Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale has aired some heartbreaking news for Cain Dingle, who was prompted to reconsider his resistance to begin cancer treatment after his beloved dog received a diagnosis of his own.
Tonight's episode kicked off with a tense Dingle reunion as the family rallied around Cain, who awaited an update about Monty the dog after he suffered a significant smoke inhalation and his tests indicated the possibility of cancer.
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Paddy called round at Cain and Moira's, sadly confirming that Monty had a metastatic tumour. Cain started disassociating as the vet explained that Monty would have a decent quality of life with the right treatment.
"There will be good moments," Paddy assured, as the family reflected on the best course of action for Monty's sake. "He might have more time being loved," Lydia suggested as Cain stormed out, saying he would collect his dog from the clinic later on.
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At the clinic, Cain asked Paddy for advice about what to do with Monty, with the vet replying he'd choose to "give him longer". "Give him more cuddles, more love," Paddy said as Cain took a moment to think, then told his pup: "Looks like you and me have got a big decision to make."
As Cain handed Monty treats and left his tough front behind to cuddle him, he said: "If there was anything I could do to make things better for you, you know I would, don't you? I would, you know, in a heartbeat."
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Then, he came to a realisation about his own cancer diagnosis.
"It's funny, innit?" Cain continued, talking to Monty and himself. "When it comes to you, it's dead easy. With me, it's... I just think about my mum and the choice she made," he added, referencing Faith's decision not to get treatment for her terminal cancer.
The duo went for a big walk at Monty's pace before returning home, where the dog was showered with love from the rest of the Dingle clan.
Moira asked Cain if he'd made a decision about Monty, as he said he'd be on board with palliative care. "Dad wouldn't let Monty go without one last knees-up, so we give him more time," he said.
"And when he starts struggling..." Belle began, with Cain assuring they would stop the moment it'd get too uncomfortable for Monty.
"No messing, no dragging it out," he said, asking if they all agreed.
"Then maybe we can all agree about something else..." he then said tentatively, hinting at having reconsidered doing radiotherapy for his prostate cancer.
"When the time comes, if I need it, I'm gonna have it," he said as Moira got emotional. "Someone's made me realise I've got options. And I should take them whilst I still can," he concluded, as Moira hugged him.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from Macmillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.
