A few years back now, a client brought his new cairn terrier puppy in to be vaccinated. Having a friend who was keen to have a cairn, I asked him where he got his pup from. "From a farm we were caravaning at in Wales" came the reply, "and she still has 2 left but said she was going to have to have them put to sleep as she couldn't get homes for them." "Don't let her do that" I said, I'll find homes for them down here"

An hour or so later he was back on the phone saying "I've spoken to the lady with the puppies, and I'm meeting her half way along the M4 on Sunday at 1, so I'll be with you with the pups by about 2." And that was that!

One of the nurses took one of the pups, and I took the other for my friend. Unfortunately, not being a doggie person, he found that he really couldn't cope with a 4 month old male terrier, and as it's a rigid policy of mine that I never give anything live to anyone that I'm not prepared to keep myself, he came home with me.

And here he stayed, giving me almost 12 years of love and affection. In return I hope I was able to give him half of what he gave me, tho I somehow doubt it.

He was truly the greatest little dog I have ever owned, a real go anywhere, do anything little character. Totally, 100% reliable with people, children, other dogs. Nothing, with the exception of open footbridges bothered him, and even those he managed to overcome his fear and master. Always happy, always a wag of his tail and a welcome for everyone. He travelled the length and breadth of the country with us, enjoying his walking holidays, and showing the Beardies just what a proper dog was!

About a month ago, he was lame on his right hind leg when he first got up, the first time he'd ever been lame. There was nothing much to see in the limb, and I thought that maybe old age was finally starting to catch up with him. He was still keeping pace with the Beardies up till then. After a couple of days rest and some pain relief, he was back to his normal self, tho he seemed to chose not to go for a walk in the mornings, but took his lunchtime walk as normal.

Just over a week ago, I noticed he was struggling to go to the toilet, and what he passed was flat. I knew then something serious was going on, and an examination revealed a large mass occupying most of his pelvic canal. An x-ray showed a large tumour growing from the inside of his pelvis, by his right hip.

This past week, has been spent investigating treatment options available for his condition. And over the past week, he has been kept on pain killers and stool softeners to make things easier for him, and I have to say, he has been the brave 'wee so'jer' he always has been. He ran flat out down the garden after the woodpigeons yesterday and trotted back up with a glint in his eye. But I feel that that exertion had damaged something, as this morning he was reluctant to get up, and didn't come and greet me, most unlike him.

I knocked him out to get another x-ray, but when I examined him internally, the tumour had grown noticeably even in a week, and,  well, I felt enough was enough.

So now, hopefully, he has crossed over the 'rainbow bridge' and found Maggie, and knowing my wee Scuddie, will be off looking for an unguarded picnic hamper to raid.

Go for it m'son, I look forward to the day when we're together again!

                                                                                              (photo by Barry Wiggins)