Bart is our three-legged wonder dog. He will be thirteen in January and despite losing his back leg to cancer six months ago, he has soldiered on with the enthusiasm and stoicism only a dog is capable of.

Less than a month after he lost his leg, he was walking in the Scottish Highlands. Since then, he has been up Welsh mountains and enjoyed numerous trips to beaches and walks on his favourite bits of Cotswold and Welsh countryside. We are even planning on taking him on a mini-break to Cornwall this month (another of his favourite places).

He has been thoroughly spoilt! All the normal house rules have gone out the window; he is allowed on the sofa, he gets cooked fresh meat every night for dinner, he’s had more cuddles from us and fusses from strangers than at any time in his life. I suspect if he could talk he might even admit that losing his leg has been quite a good trade-off!

I’m becoming increasingly aware, however, that he is approaching the time that many dogs with his type of cancer would start to show signs of metastasis (cancer spread). As with most types of cancer it is impossible to say whether he will have another few months or even a year, but at some point it will return.

A little piece of our heart and happiness goes with them

I have written in the past about the joy and health benefits of owning a pet; the companionship, the unconditional love, the exercise. The benefits are tremendous. Sadly, that does mean that when the time comes to say goodbye, we are not only losing a small furry friend – a little piece of our heart and happiness also goes with them. It’s perhaps not surprising that so many pet owners struggle with the thought of getting another pet. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been told by a bereaved pet owner that they won’t get another pet as the trauma of losing them is too much.

So, this Christmas I am just hoping that Bart will still be with us and in good health – there will be even more presents under the tree with his name on them. Have a safe and happy Christmas, and give your furry friends an extra cuddle and fuss this festive season.