Before I go on to mention what “pet awareness days/weeks” are being celebrated globally in the month of June I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of this fledgling Network dedicated to improving the health of Scottish Terriers. We have been wracked by several deaths of beloved Scotties, diagnoses of nasty little viruses and diseases, overall too much doom and gloom for even the hardiest of us to bear, but your support has been phenomenal. You keep coming back, despite reading the hardships some have suffered, knowing that reading about the pain of terminal illness and deaths are making us all the more stronger and determined to see that the health of our beloved Scottish Terriers must start to improve.
Finlay was the inspiration behind the founding of this Scottie Health Network. He may have lost his battle with bladder cancer in May, but I certainly haven’t lost my battle to improve the health of our beloved breed, and to Make a Difference for Scottish Terriers.
So here’s to Finlay and all your Scotties that have lost their fight to live long and healthy lives. This Network is their legacy and long may they all be remembered.
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There seems to be plenty of “awareness days” associated with our animal companions. Here’s a few that you may be able to take part in ….
Adopt-a-Cat Month®. From the American Humane Association.
Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month. From the ASPCA.
National Pet Preparedness Month. This month, timed for the first month of hurricane season, urges people with pets to make preparations in case they should be hit by a disaster…and that includes making plans for what you would do with your dog in case of a hurricane, tornado, flood or other natural disaster.
June 4, 2013: Hug Your Cat Day.
1st week in June. Pet Appreciation Week.
June 10, 2013: World Pet Memorial Day.
mid-June: Animal Rights Awareness Week.
June 21, 2013: Take Your Dog to Work Day.
June 21, 2013: National Dog Party Day.
Scottish Terrier Health Network 
My gorgeous Scottie, Roy McGregor has been diagnosed with bladder cancer which has spread to his liver and lungs. Three weeks ago, we were told he had irritable bowel disease, and two weeks ago we were informed that unfortunately, he has an aggressive type of carcinoma and he has s few weeks to live. He is 8 years and 9 months.
To say that we are devastated is an understatement. We also have Roys litter mate, Robert the Bruce. He seems fine.
We have looked after our boys, loved them, taken them to the Vet at a drop of a hat. Yet, Roy cannot be saved with my love or medical intervention. My heart aches.
Please do something to stop this happening to our beautiful dogs. Too painful to lose them so young and with such painful and vile diseases.
Dearest Sally, it doesn’t seem right to ‘thank you’ for your comment, but I do thank you for having the courage to write and let me know about your beloved Roy McGregor. You may be aware that I started this Network because my very own beloved Finlay contracted Bladder Cancer at a young age, though not as young as your little man, and I am determined that those that fall foul of this disease will form the legacy of ensuring that future scotties do not succumb to bladder cancer in the distressing numbers that we see today. I have made great in roads with agencies here in the UK, but those in America, especially Purdue University, are light years ahead of us in hunting down the gene that causes us all such dreadful distress. My heart breaks for you and your family. I would love to do an article, especially dedicated to your beloved Roy McGregor, with photos of the happy times that you’ve spent together, but only if you feel strong enough to do so. Send as many photos as you wish, and let’s all celebrate this brave little man as he fights to survive this horrible disease. My love to you all, and please keep in touch, the Network has such loyal and supportive followers. They will endeavour to give you as much support as they can, should you need it.