Fàilte

Here we are at the end of another year. We say it every time, but how did that happen? A period for reflection, celebration and spending time with loved ones. This year we said goodbye to our faithful canine companion Wilma. Wilma came to live with us in January 2013 after she was delivered to the SSPCA branch in Glasgow. She’d been dumped in a cardboard box by the side of the A70, along with another small dog called Betty, who also found a forever home elsewhere. After she gave birth and raised the four puppies she was expecting when she was abandoned, we were lucky to have Wilma for 12 years. Animal rescue charities are truly amazing and if you are thinking about getting a new pet, I would encourage you to think about rehoming one. It’s a commitment, no doubt, but highly rewarding. Sadly, there will be a glut of animals handed in after Christmas, as there is every year. The shelters will guide you in the right direction and match you with the best animal for your circumstances and usually only request a small donation to cover their medical bills, including microchipping. Wilma gave us untold laughs over the years; she was a tomboy and loved being outside, especially in the snow. It was also her way or the highway (any Westie owner can attest), and she certainly didn’t like being left out of things – she came pretty much everywhere with us. Latterly, due to her declining health, we were unable to leave her for very long. So, this December we’re off to Amsterdam before Christmas to soak up the festivities on the continent and enjoy a well-earned few days away before the drudgery of January and without having to worry about leaving an anxious Westie behind. The last time we were on foreign soil was pre-pandemic! Are you up to anything exciting this Christmas or New Year? Enjoy it, whatever you do. As ever, thank you to all our readers, advertisers, collaborators and volunteers – we couldn’t do it without you! We wish you a healthy and happy new year and look forward to putting together another 10 high-quality issues for you in 2025.