Get to know our resident Lead Vet, Dr. Sam – what she loves about working with animals and the advice she wishes every pet owner knew.
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What inspired you to become a veterinarian?
Well it probably started with our family dog growing up – Dot. She was a loveable cattle x
staffy with the heart of a lion and an appetite for Barbie dolls. I remember her eating the arms off one (which gave her a sore tummy) and thinking ‘Gosh someone is going to have to fix that’. I decided then that person should be me. Then there was Steve – my pet mussel. Not exactly the most interactive companion, but boy was he a great listener! As you can imagine we ended up having a menagerie of animals after that, and I realised that they all deserved someone in their corner – no matter how big, small, fluffy or slimy. So, I became a vet. And it probably wouldn’t surprise anyone that I still name inanimate creatures in my spare time (like Frank at the clinic, but that’s another story). -
Do you have any pets of your own?
Yes absolutely. I have two distinguished senior dogs that are our house royalty. Ripley is our majestic Queen and communicates using ‘The Royal Boff’. Tucker is lovingly referred to as a ‘baked potato’ of a King who fears the wind and Tuesdays. Both run the household demanding belly rubs, walkies and the rest of your dinner. I am their butler, masseuse and driver.
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What do you love most about working in this community?
I have found that everyone around here to be welcoming and laid-back. But honestly it’s the privilege of being part of people – and their pets’ lives. I get to be there when a family welcomes the new naughty puppy, the forever-wanted rescue cat, putting stitches into a cattle dog that lost its battle against a fence (but won against the garbage truck), and yes even when saying one of the hardest goodbyes to an old friend who has been around longer than the kids. Pets aren’t just animals they are our security guards, stock hands, lumpy blankets and secret keepers. Being a vet, I get to be there and see every fur-baby’s story. I get to share and be a small part of their wonderful, chaotic lives.
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What’s one piece of advice you wish every pet owner knew?
Start to become obsessed with your pet’s water bowl. Watch it like a series-finale of a murder mystery show. Your dog is suddenly draining its bowl every day? Has kitty now started fighting you every time you turn on the kitchen tap? Changes in drinking habits can be a big red flag of something more sinister lurking like diabetes, kidney disease or plotting to take over the world (okay not so much the last one but you can’t rule it out
with cats). -
Do you have a favourite animal? What is it and why?
Oh, that’s tough, but I’d have to say I have a real soft spot for senior dogs. The love, kisses and pats having slowly taken away some of their ‘paint’ and turning them grey. Their wise eyes, bumpy bits and tail wags. They’ve done the zoomies, chewed on the wrapped presents under the Christmas tree, barked at the mystery sock under the bed. Now they just want a comfy bed, belly rubs and their dinner on a certain plate – and honestly, same.
