Veterinary Nurse (Cert IV) and Administration, Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital 1983 - 1987, Cotesloe Small Animal and Specialist Hospital 1987 - 1990
I began vet nursing in 1982 in Adelaide before heading over to Perth with Ian where he did his veterinary studies. Whilst there I completed my Cert 4 Vet Nursing qualifications and worked at the Murdoch University Veterinary Faculty and Hospital. Apart from enjoying the challenge of working with all manner of veterinary lecturers and specialists, I thoroughly enjoyed working with a fantastic range of animals, not only horses, cattle, dogs, cats and birds, BUT zoo animals as well, including anaesthetising a lion and a bull seal (which had the WORST fish breath you could imagine!!!).
Whilst still in Perth, I was lucky enough to be offered a position at the Cottesloe Specialist and Referral Small Animal Hospital as their head vet nurse. Working in a private practice, with specialists, was a new experience as well. Hectic and fulfilling!
In 1991 Ian and I opened the Findon Vet Surgery together, with our 3 month old daughter Ella in a bassinet behind the reception desk. We also LIVED on the premises as we couldn’t afford to even rent a house, and soon our son Angus entered our lives…and from there we built up three practices! Very hard work, but all small business owners would appreciate this!! We are now back to one and original surgery and I have returned to work and am loving it! I cannot imagine a more fun yet professional group of co-workers and I am thankful for their wonderful experience, and also meeting all of our old clients again, and the many new ones!
I love horse riding, the beach, travelling and outback adventuring – and most of all my family, which includes Jack our 14 year old Border Collie, and two Burmese, Lulu and Shubert.