Growing up in a Catholic family in between 3 brothers meant I found the faith in the fur person early. On reflection, St Francis of Assisi was the only saint I could conjure up – ‘it’s in giving, that we receive’ meant when I finally got a dog, Benji, the wired hair fox terrier, an abundance of love and adoration came his way and I enjoyed his special unconditional friendship in return.

My animal whispering destiny guided me to vet school, graduating in 1992, to work as a mixed-practice (all creatures great and small) veterinarian in Timaru. A great career for travel I worked all over the UK and then in Canada. Coming home to Christchurch I converted to companion animal practice, and still adore working with both dogs and cats every day.

In 2004 one black Labrador and one brown couch accompanied me to Auckland, where in 2009 I founded ‘The Strand Veterinarian – the ‘little’ clinic with a BIG heart’ had opened.

My passion moving forward lies with care of aged companions and supporting women in our profession – both a worthy challenge as well as a daily inspiration.