THEY say all good things must come to an end. Animal lovers reading this letter will know all too well the emotions I have encountered during the last three weeks.

My beloved greyhound, Georgie Best, lost his battle for life after a spinal injury, which left him unable to stand.

George has been an in-patient at the Willows Veterinary Hospital in Hartford and I cannot praise highly enough the treatment, care and kindness he received from Charlie Sale and all the dedicated staff at the Willows.

One of the most traumatic situations pet owners face is being separated from their loved one, but I witnessed many acts of understanding and compassion to all the patients during the many hours spent visiting George and so felt quite confident leaving my friend in the care of the staff.

If you are not an animal lover then it must be difficult to understand the feelings connected with the bereavement of a pet but I can assure you they are every bit as intense as any other loss.

George was a delight - he was extremely intelligent and brought a great deal of pleasure to us all at Moretons Meade. His escapades over 11 years are numerous including attending parties, bingos and coming along on trips - including Blackpool Illuminations where he was treated to a fish supper! On one occasion he trotted along the corridor to visit his friend Gladys, fell asleep on her bed and woke up an hour later to be confronted with his reflection in her full-length mirror. He was taken aback at this and barked rather boisterously giving Gladys the fright of her life as she had forgotten he was there!

The tributes I have received from family, friends and colleagues have been a source of great comfort and only endorse the fact that life can never be the same without this noble greyhound, Georgie Best.

My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone at the Willows for giving George the care and dignity he deserved at the end of his wonderful life, and to George - thanks for the memories.

CAROL TAYLOR

Walnut Avenue

Weaverham