You may notice that the group name has been changed from CancerDogsUK to CancerPetsUK. As well as having and loving dogs, I also breed cats and I know that this disease affects them too. I've decided to change the name so that owners of ANY pet, canine, feline or whatever, can feel free to join the list.

We are still only a small group. (Established October 2005) However, please don't be put off by this. The members are a caring bunch who want to help not only their own pets but those of the other members too.

The list is for pet owners and veterinary professionals mainly in the UK to try to offer help and support following a diagnosis of cancer in your animal. We welcome anyone else in other areas of the World with an interest in this subject too.

Having had 3 dogs with cancer over the last 20 years, I found that there are many excellent internet support groups based in the USA but very few specifically aimed at those of us in the UK. I feel there is a need for a group such as this so that members can share their knowledge and experience regarding resources, oncology specialists, allopathic, alternative or holistic treatments etc specifically in this country.

This group is in no way intended to take the place of your vet or vet specialist but is a place to find practical and emotional help in dealing with cancer in your pet and to share our experiences, treatment options, tears and laughter.

Most of all, I want to show that there is life after a diagnosis of cancer and many dogs live a good quality of life for months or even years.

I'm being self indulgent with the photo this month as it is one of my Standard Poodles - YoYo. He is 8 years old and has had Addison's Disease since he was 3 years old. He has just been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in his foot. He has had to have one toe amputated along with a lymph node in the local area. I'm waiting for the results of the biopsy to see if they have got the whole tumour with good margins.