It's that time of year. If you have an un-neutered cat - get them neutered asap!!

A very important part of our job as veterinary surgeons is to be there at the end of a pet's life to make sure he or she does not suffer needlessly. Of course we - vets and pet owners working together - do all we can to make sure a pet has a long and happy life and of course as vets we do what we can to treat and control any illness your pet may succumb to so that their life can be long and happy and above all comfortable. But invariably a time comes that we cannot hold back the tide of time any longer. So it with a heavy heart that we sometimes have to give the advice that the time has come, that nature has beaten us and that the heart breaking but brave decision has to be made to leave a pet go. To agree to do this is without doubt the most courageous act of love we can show for our pets. When they get to this point the right thing to do, no matter how much the grief, is to let them go in a peaceful, dignified and painless way, preventing them suffering any more. As a vet I hold sacred the ability to put a pet to sleep. I will never, ever do it when it is not in the pet's best interest - there are many times I have refused. But I also recognise that in most cases where I was asked to put a pet to sleep unnecessarily that it was only that the owner did not know there was an alternative. So I never just say 'no'. I will say no, explain why it is not the right time and then will work to find a different way. There have been several cases over the years where we have found another way (but details of which must remain confidential) and of course there was a few of our practice cats that all came in to be put to sleep and all ended up living with us for many years! However in the vast majority of cases the request to let a pet go is the right thing to do. When that is the case we do our very best to make sure everything is quite, comfortable, dignified and peaceful for the pet and their owners and where requested will always do a house visit to put a pet to sleep. What was most striking throughout my career has consistently been the courage of owners to make this decision in the face of huge grief they felt. I have been humbled by this courage, these acts of pure selfless love to put their pets' welfare above their own feelings. They loved these pets since they were little balls of fluff, they loved them throughout their lives and they showed true love at the very end to make sure they did not suffer. The loss and grief we feel when we lose a pet is real and profound. I can only offer my best of wishes to these good and brave people who have lost pets in recent times and are at the early and very raw stage of grief and loss. It's difficult at any time to lose a pet, but it's invariably more difficult at this time of year. No-one can be identified of course but I want them to know that we all share their loss and we all wish them our very best whilst they go through the difficult process of grieving after a much loved pet, a member of their family. My advice for anyone who loses a pet is that what you may feel in terms of grief, whilst sometimes overwhelming, is perfectly normal and should not be suppressed. It always helps to talk and we are always there whenever anyone would wish to meet us after their pet has passed. Our relationship does not end with the passing of a pet, we remain there as a friend for whenever it's needed. Wishing all of our clients, and their pets, a very happy new year, Alan Dr Alan Rossiter MVB Blacklion Pet Hospital Greystones

This little boy dog (with no microchip!) was found on the Southern Cross road in Bray. He's fine and safe with us in a warm bed with dinner. If you know who he is please contact us.

I'm proud to say I am the 'local vet' in question who spotted this and reported it, with the new owners agreement and assistance, to the ISPCA. I am also very proud to be the person who got removal of dew claws made illegal in our new and really very good animal welfare legislation (the Animal Health and Welfare Act). Poor Nala had been mutilated - for that is what it was when a non-trained person using no anaesthesia or pain relief or sterility cut what is the equivalent of the thumbs an big toes off with a scissors - and the ISPCA and Department of Agriculture were fantastic in pursuing this case through the courts. There are times when our government bodies get criticism for perceived weakness in relation to animal welfare but in this case they deserve nothing but our praise. It's just a pity the guy who did it got away with no punishment other a donation of less than a third of the price of one of the nine pups sold for €800 each in the litter. Dr Alan Rossiter MVB Blacklion Pet Hospital, Greystones

Be sure to enjoy your Christmas but remember our pets can't tolerate sudden changes in food & this can often result in vomiting or diarrhoea. Please be aware that some of our festive foods are actually poisonous to pets. Have a safe & Happy Christmas.

**UPDATE** Great news Fluffy has returned. She came back earlier today. Thanks everyone for sharing the post to help find her, very much appreciated. 😸😸

**PLEASE SHARE** Our little hospital furfriend Fluffy is missing. She is microchipped & has an unusual looking right eye. It is normal for her to come & go so she may have been calling to someone over the last few weeks. Please call Blacklion Pet Hospital - The Greystones Pet Vet on 01-2875283 if you have seen her.

This little fella was found in a terrible state. He was emaciated and malnourished, full of worms. His little tail had been docked (it's illegal to do this). Whilst he has some way to go before he's the healthy little puppy he should be he's well on the road to recovery. Now all he needs is a warm, comfy and loving home. And a name! Suggestions please. Alan

Miss our Azzy x x

Good news for the Greystones pooches and their mammies and daddies having a lattè of a Sunday morning down town.....and I made a comment that raised a few hackles! Alan

Some Friday Fun, let us know your furfriends true name!! 😁😁 Some ours are Princess Chu Chu, Sass Boots & Emperor Monkey...... 😂😂

The weekend begins!! 😂😂