Pets

Ask the vet... with Lynn Broom

What’s it like being a vet? Would you recommend it as a career? Being a vet is a privilege. If you love animals and want to help them, often in their times of greatest need, this is the job for you. But it is important that you understand all the job entails. It is not all about cuddling puppies (although clearly that is the best part !) and difficult decisions have to be made every day. Much of the job is mundane such as emptying anal glands, TB testing cows or vaccinating horses and there is a lot of problem solving using the information you obtain from the owner and from examining the animal. To get there you have to work hard academically. Learning lots of information and passing exams is essential. If you are considering being a vet it is essential that you get lots of experience in veterinary practices. Until you have seen what is involved you will not be able to make an informed decision. Dealing with people is a very important part of the job. Owners are usually very attached to their animal and at times of stress it can be difficult to manage expectations. It is essential to involve owners in decision making so that the best course of action is taken based on all the relevant circumstances. Many people believe that euthanizing animals is the hardest part of the job. On occasion this is true but often euthanasia is preventing a very sick or injured animal from further suffering. If, following discussion with the owner and assessment of the animal, it is agreed that euthanasia is the most appropriate course of action then this can be a rewarding part of the job knowing that you have released that animal from ongoing distress. The feeling of saving a critically injured animals life is indescribable. Pets are often as important to people as the human members of their family and we take the responsibility of doing the best for much loved family members very seriously. Long hours, including working nights, and stress are a large component of this job. We become vets to help animals. Unfortunately we are not always able to save every one despite our best efforts and, sometimes, owners expectations can be unrealistic. Suicide rates are high in this profession and it is essential to get the right balance

between caring for your patients and their owners and distancing yourself when you are not at work to maintain your own health. Do not become a vet if you want to earn lots of money ! A survey of average salaries published in 2020 showed that vets earn less than doctors (almost 50% less), pharmacists, paramedics, teachers, solicitors, electrical engineers, accountants, architects and many other careers. On the upside there is a shortage of vets so you are likely to have a guaranteed job ! So, if you want a rewarding job using your love of animals and science, but are aware of all the pitfalls, then being a vet is the job for you. There is no better feeling than when you have made a positive impact on the life and health of an animal and their owner. Dorset dog trainer wins a global award

A Dog Trainer from Dorset has scooped a LUXlife Global Excellence Award. Natasja Lewis of Nightsabre Dog Training in Milborne St Andrew, was voted Best Dog Training Support Provider for South West England. Natasja has been working in the area for over 10 years and moved her classes online in lockdown. With an influx of new dogs and puppies, she also set up a support group for local dog owners when she couldn’t train face to face. Natasja said: “It’s lovely to have this recognition after all that has happened in lockdown. The last year has seen so many people welcome puppies and dogs into their lives which is great, but there’s also been a lot of worry for new owners. “I’ve supported the local dog owning community online via a Facebook group particularly in the first lockdown when they were struggling to keep them stimulated. For the puppies, I took the classes online with fully interactive live classes meaning they could provide their new puppies with the best possible start in life under exceedingly difficult circumstances. “I held a fortnightly Zoom Tea Party for clients to show what their dogs have been up to or chat about dogs or life in general as people have felt so isolated.” Natasja says she’s looking forward to training people face to face again but has used her time in lockdown to focus on building an online business for the long term. She’s specialising in supporting Belgian Shepherd Dogs and has created The Positive Belgian podcast and online and training programme. She said: “It’s been an extremely challenging year as a small business owner so it’s lovely to have this recognition. I can’t wait to return to face to face class and have lots of exciting things coming up like a new Rogue Puppy Class, and the chance to learn Canine

Hoopers and Rally Obedience.” To find out more about Natasja visit funfocusplay.com or email natasja@nightsabredogtraining.co.uk HD DOG GROOMING SEMLEY

Professional grooming and teeth cleaning services based in Semley, offering a calm, safe and friendly environment for all your four legged friends.

07912 983839 / www.hddoggrooming.com

Companions at Peace Pet Cremation

Independent family run business offering a very personal, caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners. Collection Service Farewell Room Out of Hours Service provided Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border Contact us on: 07900 654 440 www.companionsatpeace.co.uk