I OPENED the hand written addressed letter which was marked ‘PRIVATE and PERSONAL’, unfolded the crisp, yellow paper and read the words slowly.

I smiled, then shut my eyes and tried hard to remember him. When I couldn't quite get an image of him in my head, I moved to a computer and called up his case history.

The type scrolled in front of me and it came to me in a flash. It always works.

Immediately, I saw him as he had been; black, sleek and muscular. He was one of the finest, calmest Labradors I have had the privilege to treat; a true gentleman, a close and faithful companion, a playmate, a confidante and the very best of company; always loyal, never argumentative, steady as a rock.

Then I shuddered when I recalled how the bone tumour in his thigh had first caused lameness, then pain that even he was unable to bear. I put him to sleep in his big bed in his house, surrounded by his family, whose tears flowed unashamedly.

Now, on the fourth anniversary of his death, they had taken the time and effort to write to me saying that, every year, they got together and did something positive to honour his memory.

The first year, they had gone on his regular long walk as a family, chatting and laughing about his antics. The second year, they had each produced their favourite photograph of him and the tears had come again, as they realised he was forever part of their family history.

Next, recalling how he had once got a little overweight, they had agreed they would each lose three kilogrammes, improving their waistlines and reducing their food bill.

Now, they had decided to send a donation to me, in the hope that we could use it to improve another patient's quality of life. Each member had chipped in what they could afford and pooled it to produce a useful sum. It was a lovely thing to do.

Ultimately, we were delighted to carry out their wishes, using the money to pay for anti-arthritic medication for a geriatric Labrador on behalf of his owner, when the company she worked for shut down abruptly, leaving her high, dry and somewhat skint.

It seemed very appropriate. Indeed, I am sure that, up in doggy heaven, the old guy was wagging his tail in approval.

It struck me that, while we have National No Smoking Day, National Women's Day, Father’s Day etc., it would be a great idea to follow this family's lead and celebrate National Day Our Pet Passed Away Day.

It would be a different day for everyone, of course, but it would be the right time to remember a family friend and do something good and worthwhile in their memory.

It might also involve members of a family making the effort to get back together and reminisce. Because that is one of the wonderful things about pets. They live on forever, in our hearts and in our heads.