said: “Many have not led a very nice life too, used for breeding or guard dogs, so when they’ve become unwell, they’re not useful any more and left. “The longest I had one is one year, the shortest was two weeks. It’s so rewarding when you can make those times special. “I don’t know when their birthdays are so we throw all of them a birthday party. “They just want to feel loved and safe. I really believe they should get a nice ending.”