One of the nice things about writing a blog during the run up to Christmas is that amid the frantic business of shopping, cooking and socialising it gives one the perfect excuse to spend a quiet moment reflecting on the past year and planning for the future.

It would be quite wrong of me to write a festive blog (ugly word, useful tool) without mentioning my favourite saying

‘A dog is for life not just for Christmas’

After all it was thirty years ago this month that I first came up with that phrase and although it is often borrowed by advertisers and journalists alike, I believe most people understand it is a plea for restraint.

Why restraint? Because when faced with a sweet wriggling pup it can be very hard to resist getting the old wallet out. I realise that I talking to the converted and most of you will realise this anyway but maybe there is a reader out there still considering a pup as a present. I urge you to remember that the tiny bundle of fur will grow up into a full sized dog that needs walking, feeding, grooming and affection every day – for the next 13 years at least. Hopefully you can see why giving someone a 13 year commitment is not the greatest Christmas present ever.

Plus the Christmas season is an artificially busy time when most people have time off work and there are many more people at home with the time to care for a pup. However, come January and the return of ‘nine to five’ looking after the pup suddenly becomes yet another chore.

Historically, Feb and March are the months when those pups unlucky enough to have been given as a present end up being shown the door. Some will have lost their puppyish good looks, and others may be badly behaved if no one has taken the time to give them basic training. If they are truly unlucky they will simply be left out to wander. If their owner has an ounce of commonsense they will be taken to a rescue centre. One thing is for certain though; it’s the human to blame, not the canine.

My dearest wish this, and every, Christmas is that no pup is given as a present. Perhaps this will be the first year my wish comes true!

I’d hate to end on a downbeat note, so finally may I offer my warmest, most heartfelt thanks to all of you for your support during the year. Without your help not a single dog could have been rehomed and so on behalf of all the dogs and staff at Dogs Trust – Thank you.

Finally, may I wish you a very happy Christmas and a joyous new year!