Stronghold™ Veterinary Pet Care Awards 2004
The National Stronghold™ Veterinary Pet Care Awards invites pet owners and members of the public to submit nominations by writing about the care and work of their vet.
This year nominations were received from the owners of over 507 dogs, 360 cats and various other pets and animals (ranging from horses and hamsters, to an Australian Bearded Dragon); as well as numerous rescue centres and animal welfare organisations.
The following is a selection of nominations received from members of the public for 2004, which the judges feel give a flavour for the very real stories behind the Awards. These are presented in alphabetical order (by county) with an index preceeding the full stories. The order of presentation in no way relates to the results of the 2004 Awards.
The names and personal details of the pet owners who submitted the nominations have deliberately not been included here. Media enquiries to Progress Communications tel 01-2766117 or email info@progresspr.ie
Index to Judge’s Selection
CORK
Veterinarians Nominated:
Animal Care Centre, The Finger Post, Douglas East, Cork
Telephone:021 4893033
”I cannot forget John, Cork’s own St. Francis, who has stood patiently
beside me many a time as I sobbed my way through bundles of tissues. He
understands the loss that is suffered when a devoted
companion dies…”
Veterinarian Nominated:
Shane Guerin, Gilabbey Veterinary Hospital, Vicars Road, Cork.Telephone:0214962799
“How can I best convey the skill, commitment, good-humour, compassion, professionalism and excellent care which Shane Guerin effortlessly dispenses on a daily basis…?...Shane had performed surgical magic on Petal and she is now beginning what I hope will be a long and happy career as a racing greyhound….”
Veterinarian Nominated:
Gavin Russell, Riverview Veterinary Clinic, Distillery Road, Bandon, Co Cork
Telephone:023 41503
“My cat, Sweeney, was in an accident…..He had a serious spinal fracture and a very bad eye injury. His bladder, bowel and tail were paralysed and he was bleeding from his eye socket…”
DUBLIN
Veterinarian Nominated:
Michael McCahill, Allcare Veterinary Practice, Walkinstown Road, Dublin 12
Telephone:01401305
…”I would hold up my paw to tell him I need a drip, or I would go to the
press where he kept the magic stuff. I didn’t like the needle thing but
Michael was very gentle, then we would play. I could lick his face and he
would laugh and say I was his special dog…….Please excuse typing and spelling
as it is hard on the paws.”
Veterinarian Nominated;
Michael Woods, Primrose Hill Veterinary hospital, Tivoli Road, Dun
Laoghaire, Co Dublin
Telephone: 01-2803303
…”She had been born in our house ten years previously and was the
four-legged boss of our family….”
We thought that her recovery was like magic. So we christened Michael Woods, "Magic Mike", and the name stuck…”
Veterinarian Nominated:
Veterinarian Nominated:
Patrick J Pollock, BVMS, CertES, MRCVS, UCD, Dept. of Veterinary
Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Surgery, University Collage Dublin, Belfield,
Dublin 4
Telephone: 01-7166001
…” Patrick is a noble vet who has alliviated suffering in seals and consoled overworked volunteers who feel helpless in the face of this suffering….”
GALWAY
Veterinarian Nominated:
Aidan Miller, Ark Veterinary Clinic, 46 St. Mary's Road, Galway.
Telephone: 091-584185
….”one week after Hamish's untimely death….our seventeen year old cat, Fluff
also died….Aidan's compassion and care have made a huge difference to our
coming to terms with the sudden deaths of these little family members within
the one week…..
Veterinarian Nominated:
Tom Rennick, Tom Rennick Veterinary, Bishop Street, Tuam, Co. Galway Tel: 093-24546
….”we got Archie, who we reckoned smiled, laughed and generally gave us
someone to talk to when we felt the whole world was against us….His kindness,
gentleness, ability and skills as a vet I'm sure are the reason that Archie
lived for so long, and if by sending in this, I can convey some of the joy that
Archie brought to us to Tom and the rest of the country, I've done a good
thing….”
KERRY
KILDARE
LIMERICK
Veterinarian Nominated:
Leanne Evertsen, Castletroy Veterinary Clinic, Kilmurry Roundabout,
Castletroy, Limerick
Tel: 061-330966
…”Luckily Molly hadn't had breakfast
yet, and was able to have surgery that day….She also has an excellent sense of
humour - even during an after midnight Saturday night callout….”
Veterinarian Nominated:
Vincent Ireton, Clare Street Pet Clinic, 66 Clare Street Limerick
Telephone:(061) 415104
” In the last year, both my parents have been ill, one with septicemia, one with Alzheimers, all encompassing, serious stuff. Our cats are working cats, they care for both parents….Silver, monitors my mother and follows her around, He'll call for help if she is at the stairs or the door…..”
LONGFORD
Veterinarian Nominated:
James Victory, Crandara Veterinary, Longford Town, County Longford.
Tel: 043-46270
…” In the year after Ozzy's passing my wife and I joined the ISPCA as
associate members and lately, I have started to do animal photography for the
ISPCA. I suppose it's my simple way of remembering Ozzy and giving something
back to those who continue to care for animals….”
LOUTH
Veterinarians
Nominated:
David & John MacGuinness, Avenue Road Veterinary Hospital , Avenue Rd, Dundalk. Co. Louth Telephone: 042-9339648
…”both David and John have given her one more lease of life and certainly helped her avail of some of her “Nine Lives”. Long may this continue….”
MAYO
MEATH
SLIGO
Veterinarian Nominated:
Niamh Lee, Mc Dermotts/St Benedicts Veterinary Clinic, Pearse Road , Sligo
Town, Co. Sligo
Telephone: 071 9142435
…”My dogs are not just show dogs to me, they are also my family…..In mid
October 2003 began a harrowing 4 weeks for me…..She rapidly got worse……A visit
to the vet at midnight, a virus….I knew that this was going to rapidly spread
and it did…….12 dogs and every 2 to 3 days another dog would come down with
this virus…..There were times when I felt like giving up…”
WATERFORD
Veterinarian Nominated:
George Kinsella, City Vets, Matties Hill, Waterford Telephone:051
371155
“I would like to posthumously nominate George Kinsella of City Vets ….He
has left a gap in all our lives. …”
WEXFORD
Veterinarian Nominated:
Mr. Peter Comerford , Veterinary Surgeon, The Mill , Knockduff, Ballycanew Road, Gorey
Tel 055-21877
..”At some stage Penny must have suffered trauma…. she was especially terrified of men folk….she must have understood he meant her well…”
WICKLOW
CORK
Veterinarians Nominated:
John O'Mahony & Barbara Fleming, Animal Care Centre, The Finger Post,
Douglas East, Cork
Telephone:021 4893033
Reason for Nomination:
I MUST nominate the Animal Care Centre at
The Fingerpost Douglas, Cork. Many others and I know of the unending
kindness shown to ALL animals that come under their care. No matter the
problem, be it severe or routine, you are always greeted with a smile and the animal
with a kind word and a soothing pat.
Having gone through the devastating loss of my beloved 16-year-old Springer
Spaniel Zara, I can only touch upon the compassion given to her through her
last months. If she could have spoken only words of praise would ring
loud and clear for the Animal Care Centre, especially Barbara Fleming.
Barbara has an angelic aura, which seems to radiate to the animals. Zara was
always pleased to see her, even knowing that she may be at the receiving end of
another injection she would contently go with Barbara and I into the surgery.
At times, when Zara was feeling her age, Barbara would literally get down on
the floor beside her to save Zara’s old legs. I really do know that she
cared greatly about Zara and have no doubt that she feels for every animal she
has treated.
On 30th January Zara died naturally in my arms. No words can express the loss I
felt and still feel. Even now my heart experiences heaviness and my eyes brim
over. The respect given to Zara when I took her in that morning, even
although she had past on, was regal. They took care of her and me with a great
gentleness. Zara was cremated as then I only had a rented house and could not
bury her. John took care of all the arrangements and I thank him for taking the
distress of that from me.
Therefore I cannot forget John, Cork’s own St. Francis, who has stood patiently
beside me many a time as I sobbed my way through bundles of tissues. He
understands the loss that is suffered when a devoted
companion dies and can bring upon a brief feeling of calm whilst you greave.
Both Barbara and John are true vets and animal lovers: kind hearted, dedicated,
devoted, thoughtful, sympathetic, considerate and full of true affection for
all creatures great and small. If the world were full of people like them
animals would be in Heaven every day.
On behalf of Zara, Angus, Sammy and Callie I wish pay tribute to Barbara, John
and the girls of The Animal Care Centre and cannot recommend them highly enough
for the 5th Veterinary Pet Care Awards.
END OF NOMINATION
Veterinarian Nominated:
Shane Guerin, Gilabbey Veterinary Hospital, Vicars Road, Cork.Telephone:0214962799
Reason for Nomination:
How can I best convey the skill,
commitment, good-humour, compassion, professionalism and excellent care which
Shane Guerin effortlessly dispenses on a daily basis? Each time I call on Shane
for assistance he meets the particular challenge.
My latest dog to visit Shane is Ozzie, last June, at 4.5 months old he
fractured his Tibia. At the time I thought oh no lightening cannot strike in
the same place twice - last year my puppy Petal had suffered a similiar injury
- however, this time I did not panic, I knew that Shane had performed surgical
magic on Petal and she is now beginning what I hope will be a long and happy
career as a racing greyhound. Ozzie has enjoyed a similiar successful outcome.
I was confident that Ozzie's best chance of
fulfilling his destiny to be a champion race dog lay in Shane's hands.
The plate and screws which he inserted in Ozzie's leg have completed their job
and are removed. He is now 7 months old and has made a brilliant recovery.
It is not just Shane's outstanding surgical expertise which has prompted me to
send this nomination - it is his concern for all my dogs' welfare, his caring
and gentle way with the dogs, his understanding that although they have a
racing career which they enjoy - they are also my pets and friends, his
willingness to make himself available at all hours to offer assistance and
advice, and his constant good humour and patience.
Shane is also committed to educating owners on animal welfare issues. For
example, last July he helped to organise and chaired an educational seminar on
greyhound injuries and welfare. His motive was to make the public aware of the
new information which is available to vets: of the likelihood of a better
outcome for many injuries due to new surgery techniques. He gave up his weekend
and many working hours putting it together, and the very large attendance
enjoyed the benefit of his and his colleagues knowledge and expertise.
Finally, my 12 year old bitch, Florence, Ozzie's grandmother, recently
developed a tumour. Shane gently reminded me that despite my feelings for her I
must put her welfare and quality of life first. I knew this deep down, but I
did need to be reminded, which Shane did in a most compassionate and caring
way. As always, whether the news is good or bad Shane is there to help and
support - I rely totally on his judgment.
What can I say about Shane Guerin? He is quite simply the Guardian Angel of all
my dogs.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian Nominated:
Gavin Russell, Riverview Veterinary Clinic, Distillery Road, Bandon, Co Cork
Telephone:023 41503
Reason for Nomination:
My cat, Sweeney, was in an accident on 23rd October 2003. He had a serious spinal fracture and a very bad eye injury. His bladder, bowel and tail were paralysed and he was bleeding from his eye socket.
He was hospitalised for four days, put on
drip and had a catheter inserted. His vet was Gavin Russell of Riverview
Veterinary Clinic, Bandon, Co Cork.
As he progressed things were not looking
too good for him. We brought him home on the catheter and kept our fingers
crossed. Gavin rang us every morning and every lunchtime to check on his
progress. He also sent his x-rays to a consultant vet to get a second opinion.
After seven days, Gavin said that the catheter had to come out as he was worried that it could lead to a deep-seated infection. Bladder and bowel function were not returning and he was very weak. The normal procedure would also be to amputate the tail as it was to all intents and purposes dead, but Gavin did not want to do this as he felt it was too early and could affect the healing process by adding more trauma to an already traumatised cat.
His bladder had to be manually expressed three times a day and Gavin did this, but after another week there was still no sign of the paralysis reversing. He also had to have his bowel emptied. Gavin said that he knew of a drug he had used in the UK which helped stimulate bladder function so we researched sources for that drug on the internet and Riverview imported the drug.
The drug arrived and we were on a regime of
medication four times a day up to 11.30pm at night.
Sweeney was still not doing very well and I became very upset as the bladder
expressing was really painful to watch, especially when there seemed to be
absolutely no improvement. One day, when Sweeney was particularly bad and had
fainted in my arms that morning I said that I felt that it was as much as he
(and I) could take and that maybe I was keeping him alive for selfish reasons
and that we should consider euthanasia.
Gavin said that though the outlook was poor he felt that there was still hope as Sweeney was strong and young and he wanted to give him every chance. He works in a very busy practice and the easy way out would have been to agree with me. Instead he took a tough line with me and told me that I'd have to pull myself together and be strong for Sweeney. He also saw that I was exhausted from the round the clock treatment and said that it would be best for me to get a break and so he would take over for a while.
He took Sweeney back into hospital for five
days and expressed him several times a day, gave him his medication and came
back every night at 11pm to give him his night tablets. I should add that
he
didn't charge for any of this. I felt so bad that Gavin was having to come back
every night that I did pull myself together and took Sweeney back home and
brought him to be expressed by Gavin three times a day.
Gavin made himself available on Saturdays
and Sundays also to facilitate this. This continued for about five weeks. In
the meantime I also consulted a homeopathic vet to get as much help as I could
for Sweeney. Instead of being in any way resentful Gavin was very open to this
and very supportive
of any possible treatment that could help Sweeney.
We persisted and after seven weeks Sweeney's bladder kicked into action and he passed urine on his own at 2am one morning. It took another six months before his tail regained its full function and now, other than a damaged left eye, he is recovered and is a very spoilt and happy cat. He owes his life to the
dedication of Gavin and the team at Riverview as he had what they came to nickname 'the bladder from hell'.
It was so hard to express him that no matter
how hard I tried I couldn't do it and even the Veterinary Nurses couldn't do
it. If Gavin had not been willing to give his nights and weekends to Sweeney he
would definitely be dead. In fact I researched Sweeny's injury on the internet
and it is very rare to recover from the type of injury he had.
The other very positive thing is that Gavin
applied all we learnt from dealing with Sweeney and now he gives the same drug
regime to cats and dogs with similar injuries and discourages tail amputation
until he is 100% sure that the tail will not recover with time.
I cannot praise Gavin Russell and the staff at Riverview Veterinary Clinic highly enough. They were all excellent, but by giving so much of his free time, support and encouragement and without payment for all the additional expressing and out of hours care Gavin Russell went far beyond the call of duty.
He more than deserves to be vet of the
year. Sweeney and I owe him a huge debt of gratitude.
END OF NOMINATION
DUBLIN
Veterinarian Nominated:
Michael McCahill, Allcare Veterinary Practice, Walkinstown Road, Dublin 12
Telephone:01401305
Reason for Nomination:
The last year has been a very difficult one for our family.
We are an ageing family. My sisters Rusty and Pen are 17 and 12, my brothers 10, 12 and 9 (doggie years of course). Oh yes, the others, can’t forget them. We lost Lucky and Mitise this year so now we have 3 cat cousins and of course our human owners.
My name is Holly. I have liver failure for the last two years. I have been very sick but my friend Michael the vet has got some magic stuff that makes me better for a long time. I love to visit Michael. He is very clever, but so am I. I would hold up my paw to tell him I need a drip, or I would go to the press where he kept the magic stuff. I didn’t like the needle thing but Michael was very gentle, then we would play. I could lick his face and he would laugh and say I was his special dog.
He would never put me in one of those wire beds. I didn’t like them. We had so much fun. I loved to go to the vets. I got to go much more than the others. I was so lucky after Christmas. I didn’t feel so good, the magic stuff didn’t seem to be working and Michael looked worried. I didn’t want to play anymore. My human, Audrey, asked Michael if we would have one more go at the drip. It was very sore. I got into the wire bed, I didn’t want that drip. My humans were very upset.
My human Grandad Matt died very quickly and Audrey couldn’t nurse me cause I need a lot of care when I’m sick, it takes lots of time to feed me. Michael told Audrey he would mind me. He came to work every early and went home very late and Audrey would take me home to my own bed at night.
I got a lot better but I was very tired. But I got stronger during the next few weeks. One day Audrey brought me up to see Michael. I was missing him. I ran into the vets and ran all around the place. Michael said he never saw me so good and happy.
The following week I got a terrible pain. It was so bad. I put my head on Audrey’s lap and told her it was time for me to go with Lucky and Mitise. She was crying but I told her it was all right, that Michael would be there and he promised me I would love the journey and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. We got the phone and rang.
Michael was very sick and out of work. After a while the phone rang. Michael was on his way over. I knew he would be there. We were in the vets before Michael and how my tail wagged when I saw him. He looked a bit funny and I told him to try the magic stuff. The humans all had tea and I got this lovely needle and went to sleep. Well I think I was asleep. I had no pain and I was running around, jumping and playing. But the humans didn’t seem to see me. They were looking at this old dog on the table. I guess it was my time to go. I gave them all a kiss.
There was just one thing left, to find a dog for Audrey and Michael so they won’t be so said. I know Audrey said she would not get another, but the old dogs need a young one around. Got one bit of a Mutt, but I’ll train him. Home a week from the pound and already he has nearly died twice. He has to go into the wire bed. I told him “lick Michael” but will he listen ? But then again I will always be Michael’s special dog and he is a very special vet. I will always be with him.
Thank you Michael for making my sickness such a happy time and being there for me at any time, day or night.
Please excuse typing and spelling as it is hard on the paws.
END OF NOMINATION
Veterinarian Nominated;
Michael Woods, Primrose Hill Veterinary hospital, Tivoli Road, Dun
Laoghaire, Co Dublin
Practise/Surgery Telephone:2803303
Reason for Nomination:
Our first visit to Michael Woods was in the summer of the 2001. Our pet dog Blackie was really sick. She was a black and tan Jack Russell, normally full of life and energy. She had been born in our house ten years previously and was the four-legged boss of our family. She was loved dearly by us and nearly always got her way, when it came to things that she wanted, like treats and walks.
But now Blackie was in trouble and our
family was very worried about her. She couldn't really stand up and was
sleeping a lot. She was also crying a lot in her bed and wasn't eating. We
decided that she needed some help fast. The thing was that she has never really
been to the vet before, as she was normally a very healthy dog. We had a look
through the golden pages and decided to bring her to Michaels Woods practice in
Dun Laoghaire.
After a short wait, we were shown in to see the vet. He gave her a through
examination. He had a very reassuring manner and seemed very competent. He
explained everything that he did and seemed just as concerned for Blackie's
well being as we were. After doing some tests and keeping Blackie overnight he
found out that she was suffering from a blood disorder, involving her white
blood cells. Sadly at this point he informed us that Blackie was a very sick
dog and that it would be touch and go for the next few days.
We were very worried and Michael did as much
as he could to support and reassure us. We thought that we were going to lose
our dog at this stage. I would be sorry myself but I really didn't want to tell
my younger brother who would be inconsolable.
Well surprise, surprise. After a couple of week's drug therapy, our old friend
was running around the kitchen floor as usual. Growling for scraps and barking
for her walk. She was back to her old self. We were delighted, we though that
we were going to lose her. We thought that her recovery was like magic. So we
christened Michael Woods, "Magic Mike", and the name stuck, as least
in our family.
Blackie has had few problems since our first visit to Magic Mike. She was an
old dog. She had problems with her back, heart and liver. Mike dealt with all
of which with greatest of care and attention.
Sadly she passed away this year after
getting to a ripe old age. I have to say that I believe, that her life would
have been a lot shorter had she not benefited from Magic Mike's Help. We are
all very grateful to him for his help and I know that he shared our sorrow when
Blackie passed away. Thank you Magic
END OF NOMINATION
Entrant Contact Info:
Irish Seal Sanctuary, Tobergregan, Garristown, Co Dublin Phone Number:01
8354370
Veterinarian Nominated:
Patrick J Pollock, BVMS, CertES, MRCVS, UCD, Dept. of Veterinary
Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Surgery, University Collage Dublin, Belfield,
Dublin 4
Practise/Surgery Telephone:7166001
Reason for Nomination:
Patrick has willingly attended seals, without charge for the I.S.S. for the past few years, while at the same time working full time at UCD and studying for his exams. To be a good vet and be well paid for it is expected an appreciated, but to give without reward is noble.
Patrick is a noble vet who has alliviated
suffering in seals and consoled overworked volunteers who feel helpless in the
face of this suffering. The Irish Seal Sanctuary struggles to provide a rescue
and rehabilitation response to Irelands neglected wildlife, Patrick makes that
response more efficient and humane.
END OF NOMINATION
GALWAY
Veterinarian Nominated:
Aidan Miller, Ark Veterinary Clinic, 46 St. Mary's Road, Galway.
Telephone:091-584185
Reason for Nomination:
On 15th June 2004 our beautiful little rescued cat Hamish suddenly died, most
probably from a heart attack, as she was a cat who had endured terrible
hardships in her early life.
When Maureen brought Hamish's little body
to the Clinic, it was Aidan Miller who was able to provide
compassionate and calm counselling, and who was also able to confirm Hamish's
unprobable death at just six years of age. Aidan has looked after Hamish since
we first got her (yes, despite the name, mistake at birth!) as a rescue kitten,
and in 2001 he actually saved her life when she had been brutally savaged by
three hounds, and left for dead.
However, one week after Hamish's untimely death, on 23rd June 2004 our seventeen year old cat, Fluff (a cat always in direct communication with his inner kitten) also died - this time because I had to bring him to Aidan for his (Fluff's) final journey into a cat Otherworld.
As I gently laid Fluff to rest I was deeply
touched and grateful for Aidan's care and gentleness - he respected my grief at
this not only sorrowful but incredible event - where our two cats died within
one week of each other - and where we were asking for their little bodies to be
cremated so that we could
bury their ashes together in their favourite garden by the sea.
And it was Aidan over all the years who had
nursed that same Fluffy mischievous cat, and who had brought great quality of
life to Fluff's final years through his perseverance and through his direct surgical
interventions in saving Fluff's hearing.
So I must nominate Aidan Miller, not just for the fact that he is in every way
an outstanding Vet, and has dedicated himself with passion and love to working
with animals, but also because he has such a gift of sharing and communicating
on a human level with those of us humans who care about our animals, and take
our responsibilities to these little creatures seriously.
His is a lifetime of love, and we can only say, that over this last month, Aidan's compassion and care have made a huge difference to our coming to terms with the sudden deaths of these little family members within the one week - our two long-haired cats, who, though different in age, were great friends and who now, hopefully, sleep in some cat heaven, or perhaps, return to visit us as cat angels!
So, on behalf of Hamish and Fluff, as well
as on our own behalf, we request recognition for Aidan
Miller's ongoing labour of love with animals in Galway.
END OF NOMINATION
Veterinarian Nominated:
Tom Rennick, Tom Rennick Veterinary, Bishop Street, Tuam, Co. Galway Tel: 093-24546
Reason for Nomination:
While we had Archie, who was the love of the whole family, and the staff who worked for us, Tom did a wonderful job fixing, dosing, operating and generally helping us and Archie to have the best memories of any pet we've ever had.
I first came into contact with Tom as a kid when we found a Leveret, I think that's how you spell it, a young Hare with a broken leg. As kids and being upset by this poor stricken creature we cared for him, bringing the young hare up to Tom, who was amazed to see him. If memory serve's me right, he showed the greatest of care to the poor creature and us. Didn't charge us any thing for all the care he gave, and set us on our way. The hare died shortly after as does happen with a broken leg.
Anyway years later we got Archie, who we reckoned smiled, laughed and generally gave us someone to talk to when we felt the whole world was against us. Tom did 5 operations on Archie for us, each time he was distressed in having to tell us that Archie may not survive this operation.
Archie knew what a visit to Tom's surgery was about and would fight, struggle, howl and generally not want to be there, but each time, with care, love and I'm sure time that would have been better spend caring to his ever busier practice, Tom would make friends with Archie again, allowing him the time to come to grips with the fact that this was for his own good. Archie, through Tom's care and attention survived an operation to remove a cancerous lump on his leg, 3 operations on his eyelids, and one operation on his eye. He survived for a longer than normal time on this earth, and we put it down to Tom.
His smile as he saw Archie being walked into his surgery, or even on the street during his off duty time, to me showed his care and attention to all the animals in the care of people around the Tuam area. When Archie passed away, he died of a heart attack while out walking with my parents. When he stopped and keeled over another person rang Tom's house and asked him to come down that McGlynn dog was really ill and that they were both very distressed.
Tom appeared within 5 minutes.
Unfortunately this was too late, but he had lived for at least 4 years more
than he should have. To say we have the best vet in the country available to us
is possibly one of the greatest understatements I know right now. His kindness,
gentleness, ability and skills as a vet I'm sure are the reason that Archie
lived for so long, and if by sending in this, I can convey some of the joy that
Archie brought to us to Tom and the rest of the country, I've done a good
thing. He's a great vet, he's a great person, but best of all, he loves them
all.
END OF NOMINATION
KERRY
KILDARE
LIMERICK
Veterinarian Nominated:
Leanne Evertsen, Castletroy Veterinary Clinic, Kilmurry Roundabout,
Castletroy, Limerick
Tel: 061-330966
Reason for Nomination:
Leanne Evertsen is a part of a practice
that has been nominated many times in the past - her collegues (Hugh
O'Callaghan and Michael Canty) have justifiably won high praise over the years.
However, I feel Leanne deserves special mention. She is very gentle with Molly
and Bobby (my cats) as well as the various kittens I've fostered for the animal
welfare. She always remembers what they've been seen for last, offers
excellent advice, and returns calls when I ring with some bizarre query or
other (like if you don't know if the cat is 'go to the vet' sick or just simple
home care sick).
When I brought Molly and Bobby in to have their vaccines, Leanne carefully gave
them a check up first - thereby discovering the lump on Molly's breast.
Luckily Molly hadn't had breakfast yet, and was able to have surgery that
day. Leanne handled the situation with tact and her professionalism was
very reassuring. She answered all of my questions honestly and without
squimishness, and she was very gentle with Molly after the surgery. She
phoned me as soon as the results came back, keeping me appraised of the
situation and thereby reducing our worries (mine, and my partner's).
Months later, when I brought a pair of kittens I was fostering for the animal
welfare to her, she asked about Molly, and offered further sensible advice.
She is very through - without the checkup she might not have noticed the lump,
and the day of the surgery Molly also had her teeth and her ears cleaned, all
under anastheic, so she didn't have to undergo mutliple trips to the vet. She
also has an excellent sense of humour - even during an after midnight Saturday night callout.
For all of these reasons - the gentleness, the professionalism, the humour, the
courtesy, I want to nominate her, and I hope she wins.
END OF NOMINATION
Veterinarian Nominated:
Vincent Ireton, Clare Street Pet Clinic, 66 Clare Street Limerick
Telephone:(061) 415104
Reason for Nomination:
He's a super person, not just professional in his veterinary care but careful of the owners too. He has really worked out in his head what pet companionship means to people and has endless patience.
In the last year, both my parents have been ill, one with septicemia, one with Alzheimers, all encompassing, serious stuff. Our cats are working cats, they care for both parents, actual care, not just by being, and Vincent, in vaccinating, mending falls from trees, looking after eyes and all the general veterinary work has cared for all.
My mother, in all her early dementia, will say 'As Vincent says...you only get 2 eyes' and we avoid rows about spectacles etc. The Bengal, Silver, monitors my mother and follows her around, He'll call for help if she is at the stairs or the door. Kofi, the asian, would not leave her side when the consultant called, consultant thought it weird but Vincent has a great understanding of pet therapy!
Even in explaining cat feeding, he bonded
with both parents and gave them a better understanding of minerals and
vitamins. Would that our various doctors were more like him!
All our cats are trained to walk on leashes and might be therapy cats when they
are older and he understands how possible it is.
His opening hours are super, days, evenings and saturdays and he's come in
early and at midnight for other cats found injured on the road. He is simply a
super verterinary and a gentleman!
END OF NOMINATION
LONGFORD
Veterinarian Nominated:
James Victory, Crandara Veterinary, Longford Town, County Longford.
Tel: 043-46270
Reason for Nomination:
Ozzy passed on, on August 28th 2003 at Crandara Clinic, Longford. He had been a client of James Victory for most of his
16 years. We were very upset at his passing and as a result forgot to nominate
James in the 2003 competition. Back then, we decided that we would nominate him
for the 2004 competition instead. I hope this is acceptable to you.
Over the years as well as getting to know Ozzy, James got to know my parents
and me, and between one thing and another we 'all' built up a good relationship
with him. The early years of care for Ozzy were quite routine with boosters,
nail clips and regular health checks. In a way they are the easy years, yet
James advice and care certainly was a major contributing factor to Ozzy's long
and wonderful life with us.
James possesses a unique ability to tune in
to the needs of an animal and the owner at the same time, which is what we
ultimately relied on and needed at the end.
My short 'nomination-note' to you is based solely on the lifetime of fantastic
care Ozzy received at Crandara, which is too comprehensive to describe, yet
impossible to forget. In the year after Ozzy's passing my wife and I joined the
ISPCA as associate members and lately, I have started to do animal photography
for the ISPCA. I suppose it's my simple way of remembering Ozzy and giving
something back to those who continue to care for animals.
END OF NOMINATION
LOUTH
Veterinarians
Nominated:
David & John MacGuinness, Avenue Road Veterinary Hospital , Avenue Rd, Dundalk. Co. Louth Telephone: 042-9339648
Reason for nomination:
I wish to nominate our family vet(s) David & John MacGuinness from the Avenue Road Veterinary Hospital in Dundalk because they treat ALL our pets and big animals as Very Important Creatures (which of course they are).
I am not selecting ONE individual reason for this nomination as to this family it is much more important to have a continuous professional and caring service provided when it comes to our pets. This is exactly what we get from the MacGuinness brothers and indeed all their staff at the clinic on an on-going basis.
Some examples for this nomination are as follows:
Suzi our 10 year old dog whom all our family love dearly is getting really bad with arthritis and we are so worried about her. John MacGuinness (vet) recommended we try two particular products to help her and keeps checking in with us to see how she is getting on. He has been superb in helping and guiding us and with Suzi herself, he treats her like she was a his own.
Beanie and Barnie our two beloved Tortoise Shell (sisters) cats have had many little escapades that have caused them to visit the veterinary practice. The latest being that Barnie has had to visit as she was not well and again she was treated with great care. When she enters the clinic her file was brought to the fore and without even a second glance John could call her out of her name. He prescribed tablets for her and in no time she was as right as rain again.
Last year we had our beloved 12 year old cat called “Lord Henry” put to sleep (sadly) as he was not well and we did not want him to suffer. The gentle approach from David MacGuinness towards our poor pet was memorable for all the right reasons and his kindness to ourselves who were just devastated was incredible.
Finally, in recent times we have had to visit the Avenue Road Veterinary Hospital on a number of occasions with our (now) twelve year old stray cat called Jamie. Jamie has been very ill and both David and John have given her one more lease of life and certainly helped her avail of some of her “Nine Lives”. Long may this continue.
Both David and John also visit our family farm as frequently as needed to take care of our Dairy herd, calves and dry stock. There is never a time when either one or the other is not available.
They never fail to amaze how they can treat all animals so effectively and most of the time with a good end story.
We wish to nominate David and John MacGuinness for their continuous, long-standing professional expertise and kind approach both to pet and owner.
MAYO
MEATH
SLIGO
Veterinarian Nominated:
Niamh Lee, Mc Dermotts/St Benedicts Veterinary Clinic, Pearse Road , Sligo
Town, Co. Sligo
Practise/Surgery Telephone:071 9142435
Reason for Nomination:
I have been showing dogs since 1978 and occasionally I breed a litter of pups. My breeds are Dachshunds and Tibetan Spaniel.
Since taking early retirement from my job in 1994, I have been running a Boarding Kennels for Dogs and Cats. Mc Dermotts, St Benedict's Veterinary Clinic, Pearse Road, Sligo has been my veterinary practice for at least 12 years.
All the staff in this practice deserve a
nomination, (Vets: Brian Mc Dermott Snr: Brian McDermott Jnr:
John Robinson: Niamh Lee and receptionists Olive Carolan and Birte
Leistenscneider ) but as I must choose
one, I am nominating Niamh Lee as it was Niamh who nursed me and my 10 dogs
through a most difficult 4 weeks last October/November.
In order to understand how traumatic these 4 weeks were for me, I must begin my
story in December 2001. In December 2001 I was diagnosed with a form of cancer
that necessitated a minimum of 6 weeks Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in a Dublin Hospital. As I live alone, my anxiety was for my dogs.
My dogs are not just show dogs to me, they are also my family and most of them live in the house with me. I then had 12 dogs (3 young dogs starting their show career, and the remainder ranging in ages from 3 years to 14 years). Good friends and family "fostered" all of them. Before they went to their foster homes I wished to have them examined by my vet. I also had to arrange veterinary cover for my dogs while I was in Hospital.
I phoned Brian Mc Dermott told him my
story, and to save me the trauma of having to transport 12 dogs to his practice
he sent one of the vets John Robinson to my home, which is 16 miles from Sligo. I was also assured that the foster homes could contact him at any time if they had
any worries while my dogs were in their care. Knowing that my dogs were in
capable hands I concentrated on my treatment.
In March 2002, I came out of hospital, began my recovery, got my dogs home
reopened my business and resumed showing. By the end of 2002, the 2 home
bred mini long dachshunds litter brother and sister
"Heidi" and "Zack"were Irish Champions and the Tibetan
spaniel "Holly" was winning also.
One of the Vets John Robinson got married and his wife Niamh Lee joined the St Benedict's Practice.
From early 2003 Niamh Lee was the vet who
treated my dogs on a regular basis. I had great plans for the future - 2 home
bred champions, lots of queries for stud and plans to breed from the Tibetan
spaniel " Holly" and the M/L dachshund " Heidi".
In mid October 2003 began a harrowing 4 weeks for me. A few days after returning from a show in Dublin the dachshund " Heidi" displayed symptoms of canine flu. She rapidly got worse and within hours of the first symptoms appearing she had a temperature of 105, rapid heart beat, coughing, lung congestion, sneezing, swollen throat glands. A visit to the vet at midnight, a virus - what can one do only treat for possible complications and wait? Thankfully she recovered, but both Niamh and I knew that this was going to rapidly spread and it did.
12 dogs and every 2 to 3 days another dog would come down with this virus-always at different times of the day and night. Always Niamh was at the end of a phone and many times she travelled from her home to meet me at the surgery. My big worry was that my Tibetan spaniel was due pups and also to prevent this spreading to the boarding Kennels. My Boarding kennels are some distance from my house and my own dogs and thankfully it was contained to my own dogs.
The Tibetan had 5 healthy pups and 3 days after the pups were born she got sick and of course the pups came down with the virus. After 2 weeks of nursing dogs day and night I was very exhausted mentally and physically, I was bringing the pups the 16 mile journey sometimes twice a day, then Niamh gave me her private telephone no so that I could phone her for advice when she was off duty.
There were times when I felt like giving up. However Niamh persisted with her treatment and encouraged me not to give up- all adults and 3 pups survived the virus.
Then when we thought we had put this
episode behind us, the champion male dachshund "Zack" became ill.
Niamh very quickly suspected that he had something seriously wrong with
him and an x-ray together with exploratory surgery showed that he had an
inoperable tumour in his abdomen and was put to sleep. I was gutted. I had
fought so hard to overcome my own cancer and now one of my beloved dogs at 3
years of age had died from cancer. Niamh and all the staff at St Benedicts were
very kind and sympathetic and looked after the cremation of "Zack"
In nominating Niamh Lee, I would like to mention another case that did not involve my own animals but which involved my business. One of my customers, an 80-year old widower who lived alone had a cat "Molly" 16/17years old. He was going into hospital for Tests and contacted me to board the cat "Molly". He mentioned on the phone that Molly had not been so well, but because of his own ill health had not been able to get her to a vet.
When I went to his house to collect Molly, I saw how ill both the cat was and suggested that I bring it to a vet. He agreed and understood that euthanasia could be a possible outcome. He was very distressed and said his goodbyes to his beloved cat. He had hoped that this would not happen before or while he was in hospital. I brought Molly to St Benedict's. Niamh Lee was on duty and surgery was almost over for the night. I explained the case to her. She examined the cat and diagnosed an Abscess/possible tumour in the cat's mouth on one of the teeth ---hence the reason why the cat could not eat and possibly why it was so thin.
After much discussion on the benefits to its owner of the cat being treated and palliative care provided to it, Niamh decided that she would stay on after the surgery closed and see what she could possibly do for the cat. A few hours later Niamh rang me to say that she had lanced the abscess and the cat was on a drip and comfortable. She also rang the owner who was being admitted to hospital the next day to tell him the good news.
Molly began to eat food again and was returned to her owner when he was discharged from hospital. Molly was on medication, which had to be administering orally, and as he could not manage this himself, he brought Molly to Niamh at St Benedict's every day. He told me how kind she was and very patiently listened to his concerns while administered the medication----All part of the service Niamh explained to me. Not only has the animal's welfare to be attended to but also the owner's.
Sadly the tumour was malignant, but by then
owner was mentally strong enough to make the correct decision and have Molly
put to sleep
I hope that the judging panel consider Niamh Lee for this award.
END OF NOMINATION
WATERFORD
Veterinarian Nominated:
George Kinsella, City Vets, Matties Hill, Waterford Telephone:051
371155
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to posthumously nominate George Kinsella of City Vets for the Stronghold Pet Care award.
George was an outstanding and compassionate vet who did everything within his powers to look after the animals in his care. The first day I met George was when Poppy became ill very suddenly and as I was new to Waterford I rang the first vet I came across in the book.
Though it was a Sunday lunch hour, George immediatly came to meet me in his practise, then at Philips Street. It turned out that Poppy had Leptospirosis and with George’s care and his pratice of homeopathy alongside conventional medicine, Poppy fulled through. Since that day over 10 years ago I have always came away from a visit to see George having learnt something new and feeling that my animals were in the best hands.
Last Christmas we had to make the awful decision to put our older dog, Jessie,
down after she broke her hip. The children were with me in the surgery and
George was very patient and kind towards them, in being part of the decision
and in coming to terms with what was happening.
George Kinsella died this summer and is a huge loss both to animal care and as a friend.
He has left a gap in all our lives. As a
vet he was unequalled and was always striving to further the field of animal
care.
END OF NOMINATION
WEXFORD
Veterinarian Nominated:
Mr. Peter Comerford , Veterinary Surgeon, The Mill , Knockduff, Ballycanew Road, Gorey
Tel 055 21877
We would like to recommend Mr Peter Comerford because he is very helpful, thoughtful and nice.
He has a real charm for animals, we have a little Yorkshire Terrier called Penny, and she is now getting on in years and recently has suffered some setbacks.
We got Penny about a year and a half ago from an elderly lady who was unable to look after her.
When we got Penny she was in very poor condition and was very traumatised with the loss of her owner.
The poor little animal used to do the most unusual things such as suddenly hiding in a corner for no apparent reason. She also used to behave as if she was unworthy of her food, looking at it in disbelief almost, like someone being awarded a prize but being afraid at the same time someone would snatch it from him or her. The only time she would eat was when we were in bed asleep. At some stage Penny must have suffered trauma, she would get terrified at the sound of papers rattling, and run into a bedroom and hide. She was especially terrified of men folk.
These are just a few examples of the turmoil the poor little animal was suffering, however with the help of kind and sincere advice from Peter she made a full recovery, which is rare for a dog so old.
Our first encounter with Peter was when Penny broke a toenail shortly after we got her, we were at our wit's end because she was very distressed and we did not wish to cause her further suffering because of her fear of strangers especially men.
Believe it or not the minute she laid eyes on Peter her condition improved, we were expecting major upset but no, she relaxed, wagged her tail as he spoke to her she kissed his hand. Peter examined the paw and said “oh dear you are not going to like this but the only way around this is to cut it right back”. She was responding as if she knew Peter was meaning her well. “Snip” the nail went, with only the slightest reaction from Penny. A dressing was applied and an antibiotic injection all without any fuss.
Next day she was good as new.
A few months later she started to yelp in pain when eating or trying to drink, you would think someone was after hitting her or something. She would go mad if you tried to open her mouth to look inside.
I do not drive and I depend on my husband to bring us everywhere, it was a Monday I remember and my husband’s only days off are Saturday & Sunday.
There was no way she would survive until Saturday without attention. I rang up Peter and told him what was happening and asked if he could see her and explained it would be after 7o’c before my husband could bring us in. Not a problem he said just ring when you are ready to come in.
By evening time Penny was huddled in a ball having gone all day without food or water. When my husband came home I rang Peter who told us to come on in as soon as we were ready. The same performance as before, her condition improved as soon as she laid eyes on Peter. Not the slightest bit of nerves, she must have understood he meant her well.
Peter was able to open her mouth without any commotion; he put in his finger “ah” he said there is the problem, a bad tooth.
Now he said there is two ways of doing this, I can give her a general anaesthetic but that is not a good idea with old small frail animals or if you are willing to hold her I will try to extract it as it is rather loose.
We chose the latter option and before I blinked the offending tooth was in the bin. Not even a whimper from Penny.
Next Peter de-scaled the plaque from the rest of Penny’s teeth and gave her an antibiotic in case of infection. My husband asked if there was anything available to help Penny’s teeth and Peter gave us a tube of special toothpaste, which Penny now loves.
Life would be so good if the medical profession would treat people with a fraction of the kindness and helpfulness shown here to a poor little dog.
On the day’s we were at Peter’s surgery it was easy to see his wholehearted dedication to his career and his love of animals. When you arrive in his yard you are greeted by a well behaving good natured “motley crew canine welcoming party” which contribute to the good vibes you get on entering the yard.
The selection of dogs of different breeds behave impeccably, and I am sure represent comfort and welcome to any unfortunate ill animal in need of reassurance and comfort.
There are a selection of sheds around the courtyard which are wards for various horses, ponies and farm animals in recuperation which further enhances the atmosphere of care and commitment.
END OF NOMINATION
WICKLOW