Year to remember

THE start of a new year is always a great time to look back and ponder the year gone by.

I try not to dwell too long on the loved ones that left us, as I find the lump in my throat gets bigger every year.

You would think you would get hardened to it but you don’t. Perhaps if I ever do, I will know it is time to stop.

As many old pals flit through my head, I try instead to remember the things that happened that made me smile. Or think.

First up is RSCPA inspector Vic Hurr, who was called to an address in Coventry by a family who were petrified by an exotic lizard, which had somehow entered the house and was lurking under a bed.

So frightened by it were they that they could not even attempt to identify it, saying only that it was about seven inches long and two inches wide.

The intrepid inspector was able to use her torch to discover it was not, in fact, a lizard at all but a rather dirty, fluff coloured pink sock.

Suffice to say, the family were mortified.

Also, I am sure, mortified by her behaviour was Glasgow registered veterinary nurse, Georgina Bretman, who was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her Cocker Spaniel, named Florence, by injecting her with insulin.

The resulting collapse and convulsions required veterinary treatment and so suspicions were raised.

Now, I know how difficult it is for nurses to qualify.

I see the hours they put in and the compassion that flows from them.

I understand the stress they are exposed to.

Again, I am reminded that, in all professions, things can go wrong.

People can behave out of character. Friends, family and colleagues must be vigilant and provide help and support when they can and also watch for aberrant acts.

Finally, in my 2017 mini round-up, I was delighted by reports that Battersea Dogs and Cats Home had offered the services of some of the 60-odd cats they need to rehome to Westminster, in an attempt to reduce the Government’s £130,000 pestcontrol bill.

The animal shelter have already provided cats to 10 Downing Street, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Treasury, all in a bid to catch the, em, mouses of Parliament.

With Holyrood already controversially employing hawks and falcons to deter pigeons from the Scottish Parliament, it would seem to be much a doo about nothing.