Stronghold™ Veterinary Pet Care Awards 2006
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 veterinary teams.
This year nominations were
received about a wide variety of pets and animals. Stories were written by pet owners as well as
by rescue centres and animal welfare organizations. Nominations were received for individual
veterinarians; for veterinary nurses and support staff; and for entire
veterinary practices.
The following is a selection
of nominations received from members of the public for 2006, 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 2006 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
CARLOW
Veterinarian nominated:
Tom Spillane,
“Just recently
I was faced with the painful decision to put one of my beloved cats to
sleep. I can honestly say from the
bottom of my heart that only for Tom Spillane’s gentle way of handling this
terrible situation and his reassurance that I was doing the right thing, helped
me through this painfull time.”
Veterinarian nominated:
Caroline,
“I bought Gonzy a few weeks ago from an individual who
was advertising as a breeder - he told me the pup had a bit of kennel cough
when I bought them but it was easily cured.
When I brought her to Caroline the following day she confirmed that poor
Gonzy in fact had mange & started treating her straight away, Gonzy was 7
weeks old at the time….”
CAVAN
Veterinarians nominated:
Els Delaney & Finbar Kiernan, Cavan Pet Clinic,
Drumalee, Cavan Tel 049-4373839
“Having two Great Danes and a
CLARE
Veterinarian nominated:
PJ O’Driscoll, Summerhill
Veterinary Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065-6828215
…”the practice
also does unsung voluntary work for the Clare Animal Shelter, and cares for the
pets of elderly and homeless people, often with little or no charge.”
Veterinarian
nominated:
PJ O’Driscoll, Summerhill
Veterinary Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065-6828215
“Being a vet isn’t a job to
him, it’s a passion and I think the veterinary profession are very lucky to
have him in the clinic. A vet who can
make an animal’s life either coming in to the world or ending their life, such
a healing at tender moments, has already won awards many times over in my
heart.”
Veterinarian nominated:
PJ O’Driscoll, Summerhill
Veterinary Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065-6828215
“PJ is involved with the Clare
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the last 27 or so years
and we cannot thank him enough….”
Vet nominated: Michael Ryan, Vet nurse nominated, Lisa
O’Donovan, Abbeyville Vetrinary Hospital, Togher Road, Cork Tel 021-4317019
”Even though Sheba is a very much loved
and spoilt cat, it was not until she got sick that I realised how much she
meant to me and my family as I had always taken her for granted…..
Veterinary nurse nominated:
Lisa O’Donovan,
”….the
one consistent feature is Lisa. She
is always kinds, patient and helpful, beyond the call of duty really by today’s
standards.”
Veterinarian nominated:
John O’Mahony,
“Max got knocked
down and broke the two bones in his leg and took a blow to the head….John
dropped everything to put Max back together……
He has come out to our home when Max was fitting, whether after a tennis
match and once, on his way to a dinner in his tux !!!
…We know that but for Dr.
John, I wouldn’t have Max beside me as I write this, he wouldn’t have been
beside me through secondary school and the long cold nights during
college. I believe he is my lucky charm
…!”
Veterinarian nominated:
John O’Mahony,
“…we were very lucky
in that it was quite dry for the week and we managed to achieve 7 days before
he got to grips with the bandage….”
Veterinarian nominated, Fachtna Collins, Vet nurse
nominated Jennifer Carroll, Bantry Veterinary Clinic, 17 Dromleigh, Bantry, Co.
“I was so nervous. My dog means a lot to me, he is my life…..They
reassured me every step of the way, helped me when the dog needed help and
supported me….
And the poor nurse had to
dress my dog’s leg every day as he kept eating it off….”
Veterinarian nominated:
Fachtna Collins, Bantry Veterinary Clinic, 17
Dromleigh, Bantry, Co.
“I have a range of
animals from a hyperactive dog to hamsters and reptiles, and no matter what the
problem is with any of them, the whole team are on hand for help and advice….”
Veterinarian nominated:
Shane Guerine,
”…she was so young (only 6 weeks at this
time) he told us that there was a chance he could correct the problem but it
was something that he had never done before. We decided to put our trust in him
and go through with the surgery. “
Veterinarian nominated:
Conor Goold, Macroom
Veterinary Clinic, Macroom, Co
“Time is never a problem with
Conor. The animal comes first….
He had told me that Rolo’s
time was limited and it gave me that time with her to do all the little things
I wanted to do. ..”
Veterinarian nominated:
Richard Healy, Westside
Veterinary Hospital, Unit 19 Westside Centre , Model Farm Road, Cork city
Tel 021 4343503
”Richard tenderly gave him his injections
and made sure that he didn't feel pain during the procedure….Richard settled
Tic Tac into a sleeping position, placing his front paw over his eye and on his
nose….Tic Tac was at rest in a sleeping position and this made the burial all
the more bearable for us…”
DONEGAL
Veterinary Practice
nominated:
St. Elmo Veterinary Clinic,
Craig, Muff, Co. Donegal – including team members Barbara Shaw, Cathy &
Helena Tel 074-9384411
”Her diagnosis was spot on. She said he had a cervical disc prolapse….”
Veterinarian nominated:
Susan Barry, Anicare
Veterinary –
”I got Bailey at a rescue centre in
Kilkenny. When I got him he was nervous of everything and everyone and today he
still runs away when he sees a black bag or people he doesn’t know….”
Veterinary
Practice nominated:
Anicare –
”One evening when I returned
from work, Abu was huddled in his cardboard box bed in our bedroom, shaking. It
was after surgery hours but I was very worried about him….Abu had been struck
by a car.. ”
Veterinarian nominated
Sydney Nagle, The Animal Clinic, Ashtown, Dublin 7 Tel 01-8383003
”While walking by the canal close to
our house on the May Bank holiday last year we discovered a plastic bag with 6
pups only a few hours old….”
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Animal Clinic, Ashtown House,
Tel 01 8383003
”The
practice always had a wonderful working ethos. No matter how busy it was, no
matter, how stressed everyone was, each animal received the highest standard of
care that the practice could offer. Time was always found for a kiss and a
cuddle and extra care and attention for the animals…”
Veterinarian nominated:
Eamonn M. Moore, Blackrock Vet
Clinic, 5 Proby Square, Blackrock, Co.
”She was my first pet as a child and was
a very special friend to me always . …..Eamon understood my cat and was very
gentle on that day as he put her to sleep - he whispered in her ear and
reassured me that everything was for the best . He asked the other people
waiting to be patient as he wanted to give me time with my cat in her final
moments. I will never forget how compassionate
he was and still is to this day. . ”
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Blackrock Veterinary Clinic, 5
Proby Square, Carysford Avenue, Blackrock, Co.
”Nothing is too much to ask, everything is explained
in plain English, they are never too busy to answer any concerns you may have
and never rush you because there is a full waiting room. The love and
kindness shown to all of the 4 dogs is second to none….”
Veterinarian nominated:
Denis Shannon, Bull Wall Veterinary Practice, 24
Conquer
Tel 01 8531260
”I was due to return to Dublin on a
Saturday and he offered to open his surgery on the Sunday morning, so that
Penny had time to say goodbye to my extended family on the Saturday night,
before going to sleep on Sunday morning. I will never forget his kindness on
that occasion…”.
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Treanor Glynn & Walsh,
Tel 2802041 / 2780480
”……….Over the course of 24 hours Poppy
had gone from being our gorgeous (she is known in close family circles as the
"Angelina Jolie" of dogs), lively pet to a very sick little dog who
couldn't stand, was shuddering with each breath and was totally incontinent,
there was something terribly wrong but we had no idea what had caused these
symptoms….
Poppy is (my son’s) dog and he loves her more than
anything in the world….He has no brothers or sisters and all the love he would
have had for a sibling is bestowed upon this little dog…”
Veterinarian Practice
nominated:
Treanor Glynn & Walsh, Veterinary Hospital, 33
Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co.
”… our little friend was sent on his way
in peace and dignity…”
Veterinarian Practice
nominated:
Treanor Glynn & Walsh, Veterinary Hospital, 33
Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co.
”Mr
Treanor is gifted in his dealing with animals.
My dog is very nervous, but is perfectly happy when being cared for by
Mr. Treanor. Mr Treanor is kind, caring
and compassionate….”
KERRY
Veterinarian nominated:
Anita Connolly, Ark Clinic,
Killarney, Co Kerry Tel 064-36644
” My dad was in a very bad car accident
that left him in hospital for 2 months on the flat of his back. When he
came home, he stayed with me for a few weeks to get his strength back and to
learn to walk again. My dad loves animals….most of all he missed his "pet
dog" Jessie. He used to take her everywhere with him.
One evening, I got a call from my brother that dad's
dog Jessie had eaten rat poison and was near death….
When I brought Jessie home, you should have seen my
dad's face, it was the picture of happiness and the sparkle returned to his
eyes……”
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Treacy & Sheehan Animal
Health Centre, 25 Market Street, Listowel, Co. Kerry – contact vet Paul Treacy
and vet nurses Ann, Gina &
”So how does my
veterinary team qualify to be regarded as the best ? The most essential criteria, I feel for me
anyway, is simply that the concern and well being of the animal, whatever it
may be, comes first ..
I cannot express enough to
you, what it feels like, knowing that your “little friend” as old as she is,
will be cared for as if she were a puppy…”
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Treacy & Sheehan Animal
Health Centre, 25 Market Street, Listowel, Co. Kerry – contact vet Paul Treacy
and vet nurses Ann, Gina &
”When she finally
passed on he told us to bring in Sam to say goodbye to her so he would know she
was gone and not to be searching for her….”
KILDARE
Veterinarian nominated:
Andrew Doona, Athy Veterinary
Hospital, Gallowshill, Athy, Co Kildare
”My then 15 month female black lab cross was badly
injured on the road outside our house. I
heard a loud bang followed by a long series of agonised yelps…
I didn’t think it was our dog
until I got to the scene. I thought the
fence was secure. She had managed to
drag herself to the grass verge beside the gate. The car didn’t stop…”
KILKENNY
Veterinarian nominated
Berndatte Kenny & vet nurse Aileen, Callan Veterinary Hospital, Mill
Street, Callan, Co Kilkenny
”I was back sooner
than I thought, as my poor little wonder dog (who is not street wise) managed
to escape out of the back garden and on to the street and under a car, I really
thought my Molly was gone forever…”
LAOIS
Veterinarian nominated:
Tom Spillane, Vet Care, Shopping Centre, Portlaoise,
Co. Laois Tel 057 8664841
”I proceeded to bawl my eyes out in the
surgery room because I didn't want to let her go off on her own to get an
operation. I felt like such an eejit after but just couldn't help the
waterworks….”
Veterinarian nominated:
Tom Spillane, Vet Care, Shopping Centre, Portlaoise,
Co. Laois
Tel 057 8664841
” I was present to give my friend
support, but I really could see just how kind and patient Tom really is in a
situation like this. He gave my friend
all the time she needed talking to her and explaining everything….”
LEITRIM
Veterinarian nominated:
Paula Bergeson, Quinn
Veterinary, Gortfadda, Mohill, Co
Leitrim
”The fact that the
is still bounding about at 21 years is due to them….”
Veterinarian nominated:
John O’Dwyer, John O’Dwyer
Veterinary,
”My owner found me
when I was 3 months old. She pulled my
head out of a bag of chips outside Claire’s Accessories in Cruise’s Street in
MAYO
Veterinary nurse nominated:
Elisha Fahy, Hanaghan
Veterinary Hospital, Main Street, Ballyvary, Co. Mayo
Tel 094 92 89007
”Sarson was referred to a specialist in
MEATH
Veterinary Practice Nominated
Duleek Veterinary Hospital, 27
Ashbourne Road, Duleek, Co. Meath – contact Seamus Dardis
Tel 041-9882881
”Very often these calls are in the
twilight hours following full moons, tidal surges and storm conditions and they
show up cheerfully and sleepily, when it would be all too easy to leave the
phone off the hook!..
Apart from seals and more seals, the 'sanctuary' name
attracts other orphans and refugees of the wild and domestic animal worlds and
so they additionally end up treating or supporting feral cats, dumped kittens,
and occasional exotics….”
ROSCOMMON
Veterinary Practice nominated
All Creatures Veterinary,
Lanesboro Street, Roscommon – contact Catherine or James
Tel 090- 66 26898
”Elvis was an abused donkey and he has a
great fear of the farrier who found it impossible to trim his hooves. …His
gentle approach has really helped the donkey to trust humans again and now he
feels much more secure and happy to have his treatment. …”
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Southview Veterinary Hospital,
Irishtown, Clonmel, Co Tipperary – contact vet Alan Ahearn
Tel 052-21429 / 21712
”I took him to Alan
thinking he had an upset tummy. Alan
said he felt it was more serious and did some tests and scans, which
unfortunately showed a tumour……Chevy had surgery next day. The cancer was rampant and he had to be put
to sleep. My husband and I were
devastated at the loss of a much loved pet …”
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Southview Veterinary Hospital,
Irishtown, Clonmel, Co
Tel 052-21429 / 21712
”She recently became
a surrogate mother to four abandoned puppies.
Sarah Jane had to bottle feed these puppies every two hours, even during
the night, even though she suffered many sleepness nights, she was still her
usual pleasant self….
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Southview Veterinary Hospital,
Irishtown, Clonmel, Co
Tel 052-21429 / 21712
”…I thought that
this would be the last time I would see my Blackie and was worried sick. I went to work as normal but couldn’t get
much work done that day….
We were informed and involved
in every step of the way with Blackie’s illness and recovery. Alan and his team really care about animals…We
were allowed access to Blackie while recovering from her operation. This was very important to us and
Blackie. For Blackie it meant that she
was not going to be abandoned again….
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Southview Veterinary Hospital,
Irishtown, Clonmel, Co
Tel 052-21429 / 21712
”Earlier in the summer, Garbo walked into the kitchen
with a badly broken leg. We had no idea how it had happened but presumed
she must have been hit by a car. Even though it was just after surgery
hours and I live 8 miles from Clonmel, when I rang and explaned what had
happened I was told to come right in with the cat. …”
Veterinarian nominated:
Jer Clancy, Suirside
Veterinary Clinic, Carrick on Suir, Co.
Tel 051-641644
”I breed, rear and
show Irish wolfhounds which are a specialist breed and belong in the large
breed category. In addition to this,
they can have a very short life span…
..Care…Always delivered to a
very high professional standard accompanied with a courteous welcome and
smile…..When we have had very sick hounds he is always there in the background
ready with his advice and support no matter what time of the day or night, even
though he may have seen that hound but a few short hours ago. The telephone reply is always the same, ah
sure bring him/her down I will take a look anyway…”
Veterinary Practice nominated:
City Vets, Matties Hill,
Waterford City – contact Nuala Tel 051 371155
”An elderly Great Dane is not a good
candidate for surgery and Nuala, in common with her collegues in this practice,
showed great skill, but more than this, she showed genuine compassion for an
ill old dog and her tearful owner. …”
Veterinary Practice nominated
Riverside Veterinary, Davitt’s
Quay, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford – contact Pat Morrissey
Tel 058-44476
”Last
November, our dog Triggs became very ill. We thought he was going to die……Pat
did a few tests & phoned us the next morning to say Triggs had cancer. ….Thanks
to Pat & Dónal & Helen, Triggs pulled through & is alive &
healthy. We live 30 miles from Dungaravan but go there for all our petcare
needs, purely because of the caring & expert service we always receive.
Even when Triggs was brought in for grooming last month, he recognised where he
was going & had an extra spring in his step……”
WEXFORD
Veterinarian nominated:
Richard Bramley, Gubbins & O’Shea Veterinary,
Tel 053-9145755
”.. My mother’s old dog recently had to
be put to sleep by Richard…”
Veterinarian nominated:
Richard Bramley, Gubbins & O’Shea Veterinary,
Tel 053-9145755
”Richard
Bramley is an outstanding vet and also the perfect gentleman…..Please
acknowledge Richard for his dedication and professionalism and his amazing
ability to care so deeply about animals and give them the very best treatment….”
Veterinary Practice
nominated:
Gubbins & O’Shea Veterinary, Distillery Road,
Wexford – vets Dan Gubbins & Richard Bramley
Tel 053-9145755
”…We
had only had him for about 5 days, when he got a severe viral infection and
almost died….”
Veterinarian nominated:
Liam Walsh, Fernwood, Bree, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford Tel 053-9247603
”..He has a way with
the children who really do own the dog and they can be anxious about their pet
but he puts them at ease by explaining what’s happening….”
Veterinarian nominated:
Liam Walsh, Fernwood, Bree, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford Tel 053-9247603
”…He had to carry
out a caesarean section on her during the night. He delivered eight beautiful puppies…”
Veterinarian nominated:
Liam Walsh, Fernwood, Bree, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford Tel 053-9247603
”…Liam Walsh has
been doing the veterinary work for my dairy herd for over 15 years….
Recently Liam treated my dog’s
damaged leg in the afternoon and he rang me late that night to see how he was
doing…”
Veterinarian nominated:
Liam Walsh, Fernwood, Bree, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford Tel 053-9247603
”I did a year of
work experience with Liam. …
All of my many questions
regarding animal health and ailments were answered patiently. I got great hands
on experience and now have my mind made firmly up on my chosen career path….”
Veterinarian nominated:
Natasha Nowacki, Moyne
Veterinary, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Tel 087-2211017
”Last year, she
rescued a wolf [hybrid] single handedly from a river at 10 o clock at night in
the dark. He was tied to a concrete
block and she was the vet on call and saved him by wading into a flooded river
in the dark of winter….”
Veterinarian nominated:
Annette Quegan, The Pet Vet,
Tel: 053- 9126523
”I’m the proud and
often confused owner of four mad, but very wonderful dogs. The trials and tribulations that we’ve been
through are so numerous that even I wonder how we survived them all….
Squashed by cows, caught in
gates, mites, cysts, neuterings, jabs, dental work, on and on it goes…”
Veterinarian nominated:
Annette Quegan, The Pet Vet,
Tel: 053- 9126523
”Figgie, our oldest
dog, a 12 year old Gordon setter/collie cross has been suffering the effects of
old age…
……she gave him back the joy of
living…”
Veterinarian nominated:
Annette Quegan, The Pet Vet,
Tel: 053- 9126523
”Billy was very
quiet. Unusually quiet. We went for a drive and when we came home,
Billy had his face to the wall and was listless…..I knew he was very sick. It was 8.45 on a Sunday night….”
Veterinarian nominated:
Annette Quegan, The Pet Vet,
Tel: 053- 9126523
”Pooky has gone from strength to strength and is back
dropping dead mice on my pillow in the middle of the night! I remain eternally
grateful…”
WICKLOW
Veterinarian nominated:
Bairbre O’Malley, Kilmaintain
Place, Bray, Co. Wicklow
”….my soon to be
husband and myself found a 9 week old terrier cross pup abandoned on the road….”
Veterinarian nominated:
Alan Rossiter, Blacklion Pet
Hospital, Greystones, Co. Wicklow Tel 01-
2875283
”I was
heartbroken. I had lost my best
friend. Alan and his team were wonderful
to me……
He came to my home later that
evening and helped dig the grave. He
then wrapped Bengie in his blanket and buried him….”
Judge’s Selection
2006 Stronghold Veterinary Pet Care Awards
CARLOW
Veterinarian nominated:
Tom Spillane,
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to nominate my
veterinary team. Their names are Kevin
Maher, Andrew Doona, Tom Spillane, Caroline and Simon. They are all outstanding in their quality of
care and kindness given to my pets. I
also look after rescued cats and kittens and the very same quality of care and
kindness is given to these little animals that have no owners. The whole team in my estimation are
outstanding.
I would really like to
nominate my veterinary vet. I suppose
everyone has a favourite vet and mine is Tom Spillane. Because he is the one I know the longest and
down through the years has always shown pure dedication and gentleness and
kindness whenever my pets need care.
Not only to the pets that are so important to me, but also great
kindness has been given to me with that extra mile that Tom always goes. He will leave you very reassured how your pet
is doing and explains everything in great detail.
If you have to leave your pet
in the hospital you can be sure that follow up phone calls will be made to you
as to how your pet is doing. Just
recently I was faced with the painful decision to put one of my beloved cats to
sleep. I can honestly say from the
bottom of my heart that only for Tom Spillane’s gentle way of handling this
terrible situation and his reassurance that I was doing the right thing, helped
me through this painfull time.
I could go on and on. Thank you Tullow Road Vets for being such a
great team. A special thank you to Tom
for being such a kind and gentle vet.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian nominated:
Caroline,
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to nominate
Caroline as she was fantastic with my little pup "Gonzy" - I bought
gonzy a few weeks ago from an individual who was advertising as a breeder - he
told me the pup had a bit of kennel cough when I bought them but it was easily
cured.
When I brought her to
Caroline the following day she confirmed that poor Gonzy in fact had mange
& started treating her straight away, Gonzy was 7 weeks old at the time and
just taken away from the litter so quite scared, Caroline was brilliant with
her and took great care of her.
I have been going back to the Caroline for the past 6 weeks now getting the
course of mite injections for Gonzy as well as parvo/distemper & her 7 in 1
innoculations - the more I went the more aware Gonzy was that there were
injections to come and she wasn't too impressed going in but Caroline was
fantastic with her.
She was also great when I rang in panicked after hours after her first
injections, I thought the Mange mites were crawling out, thankfully it was just
fleas & Caroline advised me what to get to cure them.
After I learned that Gonzy had mange (& fleas AND worms!) I reported the
'breeder' to the RSPCA who subsequently raided his premises rescueing 23 dogs,
5 pups a dog & a horse.
Caroline was very helpful
& agreed to cooperate with the RSPCA in reporting Gonzy's diagnosis should
they have needed to contact her.
I have another dog (a collie cross) and had been taking her to another vet's in
town & found them uncaring & very business like in their approach to
treating both my dog & in their communications or lack thereof with me
despite the fact that she was in for a relatively major operation.
I found all the staff in Tullow Road Vet clinic to be fantastic & it has
restored my faith in vets again!
My apologies that I do not know Caroline's surname but I'm pretty sure that
she's the only vet there by the same name.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
CAVAN
Veterinarians nominated:
Els Delaney & Finbar Kiernan, Cavan Pet Clinic,
Drumalee, Cavan Tel 049-4373839
Reason for Nomination:
Having two Great Danes and a
At the beginning of the year my elderly aunt's dog had to be put to sleep &
the way this was handled by Els was very professional & compassionate to
this little old lady, whose dog was her life.
My own dogs have been with Cavan Pet Clinic since 2002. They've had their ups
& downs during this time but the last six weeks, in particular, have been
quite tough. My
My Great Dane, Zeus, had an irritable bowel problem & then when that
cleared up, he began to urinate blood. Between the two dogs this was a very
stressful time for us and a lot of out of hours calls for our vets. Finbar had
no problem coming to us out of hours, when after we learned, he had just
brought his wife to hospital. Els, on the other hand made it her business, even
on her weekend off, to come to my husband to enquire about Zeus, as soon as she
heard he was sick. This in my opinion is true dedication.
Finbar & Els seem to be the only two vets able to handle Zeus with ease as
he is SO BIG and somewhat "highly Strung".
I would like to nominate Finbar Kiernan & Els Delaney from Cavan Pet Clinic
as their Care, Expertise & Professionalism is second to none in all the
dealings we've had with them since 2002. They are thorough, kind, explain
options and even out of hours try not to keep you waiting too long. A very
dedicated team who deserve to be recognised.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
CLARE
Veterinarian nominated:
PJ O’Driscoll, Summerhill
Veterinary Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065-6828215
Reason for Nomination:
All vets in the practice are
helpful, and will spend any amount of time discussing your pets’ problem.
Importantly, they also have a sense of humour, especially P.J, and Owen,
-needed in my case as one of my G.S.D,s would make Osama Bin Laden look like a
social worker!
Also on two occasions in the
14 years we have been with the practice, P.J has been out to our home to put
elderly dogs down, to spare them the trauma of being euthanised at the vet
surgery, and he never makes a charge for this, his principle being that he will
not make money from a person’s sadness.They are genuine people as well as being
good vets, and throughly deserve recgnition.
Additionally the practice also does unsung voluntary work for the Clare Animal
Shelter, and cares for the pets of elderly and homeless people, often with
little or no charge.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian nominated:
PJ O’Driscoll, Summerhill
Veterinary Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065-6828215
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to nominate vet PJ O’Driscoll of Summerhill Veterinary
Clinic, Summerhill, Ennis, Co Clare.
On many occasions, I have to call upon the services of PJ at all hours
of the day and night. He has been
exceptionally good and willing to give his service in any way he can. His kindness, care and attention are
exceptional. He never lets me down.
He has played a vital role for me by way of superb care and attention to
many various dogs and for always being available whenever required. He is outstanding at what he does and he
really deserves a nomination.
Being a vet isn’t a job to him, it’s a passion and I think the
veterinary profession are very lucky to have him in the clinic. A vet who can make an animal’s life either
coming in to the world or ending their life, such a healing at tender moments,
has already won awards many times over in my heart.
It would be a joy for me to see this kind, professional and deeply
compassionate man achieve public recognition and the applause he so
wholeheartedly deserves.
This is the only opportunity I am ever going to get to replay PJ for his
kindness, so I hope you will give PJ O’Driscoll a good chance for the award for
2006.
My thanks to PJ as he is an extra special vet
– Co. Clare dog warden Frankie Coote, Dog Pound, Gort Road Industrial
Estate, Gort Raod, Ennis, Co Clare.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
PJ O’Driscoll, Summerhill
Veterinary Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065-6828215
Reason for Nomination:
The Clare Society for the Prevention to Cruelty to Animals would like to
nominate our vet, PJ O’Driscoll of Summerhill Veterinary Clinic, Ennis, Co
Clare.
PJ’s kindness and commitment to animal welfare stretches far beyond that
of his clients and his practice where he always seems to be in the process of
treating and rehoming a wide variety of animals that pass through his hands. He is patient and compassionate and we believe
he is most deserving of the Award.
His qualities include courtesy, efficiency and the compassion and
concern for all animals both large and small on behalf of our Society. Our Society would be lost without him. He is one in a million. He is one of the best vets we know for his
care and attention to animals. His
kindness and understanding cannot be measured.
We have found PJ to be the very best and a credit to his
profession. PJ is involved with the
Clare Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the last 27 or so
years and we cannot thank him enough.
He neuters animals introduced to him through the Society at a special
rate. He always manages to fit these
operations into his busy schedule without question, even at times outside of
his own work in his veterinary practice.
After the operations, he will look after the animal and he will advise
about the cat or dog’s general health.
He also helps out in trying to find homes for unwanted puppies/
kittens. He is genuinely concerned about
what is best for the animal.
A lot of the animals put by him are often very bad cruelty cases and the
animals are in a lot of pain. PJ will go
out of his way to restore the animal to his/ her full health. He will do his best to avoid pain and
discomfort for the animal by the way he handles them, which immediately puts
the animal at ease. Many of the animals
that have been treated go on to live for a couple of more years of enjoyment of
their life with their owners or new owners, thanks to the treatment of PJ.
Not only attending all of the animals put by him and the occasional
veterinary treatment which can be very costly and can all add up, PJ is very
aware of our financial situation and is
and has been very good to our Society and we are sure has been out of pocket on
many occasions in the past.
PJ is such a good person, we strongly believe that he deserves
recognition for his work. This is an
opportunity that our Society can give to repay PJ for his kindness and so we
hope that you will give PJ O’Driscoll a good chance of the Award, as we feel
that PJ would be a very worthy recipient of a Stronghold Veterinary Pet Care
Award for 2006.
-- End of Entry --
Vet nominated: Michael Ryan, Vet nurse nominated, Lisa
O’Donovan,
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to nominate
Michael Ryan for individual Vet as in February 2006 my Cat Sheba got sick and
went downhill very quickly - in her 12 years it was her 1st time ever getting
sick and needing urgent veterinary attention. She had only ever attended
the vet to get her vaccinations and get some of her teeth removed.
The vets were baffled by her illness and took her in to do a series of tests,
but nothing was showing and she was getting weaker and weaker. Michael
persevered to try and solve what was wrong with
Thank God the operation was successful and what Michael suspected was the
problem, turned out to be the problem. The minute Michael had finished
operating he telephoned me to let me know the news, which was very good of
him. Michael was also there night and day to telephone during
To cut a long story short my Sheba, who turned 13 years this month, is alive
and kicking and like a new born kitten and it is all due to Michael Ryan
because without his care and dedication to his job my Sheba would not be with
me today.
Even though
I would also like to nominate Lisa O'Donovan for veterinary nurse/receptionist
as she is always helpful and understanding and always makes time for you - even
though she might have a packed waiting room. She is so good to the
animals and treats them as if they are humans - having a special word for each
individual animal - even though they might not like having to visit the
vet. She has also being very good
to me during my cat
I would also like to nominate the entire practice team as I know that they have
prolonged the lives of both my dog, CD - 12.5 years, (13 in December) and cat,
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinary nurse nominated:
Lisa O’Donovan,
Reason for Nomination:
I nominate Miss Lisa O’Donovan of
I am a long time customer of Abbeyville and for many years have seen
changes there, but the one consistent feature is Lisa.
She is always kinds, patient and helpful, beyond the call of duty really
by today’s standards.
Whilst waiting to see the vet I have observed her dealing with people
and what a wonderful person, with such a bright sunny and positive
attitude. No question is ever left
unanswered and no person I would imagine would ever leave unhappy.
Upon leaving my dog with her (many years ago now) prior to his being put
to sleep, in my sadness I knew Rosie was in good hands and that Lisa would
nurse her as if she was her own.
Lisa was always honest with me regarding Rosie’s progress and when she
told me Rosie’s day had arrived, she did it with such love and caring, I know
and believe it was more than just a job to her.
Lisa is well known and very respected by the
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
John O’Mahony,
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to nominate my vet John O’Mahony. Because of him our beloved dog Max wouldn’t
be here with us today and McVities would be out of business….
Max adopted us about 14 years ago, he spotted a bunch of softies and
realised we would treat him like a king.
We met Dr John about 12 years ago.
When Max was in his prime he used to earn his keep by helping deliver
post with the postman. One morning,
while waiting to cross the road, Max got knocked down and broke the two bones
in his leg and took a blow to the head.
We rushed him to the nearest vet, which was John. John dropped everything to put Max back
together, and spent the night monitoring him.
The next day we could bring him home, a sore, battered, but alive mutt
due to Dr. John and his assistants. He
has come out to our home when Max was fitting, whether after a tennis match and
once, on his way to a dinner in his tux !!!
We are so grateful for his care. Dr
John has always been there for us and Max when we need him and for so many
other animals too. And even though Max
has been barred after relieving himself in the waiting room, surgery,
hall…..John will always take time out to say hello to him and when Max is
sitting on the table for check ups etc, he treats an old dog with care and
understanding, for which we appreciate so much.
His advice and treatment has always been spot on and sympathetic to
Max’s needs and age (15 going on 5).
John has also had to put up with us bawling and panicking throughout the
years, and that’s some going !!!!!
We really think that John O’Mahony deserves this award. We love our Max so much and would be lost
without him. (Even though he does get my
smoked salmon omelette once a week). We
know that but for Dr. John, I wouldn’t have Max beside me as I write this, he
wouldn’t have been beside me through secondary school and the long cold nights
during college. I believe he is my lucky
charm !
So thank you Dr. John.
Many thanks.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
John O’Mahony,
`
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to nominate vet John O’Mahony of the
SAMY’S STORY
My pet “Samy” is a west highland terrier who will be three years old in
October 2006. We purchased Samy as a 6
week old puppy in November 2003, we had thought about a cat but as we are not
good about dealing with the “presents”
that cats like to bring home to their owners, we decided on a dog on the advice
of my late father.
Samy is a wonderful companion and very entertaining, but like most
westies he is quite strong willed and stubborn.
We have attended the
In late 2005 Samy developed a growth between two toes on his right back
paw and despite some antibiotic treatments, the growth did not recede. In March 2006, his vet John O’Mahony decided
to operate and remove the growth and have a biopsy completed. On
He was still quite drowsy but managed to get into the back seat of my
car with a little help. He absolutely
loves travelling in the car but on this occasion all he wanted was to sleep. When collecting Samy from the surgery, John
met me and outlined the operation which he advised went very well but we would
have to wait for biopsy results in about two weeks. His paw was very well bandaged and covered
with a mesh. John, who has looked after
Samy for most of his visits, said he thought we might only get a few days
before Samy tore off the bandage, we were very lucky in that it was quite dry
for the week and we managed to achieve 7 days before he got to grips with the
bandage. This meant the wound had a
chance to heal quite well.
Whilst he was recovering, we were very impressed to receive a call from
John O’Mahony himself a few days after the operation, enquiring about Samy and
how he was coping. John was very pleased
with his progress when we made a return visit about 10 days after the operation
for a check up. A further 2 /3 weeks
later, we phoned and received confirmation that the growth was benign and this
was a great relief to everyone.
In nominating vet John O’Mahony for the Stronghold Veterinary Pet Care
Award 2006, we would like to compliment John, his assistants and the veterinary
nurses for the great care and attention given to our dog.
We think our dog is a source of amusement to them as well in that as
soon as we arrive in the waiting room, Samy heads for the “bunker” underneath
the seating area and needs to be coaxed from there on. John is very patient with him and a good
match for Samy, who I am sure would be very apologetic for his demeanour but is
unable to let us know, in words anyway !
We also purchase his food from the
I would like to wish John O’Mahony and all at the
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated, Fachtna Collins, Vet nurse
nominated Jennifer Carroll, Bantry Veterinary Clinic, 17 Dromleigh, Bantry, Co.
Reason for Nomination:
I won a Pomeranian who tends to have a lot of health problems. When my own vet diagnosed a luxating patella,
but could not do the operation, he referred me to Fachtna and his veterinary
nurse Jennifer to do the operation.
I was so nervous. My dog means a
lot to me, he is my life. Any so Fachtna
agreed to do the operation as he does a lot of small animal surgery. There was a lot involved but both were great
to me and my dog. They reassured me
every step of the way, helped me when the dog needed help and supported
me.
And the poor nurse had to dress my dog’s leg every day as he kept eating
it off. The vet was great, showed me how
to do exercises after for the leg and whenever I had a question they were only
at the end of the phone. This process
took a gruelling 12 weeks of ongoing visits to the vet and the vet nurse, but
they were there every step of the way.
So I want to nominate both vet and nurse.
END OF NOMINATION
Veterinarian nominated:
Fachtna Collins, Bantry Veterinary Clinic, 17
Dromleigh, Bantry, Co.
Reason for Nomination:
I live in a small town and most local vets are only used to dealing with
cattle, sheep and horses.
I found it difficult finding someone who was suitable for my pet needs
until I came across the Veterinary Clinic.
As you can see, I have a range of animals from a hyperactive dog to
hamsters and reptiles, and no matter what the problem is with any of them, the
whole team are on hand for help and advice.
For example, my snake became egg bound and although they had never dealt
with anything of this kind, the team had no problem rolling up their sleeves,
researching the situation and getting stuck in – which ultimately saved my
snake’s life.
They are also great with small and fluffys – my hamster is pressing on
in years and is not expected to live much longer, and yet they all showed
compassion when Bubbles fell ill with pneumonia, taking it very seriously and
not laughing like most of my friends (and he’s still going strong now !)
I will always go to this clinic for my animal worries and every chance I
get I recommend them to family and frients.
So Fachtna, Jennifer and Jack, thanks for all your help !
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
Shane Guerine,
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to recommend Dr.
Shane Guerin for the Top Vet Award. On
We took her to one vet in
We were able to meet with Dr.
Shane Guerin who thoroughly checked out our puppy, took x-rays, etc and
diagnosed her with a dislocated elbow. Because she was so young (only 6 weeks
at this time) he told us that there was a chance he could correct the problem
but it was something that he had never done before. We decided to put our trust
in him and go through with the surgery.
Shane has to make an incision
in her front leg, move the elbow joint back into place and keep it there by the
insertion of 2 pins. Millie was in a cast for 2 weeks and then the pins were
removed. She was in another cast for 2 more weeks and then all we could do was
wait and hope that she would be able to walk.
I will never forget the
moment we saw her stand and take her first steps! Without the expert knowledge,
patience, and compassion of Shane Guerin, Millie would not be with us today.
Shane took a chance operating on Millie but in the end he was successful. She
was a one of a kind case and her story will be used in Veterinary books as an
example of the types of surgery that can be performed on small puppies.
Throughout the entire ordeal,
Shane gave us confidence and support and never left us feeling in the dark. The
staff at Gilabbey really took to Millie and I never felt worried when we would
have to leave her with them. I feel that Dr. Shane Guerin is more than
deserving of this award because he a one of a kind vet and without him our
Millie would not be thriving the way she is today. Please take our story into
consideration when you choose a vet for this prestigious award. Thank you.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian nominated:
Conor Goold, Macroom
Veterinary Clinic, Macroom, Co
Reason for Nomination:
Because of the great care he gives to his patients. His number 1 priority is to get the animal
better….. He is totally dedicated to his
job. He’s the most kindest, caring, vet
I’ve ever met…..
His 24 hour service is outstanding.
Time is never a problem with Connor.
The animal comes first….
He is so unique in the way he treats people with such compassion when
their pet dies. My beloved dog Rolo
died on
Connor had been seeing Rolo for nearly two years. She had so many problems, yet with Connor’s
great care and medication he had her on, Rolo’s last two years were made so much
easier for her. And that is something I am
so thankful to Connor for. I had two
extra good years with Rolo and Connor made sure she was never in pain.
He used to go down on his kneeds in his surgery and clip Rolo’s toe
nails. She hated it, but Connor used to
talk so much to her and pet her that she used to forget about the clippers. He was really, really good to her. He had told me that Rolo’s time was limited
and it gave me that time with her to do all the little things I wanted to
do.
It was after
I was heartbroken over her, but thankful that I had found such a good
vet to care for her the past two years.
Going in to collect Rolo was very hard.
My husband John came with me.
Connor explained everything clearly to us, as to what happened her.
The compassion he showed us was more than you would get if it was a
person who had died. He made everything
so easy for me. He even said, only for
the care I gave her, she’d be dead 5 years ago.
That made me feel so good, knowing I did so much for Rolo. She was a big care, yes, but only for the
good vet I had I would have had nothing to care for.
He’s just so organised, and the way he runs the surgery, would be a
lesson for any veterinary practice to take a look at.
Like myself I’ve met people who had been going to other vets. I told them about Connor and after going to
him they couldn’t praise him enough.
Our first meeting with Connor was with a beautiful red setter we had,
off a Bus Eireann ad dog…….He felt he had heart trouble. He said if we wanted to bring back the dog
another day he would do tests on him. We brought him back, tests were done, and
Connor was right…..He had an enlarged heart and liver trouble. He had gone so far there was little could be
done for him…..
Whatever magic Connor had, but he brought Grouse back to life and he
lived for two years, which was away against the odds, as the poor dog’s sytem
was destroyed.
Gouse took a very bad turn one long weekend this year. I phoned Connor at lunchtime. Grouse was just about breathing. Connor was off duty from that Friday evening
for the long weekend, as one of the other vets were covering for him. He was there to meet us.
It was an awful wet wild day.
Connor went out to the car and carried Grouse in his arms. He didn’t give us a lot of hope for him. We had to leave Grouse in until Tuesday. Conor gave up his time off and came into the
surgery morning and evening all over that weekend just to treat Grouse and he
rang us and let us know how Grouse was.
Again Connor brought Grouse back to life and he came out in great
form. He didn’t have to go back in
again. Connor told us if he was doing
ok, there was no need to bring him in.
Grouse lived until this September and he died suddenly of a heart
attack. Again we were given two years
with Grouse that we wouldn’t have had if we hadn’t met Connor.
We also have a red setter Rue who is 15.
He loves going to Connor and I can understand why, as it’s like a hotel
in there.
Lucky, Dasey and Bob are all patients of Connors and they have no
problems at all. We got Bob neutered a
year ago. He’s a cross golden
I think I have given you reason enough for Connor to be nominated. There’s one thing I left out regarding
Rolo. Connor was in his surgery that
morning at
I know it would be the one thing Rolo would have wanted, for the kind,
caring way he treated her and the way he treats all our dogs.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
Richard Healy, Westside
Veterinary Hospital, Unit 19 Westside Centre , Model Farm Road,
Tel 021 4343503
Reason for Nomination:
Richard Healy is a very
compassionate vet. Dedicated to helping animals and their owners. And this is
why I am nominating him for this award because of how gently he treated my cat,
Tic Tac.
Tic Tac came to me in
September 2004. He was slim sleek white and had 24 toes. He could be
heard tap tapping across the kitchen before he could be seen. He loved living
in the country, searching out shrews, bank voles and the odd rabbit. He brought
home his prey and often had no choice but to share when it was stolen by our
less energetic cats.
A long life of carefree
country living was not to be for him however.
He had been having some
trouble keeping his food down and so it was with a heavy heart I was informed
that he had polycystic kidneys and his condition was fatal. Richard said that
he might have a few days but there was only a short time before he passed away.
I took Tic Tac home and for a
few days he was able to go out and enjoy his countryside. However on
When the injections had taken
affect Richard settled Tic Tac into a sleeping position, placing his front paw
over his eye and on his nose. I am probably not describing this right but it
meant that when his body went stiff Tic Tac was at rest in a sleeping position
and this made the burial all the more bearable for us.
For this I want to thank Richard by nominating him because how he treated Tic
Tac was gentle and caring and for how he made this whole process more bearable.
Thank you for taking the time to read my nomination
=== END OF ENTRY ===
DONEGAL
Veterinary Practice
nominated:
St. Elmo Veterinary Clinic,
Craig, Muff, Co. Donegal – including team members Barbara Shaw, Cathy &
Helena Tel 074-9384411
Reason for Nomination:
In June 2005, my dog George developed sudden pain. He was quite distressed so I took him to
Barbara (vet). She examined him
thoroughly and diagnosed a spinal problem.
She gave him injections and gave me painkillers for him.
The following day George could hardly walk and was yelping in pain. Barbara told us to come up immediately. She sedated George and did tests (x rays
etc). Her diagnosis was spot on. She said he had a cervical disc prolapse.
She referred us to a vet in
He made a slow receovery but is now almost back to normal much to my
relief ! It’s thanks to Barbara and her
team that a diagnosis was made and correct treatment. She was delighted to see him recover. He loves her as Barbara talks to the animals
as if they’re human ! She’s so kind and
gentle.
Her staff, particularly Cathy and Helena, are such lovely girls, always
helpful and pleasant and professional.
I’m very lucky to have such a great vet.
If I didn’t, I’m sure I would have lost my beloved George.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
Susan Barry, Anicare
Veterinary – Blanchardstown Veterinary Hospital, 2 The Mews, Main Street,
Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 Tel 01-6409010
Reason for Nomination:
Nearly a year ago I got my
first dog a collie labrador cross which I named Bailey. I got Bailey at a rescue
centre in Kilkenny. When I got him he was nervous of everything and everyone
and today he still runs away when he sees a black bag or people he doesn’t
know.
From day one, just going to get his vaccinations Bailey hated the vet, all the
other animals and all the noise unnerved him. We chose to go to
When I first brought Bailey I explained how he was nervous and Susan spent a
good few minutes making sure he was okay before beginning to examine him, she
played with him and petted him gently and that was all he ever wanted! By the
time she had finished examining him he didn’t want to leave!
For the first few months Bailey had perfect health and never had to go to the
vet, until he was nearly 7 months. It was during the easter holidays when he
started to get sick. On Good Friday he stopped eating a sure sign something was
wrong! I made an appointment and brought him down to be checked, as it happened
it was Susan who was working that day.
Bailey was as terrified as
ever going in and Susan spent another 5 minutes or so calming him and petting
him. When she examined him she decided it was probably a stomach bug and gave
us some antibiotics. She also gave us the emergancy number just in case he got
worse over the weekend so we could ring her.
He seemed to improve over the weekend and into the following week but the
following Friday he was suddenly worse than ever. I brought him back down to the
vet and saw Michael Hatton this time, he examined Bailey and decided to operate
that night incase something was stuck in him. It turned out to be intussusception.
He kept Bailey in over the weekend and the following Monday we were allowed to
bring him home. However much he hated going to the vets it was obvious he hated
it alot more now!!
Bailey seemed to be doing well on the Monday and Tuesday but on Wednesday it
all went down hill. Bailey collapsed on the ground in pain so we bundled him
into the car and brought him straight to the vets without even making an
appointment, this was when Susan really began to stand out as not just really
good vet like all the vets at Anicare but a really amazing vet. I ran in and
met Susan at the door I told her what happened and without even stopping to
think she rushed out to the car to see how Bailey was.
When she saw him lying in the
back of the car she lifted him gently out and carried him inside. Before
putting him on the table to be examined she arranged for a big soft furry
blanket to be put on it first incase he was in pain. As it turned out it was
Susan’s day off that day and she was just there picking up some thing. Fintan
examined Bailey and finally they were both happy to send him home on pain
killers to see how he would be.
At first it seemed to be working but on Friday he bagan vomiting again and
wouldn’t eat so back down to the vet again. Again it was Susan working. This
time Bailey was too scared to go through door but after some gently coaxing we
got him in. After another examination
Susan decided she was going to have to operate again because he was so unwell.
I really didn’t want to leave Bailey again but it helped when I saw him lick
Susan and her petting him I knew he was in very good hands!
Susan rang me an hour later to let me know she was about to begin operating and
he was doing well so far. I very glad of the update, it was just over 4 long
hours later when she rang again having just finished operating and having no
lunch yet or anything. She explained how he had got adhesions around his
pancreas but she was hopeful for him. She rang again later that night to let me
know he was awake and doing well.
Over the whole weekend she
arranged times for me to go and see him which I am still thankful for because I
missed him so much. The following Tuesday he was allowed home and this time
there was no visits to the vet until he needed his stitches out.
Since then Bailey has still been at the vet regularly! He grew a harmless
tumour on his paw which had to be removed and after that he ripped his stitches
out and had to make a good few trips to get bandages changed etc.
Over all the problems Bailey has had whenever we have been at the vet Susan has
always taken her time with Bailey making sure he was ok before starting
treatment, sometimes she would simply sit on the ground beside him and pet him
but this has made all the difference. The
compassion she showed him when he was really sick was like nothing I had
ever seen from another vet. I trusted her with my dog because I knew she would
treat him with the same care she would if it were one of her dogs.
Simple things such as putting
the blanket on the table incase he was sore and carrying him in from the car as
I said before is what puts her into a league of her own. Not to mention her
surgical ability, Bailey barely even has a scar from where she operated on him.
Also one last thing I would like to say is that recently when I have had Bailey
down at the vet I have noticed that he even thinks she’s the best vet ever. He
still hates going and when we are in the waiting room he hides under a chair
and I have to pull him in to the examination room.
However whenever Susan is
working and he hears her voice his head pops up and when he sees her, even
though he knows he’s at the vet and is going to have something done to him he
can’t help but give his tail a wag and bum a wriggle and her a quick lick! I
think that says it all!
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Anicare –
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to nominate my
veterinary team because of their extraordinary care of Abu. Abu was a stray
kitten, rescued from a basement area, starving and filthy. Even after three
years, he is still a terrified little animal.
One evening when I returned
from work, Abu was huddled in his cardboard box bed in our bedroom, shaking. It
was after surgery hours but I was very worried about him, and telephoned the
after hours number. Michael Hatton was on duty and came down to the surgery
immediately (
Abu had been struck by a car,
he thought, and was very deeply shocked. He kept him in, put him on a drip. The
next day Michael rang to say that Abu was very badly injured, his intestines
and stomach had been pushed up into his thorasic cavity. They could
operate but the chances of success were not great. And Abu was far too shocked
to do it for a day or so. Later on they telephoned us, asking us to come down
to see Abu, as he was terrified and would not eat or drink.
We came down to sit by his
cage and talk to him. He was operated on the next day, three vets operated on
him with tremendous skill, and gave him such amazing gentle care afterwards
that Abu, against all odds, survived. His hip and back leg were also dislocated
and he will always walk with a little limp but he has fully recovered.
He will continue to be a very nervous little cat, but we felt that we owed it
to him to give him every chance of survival, after his shaky start in life, a
number of other adventures he had (getting stuck up a chimney, in a turned-off
gas fire and then managing to climb 2 circa 7ft walls, and climb up stairs, to
get to his own home after the car accident) and the practice agreed. I can
think of no other group of people who would have worked so hard to save the
life of a little feral moggy.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian nominated
Sydney Nagle, The Animal Clinic, Ashtown,
Reason for Nomination:
While walking by the canal
close to our house on the May Bank holiday last year we discovered a plastic
bag with 6 pups only a few hours old.
We ere able to phone our vet "Syd"
who took a look at the pups. He was unable to take care of them as he was hand
rearing 2 kittens at the time. One of his practice nurses took on 3 of them and
my family and I took the other 3.
It was tough work 2 hourly
feeds etc. One of our lot died at 3 weeks but the other 2 survived, all thanks
to the fantastic support of our vet and his team. We visited practically every
second day as they had many problems and infections. He only charged us for
medication.
This Summer yet again we found 5 abandoned kittens and again he came to the
rescue.
He wormed them, deflead them
and and looked after them until they were homed. (We of course took
one!!). He is a genuine animal lover and
has animal welfare at heart.
He has nicknamed my family
"Rogers Rescue inc" and will never turn us away with our strays.
The prize from this awards would repay him for all the care he has bestowed on
our animals……
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Animal Clinic, Ashtown House,
Tel 01 8383003
Reason for Nomination:
I have had the absolute
pleasure of working with the team at The Animal Clinic for 4 years. The
decision to leave such a wonderful practice was not easy. When I was deciding upon
my next career move industry was a good option as I truely believed that I
would not be as happy as I was in another practice anywhere in the country.
When I joined the practice 4
years ago the practice was undergoing alot of transition. Two very young
and niaive young girls joined as student veterinary nurses shortly after me, as
well as the most bubly receptionist I have ever worked with.
Karen Rooney and Lorraine Conlon
turned into two of the most competent and caring nurses I have every worked with
under the tutilage of head nurse Jenny Mackey.
The practice always had a
wonderful working ethos. No matter how busy it was, no matter, how stressed
everyone was, each animal received the highest standard of care that the
practice could offer. Time was always found for a kiss and a cuddle and extra
care and attention for the animals.
Time was also taken to get to
know the clients well. Rosemary Elliott the receptioist knew every client that
came through the door, their whole family, their inlaws and their neighbours.
This is such a great reflection on how comfortable clients felt with the staff
at the Animal Clinic where clients were far more than customers.
As I already stated the level
of veterinary at the Animal Clinic is what I would call gold standard. Every
patient was offered gold standard care by evterinary practitioner Sydney Nagle.
I must also mention Victoria
Fenlon the practice manager and qualified VN who has the toughest job in the
practice. Not only is she responsible for the administration side of the
practice she is quite often seen mucking in in her greens when necessary.
Having spent 10 years in
practice, I have always judged a good vet in a very simple way -- would I take
my own animals to them -- well the answer in the case of the Animal Clinic is
very simple -- most definitely!
I wish the practice continued success and sincerely hope that the judging panel
will look favourably on this nomination.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian nominated:
Eamonn M. Moore, Blackrock Vet
Clinic, 5 Proby Square, Blackrock, Co.
Reason for Nomination:
The reason I nominate Eamon
my vet is because of the way he looked after my dying pet cat Snowie. She was
my first pet as a child and was a very special friend to me always .
In later years Snowie became
ill and she was afraid of going to the vet until she came in contact with
Eamon. Eamon looked after her for many years until the day she had to be put to
sleep.
Eamon understood my cat and
was very gentle on that day as he put her to sleep - he whispered in her
ear and reassured me that everything was for the best . He asked the other
people waiting to be patient as he wanted to give me time with my cat in her
final moments. I will never forget how
compassionate he was and still is to this day.
My partner had a golden
labador who was in his final years when Eamon became his vet also . Bruno was a
dog who hated vets also but when he meet Eamon this was not to be a problem any
more . Eamon looked after Bruno for 2 years until he was put to sleep . Again,
Eamon was very gentle and so understanding with David, Bruno and my self when
this happenned.
Since this I am now engaged to be married this year and we have a new dog Brian
the Doberman and Eamon is his favourite vet and will be for many years to come.
If every person had the kindness and compassion for animals as Eamon has this
place would be a much nicer place to live .
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Blackrock Veterinary Clinic, 5
Proby Square, Carysford Avenue, Blackrock, Co.
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to nominate both
Eamonn Moore(vet) and Melanie (nurse) for their continued kindness,
professionalism, compassion and availablity.
Nothing is too much to ask,
everything is explained in plain English, they are never too busy to answer any
concerns you may have and never rush you because there is a full waiting
room. The love and kindness shown to all of the 4 dogs is second to
none.
Last Saturday I rang for an
appointment with Eamonn for Mistie he said 12.30, (surgery closes at 12.30) I
said I may be a bit late as a workman was calling to me he said no problem once
he knew I was coming he would wait till I arrived.
When I got there he had
numerous other appointments after 12.30, he does not rush off just because
surgery is over, if he is needed he will stay on. This is not the first
time this has happened, I once went down and met him driving away (I was not
aware of the surgery hours at the time) he turned and came back and reopened
the surgery. (
The only time that Eamonn
does not work is a Thursday night and a Sunday so for him to wait around/reopen
on a Saturday shows his love for animals, their needs are more important than
his time off. That’s hard to find in the working world nowadays!
Another friend had a dog who
was too sick to go home but pining so Eamonn did not want to leave it overnight
with strangers (the overnight service), so he took it home with him and kept in
touch with the family! Nothing is a problem to them.
Both Eamonn’s and Melanie’s
kindness to Champie who was put down last year and to me was 1000% better than
we received from another vet many years ago when the same unpleasant task had
to be done. At a neighbour’s party when dogs were being discussed a
family said that their dog had strayed and they rang all the vets in the
area. They were not clients of Eamonn. Apparently he could not have
helped them more, gave plenty of advice on what to do, spend time talking to
them etc., other vets just took details.
These are just a few examples
of incidents that have occured which hopefully show why Eamonn and Melanie
deserve recognition. I totally trust them with the lives of my
babes!!
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian nominated:
Denis Shannon, Bull Wall Veterinary Practice, 24
Conquer
Tel 01 8531260
Reason for Nomination:
To mention Denis Shannon's
name is to conjure up thoughts of compassion, caring, inspiration and
professionalism, with a dash of good humour thrown in.
I meet many people on my
walks in St. Anne's Park, Clontarf, and nearby beaches. Any mention of Denis
brings a smile to the faces of most of those I meet, as he seems to be the
chosen and much loved vet of so many living in the area.
In 2003, my elderly dog Penny, whom he was carefully monitoring for dementia,
became very ill while on holiday. I knew the time had come and phoned Denis.
I was due to return to
When I got Casey, who was
neglected from birth to four months old, she was covered in fleas and had
appalling round worms. I was cringingly upset and squeamish. But Denis
gave me the confidence to see that this was something we would get through.His
calmness was in marked contrast to my panic and of course things sorted
themselves out.
On another occasion I found a
wild bird that had been mauled by a cat and went straight round to Denis. The
bird died just as I arrived, but he would have been willing to help it in any
way possible.
Denis continues to take the
best of care of Casey and even if I'm concerned about something minor I have no
hesitation in calling in to his surgery, knowing that he will provide the
answers.I couldn't say enough in praise of his dealings with the animals, and
indeed the owners, in his care and would strongly recommend him for a
veterinary "best practice" award.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Treanor Glynn & Walsh, 114
Lower Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, Co.
Tel 2802041 / 2780480
Reason for Nomination:
We arrived at the emergency
clinic in UCD at 6.15 on the morning of Friday 1st September……..
……….Over the course of 24 hours
Poppy had gone from being our gorgeous (she is known in close family circles as
the "Angelina Jolie" of dogs), lively pet to a very sick little dog
who couldn't stand, was shuddering with each breath and was totally
incontinent, there was something terribly wrong but we had no idea what had
caused these symptoms and in fact we still do not know how or why our dog
became so ill, the young vet on duty told us sadly that Poppy had become sicker
during the night and that if she was to have any hope of surviving she had to
be put back on a drip within the next 3 to 4 hours.
We drove home hugging our little sick bundle…..what were we going to do?
It was now 7.00 and my husband had to leave for work. I called our 12 year old
son for school, his first question was about Poppy and when he came downstairs
and saw her lying there, utterly helpless and fighting for every breath the
tears welled up in his eyes. I didn't know what to say to him, Poppy is his dog
and he loves her more than anything in the world.
He has no brothers or sisters
and all the love he would have had for a sibling is bestowed upon this little
dog. I knew that if he left for school there was a very strong possibility that
he wouldn't see his best friend again. At about 8.00 am my mother-in -law,who
lives nearby, came down to see if she could help, she took one look at her
Grandson and one look at our dog and burst into tears, Cillian could no longer
hold back his tears and told me he couldn't go to school because he would be
too upset.
He went back upstairs and
changed out of uniform and I called the school. I then called 2 local
veterinary clinics and both said to bring her in at
We carried Poppy out to the car
in her basket and into the vet's office and from the moment we walked through
the doors we knew that Poppy was going to get the best possible care.
The first Vet we met, Brid
O'Callaghan, started working on Poppy straight away while my son gave the
practical details (name, address etc) to a very sympathetic and kindly
receptionist named Anne, Brid told us she would stay with Poppy and that
there was nothing more we could do and that she would call us at noon. I
offered my credit card details and was told not to be even worrying about that
at the moment.
We went over to say goodbye
to our brave little doggy and left not knowing if we were ever going to see her
again.
We didn't want to go home so we decided to go up to the Dundrum shopping centre
to get a few things Cilli needed for school. We hadn't had breakfast so we went
into a coffee shop and tried to eat, the first time I have ever seen Cillian
not being able to finish a Danish pastry. Every so often one of us would start
crying and set the other one off, I'm sure on-lookers must have thought some
dreadful tragedy had befallen us.
True to her word, Brid phoned
us at 12 just to say that Poppy was still deteriorating and unless she had bad
news she would phone us again at 4.
We left Dundrum and came home
to what felt like a very empty house, there was no little bundle of warmth and
joy to welcome us home and make us feel special, our house had no heart and all
around us were Poppy's things and we felt so lonely, every time the phone rang
we jumped, fearing the worst.
At 4,
Kevin phoned us at 8 to say
that he was taking Poppy down to their hospital in DunLoaghaire and unless he
had bad news he would phone us at 9am the next morning and let us know the
story - The phone woke me the next morning at 9.10, Poppy was still alive and
they were going to take more blood tests and phone us with the results at 12.
At this stage most of Poppy's vital organs had shut down and it was still touch
and go.
Promptly at 12, Kevin phoned
(I was beginning to think there were no other animals sick that weekend !) - There
was a very slight improvement in Poppy's bloods and would we like to come down
and visit her - we couldn't wait.
We arrived at the hospital at
4 and were brought into a small private room where Poppy lay on a table covered
in blankets. She looked up and the funny thing is, whilst all the time she
couldn't stand or walk she could still wag her tail, it was the strangest
thing. My son put his face down to hers and she tried to lick him, it was like
she was trying to comfort us instead of the other way around.
Kevin came in to talk with
us, despite all the phone calls we hadn't actually met up to that point. He
told us that they were baffled by Poppy's condition and had even gone as far as
phoning the
Poppy stayed in hospital for
another 5 days. We were able to visit her every day and Kevin phoned us each
morning to tell us what type of night she had had.
Although she couldn't walk
when she came home she is getting stronger every day and we are hopeful that
she will regain most of her mobility and strength. She has been back twice to
visit Kevin and Brid and they are very pleased with her progress - and the bill
for all that care and attention was less than the 8 hours in the emergency
clinic had cost us -
I would like to nominate Treanor, Glynn and Walsh for outstanding care,
expertise and compassion, well above and beyond the call of duty……
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian Practice
nominated:
Treanor Glynn & Walsh, Veterinary Hospital, 33
Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co.
Reason for Nomination:
It has been a hard year for
our pets as they have had broken nails (kobi & Kassi) on an ongoing basis.
We have been in the
In particular I would like to speak about our now deceased Tibetan Spanial,
Dutch. Paddy, Kevin and Tara have been looking after this little fella for the
past 12 years since we rescued him. He had always been a creaking door with
regards his health but the hospital team always gave him the best care and it
is testament to their abilities that he made it to 15 years of age. He was my
mum’s companion and Paddy always knew what he meant to us. His caring nature
and his ability to explain the most difficult of doggy problems is a gift. You
know you are in safe hands.
Unfortunately, Dutch had to put put to sleep as his age and general condition
meant that it would not have been kind to keep him going for much longer. Paddy
talked us through the procedure and our little friend was sent on his way in
peace and dignity. He never suffered and has the team at the
All I can say is thank you to him and his team and I know that my 2 dogs will
continue to get the same loving care and attention when they need it.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian Practice
nominated:
Treanor Glynn & Walsh, Veterinary Hospital, 33
Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co.
Reason for Nomination:
Mr Treanor is gifted in his dealing with animals. My dog is very nervous, but is perfectly
happy when being cared for by Mr. Treanor.
Mr Treanor is kind, caring and compassionate.
He works with the owner, is not the cold expert dealing
with a patient. He gives a very thorough
and professional service mixed with a warm caring attitude. When dealing with death he does it very
sensitively (I have had other cats), sedating first and allowing goodbye time
with the owner, so there is not the shock of instant death by injection which I
experienced with another vet.
He has always been sympathetic about financial circumstances, treatment
of the pet/s comes first. I never had to
delay treatment because of lack of money (but I always paid later by
instalments).
He is open to alternative methods of (calming…?) drops etc. for
Halloween. When I go to see him especially with my new old dog, I feel he
provides an aura of safety for both of us.
I think he deserves an award for a lifetime of gifted service to animals
and their owners. I have been bringing
pets to him for 16 years.
-- End of Entry --
KERRY
Veterinarian nominated:
Anita Connolly, Ark Clinic,
Killarney, Co Kerry Tel 064-36644
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to nominate Dr.
Anita Connelly from Ark Veterinary in Killarney, Co. Kerry. This is how
the story unfolds (bit long winded at the beginning):
My dad was in a very bad car accident that left him in hospital for 2 months on
the flat of his back. When he came home to the delight of all near and
dear to him, he stayed with me for a few weeks to get his strength back and to
learn to walk again. My dad loves animals and he missed them all very much
during his recovery.
Unfortunately, his baby
donkey died a few days after she was born and this upset him terribly as he was
unable to go see her. But most of all he missed his "pet dog"
Jessie. He used to take her everywhere with him.
One evening, I got a call
from my brother that dad's dog Jessie had eaten rat poison and was near
death. I told dad and he was extremely upset and the tears welled in his
eyes. I asked him if I should go get Jessie so he could be with her when
she passed away and he said yes.
When I picked up Jessie she was barely alive. Her hips were higher than
the front of her body and she was very weak. My brother informed me he had
taken her to a vet ….and he gave her a "vitamin K" injection to clot
the blood but that there was very little hope. By the time I returned
home with Jessie she was very weak and my dad was so upset when he saw her. She
collapsed at his feet……
At around
I called Dr. Anita Connelly back again and she told me to come in immediately
and she would meet me there. Jessie in the meantime was pretty
lifeless. I did not think she would make the 30 minute drive to
Killarney. Dr. Connelly was waiting.
She took Jessie in her arms
and as she did Jessie got the strength to lick her cheek as if to say
"please, please save me". She examined Jessie and informed me
that Jessie had about a 20% chance of survival. She informed me she would
keep Jessie in the clinic for the night.
I hardy slept a wink all night. My dad lost the sparkle from his eyes and
had a sleepless night as well. I called the Ark Clinic as early as
possible the following morning and THANKFULLY Jessie made it through the
night. Still extremely very weak they recommended she would be kept in
for another day or two. Dr. Connelly had given her an antibiotic drip as
her lungs were infected. She also gave her vitamin K.
I think what really saved HER
LIFE was that Dr. Connelly brought in her
When I brought Jessie home, you should have seen my dad's face, it was the
picture of happiness and the sparkle returned to his eyes. Jessie was
weak for a while, but now a year or more later she is a healthy, happy dog and
spoilt rotten.
I would like to nominate Dr. Anita Connelly for saving Jessie's life. She
went above and beyond the call of duty and we will never forget her for her
dedication and kindness. Dr. Connelly is a credit to the veterinary
services in
If I come back as an animal in my next life, I would want Dr. Connelly to be my
doctor!
Thank you,
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Treacy & Sheehan Animal
Health Centre, 25 Market Street, Listowel, Co. Kerry – contact vet Paul Treacy
and vet nurses Ann, Gina &
Reason for Nomination:
This is the most welcome opportunity to sing the praises of , in my
opinion, the most dedicated team of any veterinary practice that I have ever
needed, here or in the
So how does my veterinary team qualify to be regarded as the best ? The most essential criteria, I feel for me
anyway, is simply that the concern and well being of the animal, whatever it
may be, comes first and that is regarded almost like a person. You may find this a rather strange or even an
eccentric way of describing an important reason
but as you know, that to many owners they regard their pets as “little
people”.
When you become attached to an animal it’s very comforting when the vet
is able to recognise an owner’s emotional state and respond accordingly. This I have experienced only with Treacy and
Sheehan’s practice.
With regards to individual members of the staff, I find words impossible
to describe them, to be honest. Paul
Treacy looks after my “Sophie” and has done for over two years now and deserves
Sainthood, maybe a little “over the top” but he has been so reassuring and has
always explained in detail what treatment or medication he’s giving her and
why. He has always treated her with the
knowledge and understanding that she means the world to me and has never
belittled, if that’s the right word, my relationship with her.
All the ladies, Ann, Gina and Helena and those who I have not mentioned,
are all such an essential part of the team.
Never have I been made to feel unwelcome, for I do tend to chat about
everything and anything, not always concerning animals either but they always
listen and involve themselves in the conversation.
They call me by my Christian name also, which makes me feel more like a
friend than a customer. Even if the vet
is out on call they are never hesitant in giving helpful advice.
I cannot express enough to you, what it feels like, knowing that your
“little friend” as old as she is, will be cared for as if she were a
puppy. No matter what problem I may
have with Sophie, however trivial it may seem to others, they always put me at
ease.
What else can I say ? Need I say
any more ? When you and your pet are made
to feel more than just a money transaction there is hope for the world
yet.
Treacy & Sheehin veterinary practice deserve all the recognition
that can be bestowed upon them for their dedication and the unquestionable care
they show towards all the animals that we other mortals hold so dear.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Treacy & Sheehan Animal
Health Centre, 25 Market Street, Listowel, Co. Kerry – contact vet Paul Treacy
and vet nurses Ann, Gina &
Reason for Nomination:
1. For their friendly, approachable manner.
2. Their empathy of the situation.
3. High quality and standard of service
4. Genuine concern for the animals
5. Their overall caring personalities.
My friend had a very sick dog that had to be put to sleep finally. But the care she got from Paul Treacy was
fantastic.
She had to be separated from her friend Sam of many years, who did not
like us at her. When she finally passed
on he told us to bring in Sam to say goodbye to her so he would know she was
gone and not to be searching for her.
Paul was as upset as we were.
-- End of Entry --
KILDARE
Veterinarian nominated:
Andrew Doona, Athy Veterinary
Hospital, Gallowshill, Athy, Co Kildare
Reason for Nomination:
On Saturday 22/10/’05 my then 15 month female black lab cross was badly
injured on the road outside our house. I
heard a loud bang followed by a long series of agonised yelps.
I didn’t think it was our dog until I got to the scene. I thought the fence was secure. She had managed to drag herself to the grass
verge beside the gate. The car didn’t
stop.
She was in so much pain that I got bitten when I tried to pick her
up. After several attempts I managed to roll her onto a plastic sheet
and lift her (with assistance) onto the back seat of my car. When I got to the vets, we had the same
difficulty in handling her without increasing the pain.
She lost an enormous amount of blood.
I entrusted her to Andrew Doona for the next four days. Of course, I was in regular phone contact
with Andrew over those critical days.
When I collected her on
It would be six weeks before I could exercise her properly. But gradually and steadily she has made a
full recovery. She can now run, swim and
climb as far, fast or as high as before.
All this despite having to have plates and screws fitted.
I was very impressed with Andrew Doona; his patience, skill and
professionalism, but most of all his reassurance. This may read like a routine incident, but I
regard the incident, treatment and outcome as exceptional.
-- End of Entry --
KILKENNY
Veterinarian nominated
Berndatte Kenny & vet nurse Aileen, Callan Veterinary Hospital, Mill
Street, Callan, Co Kilkenny
Reason for Nomination:
I had the pleasure of meeting Bernadette for the first time last April,
when I brought my wonderful dog Molly for her booster and vaccination.
Bernadette had only recently opened her new practice here in Callan and
it was badly needed, as the nearest vet was ten miles away.
I found Bernadette to be so professional, friendly and dedicated and I
assured her I would be back again for the next check up, injection, worm dose
etc.
Unfortunately I was back sooner than I thought, as my poor little wonder
dog (who is not street wise) managed to escape out of the back garden and on to
the street and under a car, I really thought my Molly was gone forever.
It has been a long haul since the accident and since then, Bernadette
and Aillen (her nurse and receptionist) have not only shown me what a wonderful
team they are, but have also become my friends.
It didn’t look too good for Molly after the accident and I cried many a
tear in the clinic. Bernadette and
Aileen were both there to console
me. I felt as if I was their only client
and Molly was their only care – even though every time you go in to the clinic
they are very busy.
To conclude my story in the beginning I was bringing Molly to Bernadette
and Aileen every second day and they showed her as much care and love, that
it’s thanks to them that she is now walking on 4 legs, not 2, and always runs
over to get her pig’s ear from Aileen before she goes home – as my children
wait for their lollipops.
In short, I think Bernadette and Aileen are the best little team anyone
could wish for. So please give them an award
that they truly deserve !
-- End of Entry --
LAOIS
Veterinarian nominated:
Tom Spillane, Vet Care, Shopping Centre, Portlaoise,
Co. Laois Tel 057 8664841
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to nominate Tom
Spillane as I think he is the most professional and caring vet I have ever come
across.
My cat
I proceeded to bawl my eyes out
in the surgery room because I didn't want to let her go off on her own to get
an operation. I felt like such an eejit after but just couldn't help the
waterworks.
However, Tom was the best
ever and assured me he would take excellent care of her. He rang me
straight after her operation to let me know how she went - all was excellent -
and he rang me the following day to say I could come pick her up that she was
doing great.
When I arrived to pick her up
I never saw such a calm little cat after an operation. There wasn't a bother on
her because he had been so gentle with her and taken such good care of
her.
Again I'd just like to thank
Tom from the bottom of my heart for all his hard work with all his patients -
even the grown up teary eyed human ones!!
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian nominated:
Tom Spillane, Vet Care, Shopping Centre, Portlaoise,
Co. Laois
Tel 057 8664841
Reason for Nomination:
I have nominated Tom over the
last few years. I believe him to be one
of the best vets I have ever dealt with.
He is so kind to the animals and so interested in their health and he
also remembers their names, which makes
You feel he is really
interested in your pet and yours alone.
Over the years Tom has had to
put some of my pets to sleep and Tom has been so kind in dealing with the
animals as well as myself. But last week
I saw him in a slightly different way.
When it’s your own animal you are putting to sleep, because you are so
upset, you don’t really take in what exactly is going on. But last week my friend had to have her cat
of 16 years put to sleep and I know it was a very hard decision for her to
make.
The cat had cancer and had
been treated by Tom over a few weeks. Tom had always made my friend feel she
could contact him at any time about the cat and was there to answer any
questions she had as the illness progressed.
The day she decided to let her loving cat go, she contacted Tom. Tom put aside some of his time for the
procedure making sure no one would interrupt and that my friend was quite
prepared to say farewell.
I was present to give my
friend support, but I really could see just how kind and patient Tom really is
in a situation like this. He gave my
friend all the time she needed talking to her and explaining everything. The procedure was so calm and peaceful and I
know my friend appreciated this, as some people can make us cat lovers feel
very silly for the love we have for them, but Tom didn’t.
He makes all animals seem
special and makes us animal lovers feel good about the way we care for our
pets. I couldn’t say enough good things
about him and I hope that apart from being nominated, that he wins this time.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
LEITRIM
Veterinarian nominated:
Paula Bergeson, Quinn
Veterinary, Gortfadda, Mohill, Co
Leitrim
Tel
Reason for Nomination:
My dog is an old dog. Over the
past 5 years, he has had to make a number of visits to the vet, from the
serious ( a 4 hour operation for replacement of a curciate ligament) to the
medium (treatment of glass in the pads) to the ordinary (teeth cleaning and
extracting).
In every case, the care, skill, attention and interest in the
wellbeing of my dog – including advice on preventative care, important in a dog
of this age, has been quite simply, exemplary and a credit to the veterinary
profession.
The whole team and especially the vet, Paula, are excellent and the dog
actually enjoys going there !! The fact
that the is still bounding about at 21 years is due to them.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
John O’Dwyer, John O’Dwyer
Veterinary,
Reason for Nomination:
Based on the year that my pet dogs (2) and I have had, from a low of
animal health breakdown, to a high of realised best veterinary response,
including sympathetic interest, I feel it only fair to nominate the veterinary
practice concerned, John O’Dwyer,
As my dog Eile has been the primary beneficiary of the attention and
care provided by team John O’Dwyer, I thought it would be more complete with a
statement of her own perceptions, hereunder, as intimated to and expressed by
me – under strict canine supervision – of course.
Although each member of team John O’Dwyer is more than entitled to stand
alone for the highest recognition, it is the cohesion of its talents, personal
and professional, that produces a veterinary service of sustained clinical and
compassionate excellence from reception through care and aftercare that in
turn, for me and for Eile, of course as can be seen from her thoughts, places
the John O’Dwyer’s practice as a whole to the forefront of pet carers in
general, award deserving or not; I am not without experience of other carers,
good and well, fair, in my time.
PS Eile cannot decide whether to get well or stay ill under five star
treatment !! I know, I’m worried
too.
Please see attached for Eile’s story:-
My name is Eile – I’m 3 and a half.
I’m a Kerry Blue – one of my parents is unknown but I like to think I’ve
a bit of a wheaten terrier in me !! I’m
a very good looking and bold (naughty !) dog.
My owner found me when I was 3 months old. She pulled my head out of a bag of chips
outside Claire’s Accessories in Cruise’s Street in
The other dog is my best pal – Charlie.
I give her a hard time though. I
push her out of the way when we get treats and I hung out of her whiskers when
I was in situ only a few weeks, when I still had my milk teeth. If I was to sit down for long enough and
analyse my behaviour, I’d say I’m insecure, in case I will be thrown away again
but I don’t dwell on that because we have so much fun.
But I think Olive (my carer) thinks I’m trying to be top dog. Anyway between the spats that Charlie and I
have, we get on great. We get loads of
walks, we have loads of toys and sometimes in the summer, Olive brings new plants
for us to play with in the garden. I
like to help with the grass cutting, barking and grabbing the wheel to show
Olive where the lawnmower should go.
Charlie prefers the vacuuming – she deals with positioning of the
equipment indoors !!
We have lovely kennels that we go to when Olive takes a break without
us, we visit all our friends and we have toys and treats in all their
houses. We get holidays in Kerry down by
the sea, running for stones and I used to run with the horses being exercised
there. We usually go beach combing,
Charlie goes for wood and stringy seaweed, I go for the animal carcasses that
have been left on the beach. I hide my
scent and track other dogs there ! We
get to go on drives to the forest – that’s great fun coz I roll in everything
and I used to chase swallows- I’d pretend I was a cheetah and run forever. I
had so much energy then.
Around last November I started feeling funny. My nose changed. It started irritating me and I started
scratching. After Olive came home from a
weekend away, she wasn’t too happy with me coz I had started scratching it so
much it was angry and tended to bleed.
My ears were at me too and Olive thought she had missed an ear
infection. I was quite moody too, more
than usual and snapping at Charlie more often.
She took me to see John (oh he’s lovely), I couldn’t help but wag my
tail (I still can’t). He checked me over
very thoroughly and said I had Lupus. I
felt quite honoured when he said that and tried to stand taller ! I love all the attention and I got some
tablets to take, so I had a great time.
Olive got a shock though and to this day I’m still shocking her.
I had to go to
I feel well most of the time, but my body isn’t what it was. My muscles seem to be disappearing. The muscles on my head have gone and my leg
muscles are reducing. If I don’t mind
saying so, I’m still a very good looking dog, just a little more quirky !! I find it very tiring standing on my back
legs now to see what is on the kitchen counter.
I have leg tremors and take siestas more often now. On a good day, I break into a trot and get
great praise from Olive; I mostly work within my limits now, still when I hear
the car keys jangle, my heart skips a beat and wonder where me and Charlie are
off to today.
I visit John, Jodie and Rebecca very regularly because with the lupus,
my condition goes up and down. Like the
time at home during the summer, that me and Charlie got up to mischief one
afternoon and got at the recycling bag and I ate some plastic. I really didn’t feel well after that and
tried with all my might to pass it – one way or another. It was in me for about 2 days and when Olive
came home she found the plastic that I had coughed up, and then I passed blood
when I was having a motion, she rushed me straight in to see John. She was so worried about me, I think she
thought it was part of the lupus but you see I’m so hungry all the time now, I
will eat anything. (Like the time when
I caught and ate some birds….but that’s another story).
John checked me thoroughly and said that my glands were alarmingly
swollen on my neck and very tender. So
it was a bad infection and/or colitis or the glands were something else
altogether that neither me nor Olive wanted to contemplate. He gave me some very strong tablets for 10
days along with my usual 8. I was
getting so much attention that evening.
It was great. I really frightened
everyone with that episode.
At this time, I had noticed that we left with John’s after hours number
– I got the impression that night that any one of them would don a super hero’s
suit at a moments notice and fly to my aid….The bleeding stopped after that so
it seemed to have been an infection. My
mood has also improved since that time, and with some dietary adjustment,
recommended by John, my colitis thing isn’t so bad now. ( No super hero suits needed just yet !!).
I have been taking the steroids since April this year but because the
summer we have had has been particularly warm and sunny, I’m on quite a high
dose still. The dosage has gone up and
down depending on how the lupus behaves.
Olive keeps us in the house now while it’s sunny, because it’s so much
cooler indoors and John recommended that she keep my coat clipped short so as
not to irritate me further. We get
walked early in the morning before Olive goes to work and then again in the
evening when the sun has gone down. We
get checked on at lunch time for a pee break and everything is tidied away so
that I can’t get at anything until I have adult supervision, lest we have a
repeat of the plastic incident mentioned earlier.
I can’t tell you what a warm feeling I get when Olive takes me in to see
the lads. Jodie or Rebecca are my first
welcome, always very professional and so upbeat and positive; they always find
time to chat with Olive and play with me whilst busy. And then there’s John (oh
he’s lovely) he is so dedicated too and thorough with all the animals that
visit the clinic, as are the girls, they all give us as much time as we feel we
need and nothing is too small to bother them with. I think Olive gets great strength and support
from them and is very much guided by them as well, so besides being animal
carers, they also provide a much needed counselling service for our
humans. To me, it seems to be an all
round, even holistic approach to me and my carer.
I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to support the nomination of
the John O’Dwyer team for the 2006 veterinary pet care awards, because no
matter how many times I can lick them, it doesn’t show them how much I
appreciate the time and care they have taken with me since I got sick. All dogs and that includes me, take things in
our stride and as it comes, and I know that however this lupus thing develops
in me, I have the best carers in the world in my veterinary team. I know they will do their very best by me
(and its because I love all the attention they give me !).
Lots of love and licks
Eile
Age 3 and a half, nearly 4.
-- End of Entry --
MAYO
Veterinary nurse nominated:
Elisha Fahy, Hanaghan
Veterinary Hospital, Main Street, Ballyvary, Co. Mayo
Tel 094 92 89007
Reason for Nomination:
Elisha has been the most
helpful person since I got my dog.I have been very unlucky since day 1 with
Sarson and Elisha has been there every time to help me out.
When he was only 10 weeks old
he was bitten by another dog and needed stitches to which Elisha attended. Since
that day Elisha has treated Sarson as if he was her own and I would'nt have
been able to cope without her.
Because Sarson is a white dog
he is suffering from severe allergies and had to undergo months of tests, biopsies
and treatments and Elisha has talked me through every step of the way.
Only three months ago Sarson
was referred to a specialist in
Since then Sarson has been
diagnosed and is having treatment.He is a much healthier and happier dog and
all thanks to Elisha.
Elisha is a Veterinary Nurse
above and beyond the call of duty and deserves to be recognised for the superb
work she does and the wonderful person she is
=== END OF ENTRY ===
MEATH
Veterinary Practice Nominated
Duleek Veterinary Hospital, 27
Ashbourne Road, Duleek, Co. Meath – contact Seamus Dardis
Tel 041-9882881
Reason for Nomination:
The Irish Seal Sanctuary
occupies a leased site in Garristown, Co Fingal, staffed entirely by
volunteers, working entirely off public subscriptions until the new National
Marine Conservation and Education Centre (our joint project with Fingal County
Council) is opened in 2008.
Critical to our success and
international reputation is our veterinary panel and support and underpinning
this, these last two seasons is the
This young couple, themselves
busy trying to establish their practice, always find time out to respond to the
needs of our animal volunteers (gratis), applying Donegal Vet; Frank Mulreany's
(r.i.p.) old maxim 'wildlife don't pay'.
Very often these calls are in
the twilight hours following full moons, tidal surges and storm conditions and
they show up cheerfully and sleepily, when it would be all too easy to leave
the phone off the hook!
The ISS Animal Handlers and
volunteers are particularly grateful to Seamus and Vanessa, not just for their
support in emergencies with animals, but for the many free consultations and
invaluable advice (which constitutes training in effect), personal support and
donations of useful gear. Apart from seals and more seals, the 'sanctuary' name
attracts other orphans and refugees of the wild and domestic animal worlds and
so they additionally end up treating or supporting feral cats, dumped kittens,
and occasional exotics.
To support a sanctuary you
need an open account (which is bottomless and never paid!) and more importantly
an open heart.
The ISS is very lucky to have
Seamus and Vanessa and the
=== END OF ENTRY ===
ROSCOMMON
Veterinary Practice nominated
All Creatures Veterinary,
Lanesboro Street, Roscommon – contact Catherine or James
Tel 090- 66 26898
Reason for Nomination:
Both Catherine and James are
committed to best practice in pet care. They are sensitive and caring in all
their dealings with our pets.
Last year we nominated Catherine
for her outstanding kindness and professionalism in treating our beloved dog
with every possible comfort in her last days. This year We have no hesitation
in repeating the nomination.
We decided that as well as
nominating Catherine for a second time, we should also mention James who
regularly visits our donkeys when he is in the area to check their feet and
their general health.
Elvis was an abused donkey
and he has a great fear of the farrier who found it impossible to trim his
hooves. James administers a mild sedative to Elvis and takes great time and
care to soothe him before trimming his hooves. His gentle approach has really
helped the donkey to trust humans again and now he feels much more secure and
happy to have his treatment.
Madge our very old donkey now
suffers the odd abcess and James is always available to come out to treat
her with equal kindness and concern.
We really feel that all our
animals are in the very best hands in the care of Catherine and James.
Their Practice clinic is
bright and cheerful and very modern. Their approach is calm and friendly at all
times and their skills as pet vets are the best in the world. None of our pets
fear the vets, they love visiting the All Creatures clinic and shop!
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Southview Veterinary Hospital,
Irishtown, Clonmel, Co Tipperary – contact vet Alan Ahearn
Tel 052-21429 / 21712
Reason for Nomination:
To: Stronghold Veterinary Pet Care Awards,
I wish to nominate vet Alan Ahearn for individual vet. In June of this year, our beloved Scottish
terrier (Chevy) aged ten years was ill for just one day. I took him to Alan thinking he had an upset
tummy. Alan said he felt it was more
serious and did some tests and scans, which unfortunately showed a tumour.
Chevy had surgery next day. The
cancer was rampant and he had to be put to sleep. My husband and I were devastated at the loss
of a much loved pet and also valuable show dog.
Chevy had the titles of Irish and International Champion. Alan was so kind and compassionate to us at
that difficult time.
A few weeks after Chevy’s death Clyde, our westie, the same age as Chevy
and reared with him, awoke one morning in what appeared to be a lot of
pain. I took him without delay to Southview
clinic where I met Kevin, another vet.
It was a Sunday and it was no problem for him to see
However the same story the next day, he was in a lot of pain. I returned to the practice where we met Alan. He kept
Alan is such a kind, considerate and professional vet. I could not speak highly enough about him and
his team at Southview who are always available with their time, care and
advice, well and above the call of duty.
We pet owners of Clonmel are so lucky to have Alan and his team.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Southview Veterinary Hospital,
Irishtown, Clonmel, Co Tipperary – contact Sarah Jane Weissenbach
Tel 052-21429 / 21712
Reason for Nomination:
Sarah-Jane will try and help people anytime she can. She is an extremely nice, pleasant person who
is easy going and hardworking at the same time. She spends her free minutes during the day
in the kennel room, keeping the animals company.
On first meeting Sarah Jane, her warm, trusting personality ensures your
pet is in good hands. Her love for
animals extends past her usual working hours.
She recently became a surrogate mother to four abandoned puppies. Sarah Jane had to bottle feed these puppies
every two hours, even during the night, even though she suffered many sleepness
nights, she was still her usual pleasant self.
AS the puppies got older, she began the tedious task of finding good,
loving homes for the puppies. As usual,
she succeeded and the four pups have since gone to new homes.
My own dog Patch broke her leg and yet again Sarah Jane made sure Patch
got the best treatment and care possible.
I think Sarah Jane definitely deserves this award because she gives one
hundren percent to her job, she gives her spare time to help animals as wel
land wherever possible she will do what ever she can to help you and your pet.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Southview Veterinary Hospital,
Irishtown, Clonmel, Co Tipperary – contact vet Alan Ahearn
Tel 052-21429 / 21712
Reason for Nomination:
I wish to nominate Dr Alan Ahearne and his excellent team of vets who
saved my dog’s life in April this year.
I got my dog Blackie (
Blackie has always been healthy until recently. Christmas 2005 Blackie started to have
problems. One infection after another
and then in April 2006 Blackie got really sick.
I thought that I was going to lose her.
Her symptoms started out with her passing blood in her urine and then
going incontinent. I really thought she
was going to die. Alan was getting very
concerned for Blackie. Alan informed me
that x rays would need to be done and straight away. The x rays were done, but because of Blackie
being overweight it was very hard to tell what was going on. Dr Alan informed me that he would have to
operate on Blackie to see what was going on.
He suspected cancer. I was very
nervous and anxious. Alan did say that
it may be cancer. But we would take one
step at a time.
Myself and my husband Johnny brought Blackie in for her operation in
April ’06. I thought that this would be
the last time I would see my Blackie and was worried sick. I went to work as normal but couldn’t get
much work done that day. We got the
phone call at
Alan and his team of vets and assistants were amazing with Blackie. We were informed and involved in every step
of the way with Blackie’s illness and recovery.
Alan and his team really care about animals and would know most of their
animal’s names. We were allowed access
to Blackie while recovering from her operation.
This was very important to us and Blackie. For Blackie it meant that she was not going
to be abandoned again.
I also have another dog called Zakariah (alsation cross), a very nervous
dog who we got from the local dog pound 9 years ago. Alan has great empathy with animals and their
owners. He spends quality time with both
and takes time to explain treatment every step of the way with the owners. He has no problem giving out his mobile
number and is available 24/ 7.
I feel that Alan and his team of vets (Kevin, James and Sarah) all
deserve credit for all they do. I think
here in Clonmel that if you ask any pet owner where they bring their pets for
treatment, they would say Southview Veterinary Clinic, Irishtown, Clonmel.
I truly believe that if it were not for Alan’s experience and his
ability with Blackie, she would not be here today. Alan did not give up on her and I believed
him. Alan knows how much a pet means to
its owner and does everything possible to help them. I
hope that you will look upon this favourably.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinary Practice nominated:
Southview Veterinary Hospital,
Irishtown, Clonmel, Co Tipperary – contact Sarah
Tel 052-21429 / 21712
Reason for Nomination:
Since I have started going to
Southview I have found all the team to be very helpful, considerate and very
caring towards animals. They all seem to genuinely love animals……
Earlier in the summer, Garbo
walked into the kitchen with a badly broken leg. We had no idea how it
had happened but presumed she must have been hit by a car. Even though it
was just after surgery hours and I live 8 miles from Clonmel, when I rang and
explaned what had happened I was told to come right in with the cat.
Sarah, one of the vets, had
stayed on to examine Garbo. Sarah explained that it was a bad fracture
and that the leg would probably have to be amputated. Garbo was kept in
overnight and the next day one of the other vets, whose name I have forgotten,
rang me to explain exactly what kind of injury Garbo had and how it was not
possible to do anything other than amputate the leg.
We were due to go away on
holidays the following day, but when we rang during the week to enquire about
Garbo, if a vet wasn't available to speak to us when we rang, they called back
as soon as possible. We had no doubt but that Garbo was being well looked
after.
She has since made a full
recovery and is getting about very well on just three legs. It has not
stopped her catching mice! Patch was very well looked after when I had to
bring him in for x-ray after he ran under my car. And Garbo and Groucho
got the best of attention when they were being neutered and getting routine
vaccinations.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian nominated:
Jer Clancy, Suirside
Veterinary Clinic, Carrick on Suir, Co.
Tel 051-641644
Reason for Nomination:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I breed, rear and show Irish wolfhounds which are a specialist breed and
belong in the large breed category. In
addition to this, they can have a very short life span, the average being eight
years old and sometimes even less. There
are some who live to ten and some reports of even sixteen years, but those ages
would be the exception rather than the normal.
I nominate my vet, Mr. Ger Clancy, for the award, the reasons being as
follows:
Care.
Always delivered to a very high professional standard accompanied with a
courteous welcome and smile. Although
the waiting room can be full, he takes the time to listen and he would never by
anxious to hurry you out.
He will discuss the treatment of the hound and why it is necessary, he
will also make sure that you fully understand that treatment’s success rate and
whether further treatment may have to follow, he will leave the final decision
to us.
Professionally, he is always ready to refer the hound on to other professionals
if he is of the opinion that he has done as much as he can.
When we have had very sick hounds he is always there in the background
ready with his advice and support no matter what time of the day or night, even
though he may have seen that hound but a few short hours ago. The telephone reply is always the same, ah
sure bring him/her down I will take a look anyway.
When difficult decisions have to be made he will guide and steer you in
a very sympathetic and compassionate way as to what is best for the hound, he
is also aware of the owner’s feelings.
Humour is always in plentiful supply when a visit to his clinic is
necessary. There is always a story to
tell about some fella or queer one after he has dealt with his patient.
When sitting in the clinic waiting room and speaking to other people, I
am sometimes amazed at some of the distances that they have travelled to see
him.
I have every confidence and trust in my vet.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinary Practice nominated:
City Vets, Matties Hill,
Reason for Nomination:
Because of the exceptional
care they gave my elderly Great Dane, Lizzie. She wasn’t well so I took her to
Nuala who was the vet on call that weekend. Nuala checked her over but couldn’t
find anything wrong.
I was sure Lizzie was very
ill and even though Nuala could find no evidence of illness and probably
thought I was a crackpot, she was kind and understanding. She agreed to keep
Liz overnight. She rang later that night to say Liz was fine and should be home
in the morning.
On Sunday morning, Nuala
could see that Lizzie was a very sick dog and ran a series of tests, keeping me
up to date all the time. In the end, Lizzie needed surgery to remove a piece of
rubber that she swallowed and had lodged in her intestine.
An elderly Great Dane is not
a good candidate for surgery and Nuala, in common with her collegues in this
practice, showed great skill, but more than this, she showed genuine compassion
for an ill old dog and her tearful owner.
In the following days, which
were touch and go for Liz, Nuala and all the team were amazing in the care they
gave Lizzie and the patience they employed with all the anxious members of
Lizzie’s family. Lizzie has now made a full recovery.
This is just the most recent time I've had cause to be grateful to the team at
City Vets.
Nuala,William, David, Sheila, Sharon and the rest of the crew truly deserve to
be recognised for the tireless work they do each and every day.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinary Practice nominated
Riverside Veterinary, Davitt’s
Quay, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford – contact Pat Morrissey
Tel 058-44476
Reason for Nomination:
Last November, our dog Triggs
became very ill. We thought he was going to die……
We heard about
The operation was performed
the next day & Trigss stayed in the hospital for a week. Twice a day every
day we got a call to tell us how he was doing. We went to see Triggs after 10
days & we were allowed bring him home. It was a long recouperation &
unfortunately all did not go as planned.
Triggs was having trouble
passing urine so again 1 evening we phoned Pat. He met us after-hours in the
practice & said Triggs needed another major operation. Pat performed a
urethroscopy, which is basically making a new permanent opening through which
Triggs would pass urine. This was an extremely delicate operation & again
required 10 days in hospital.
Thanks to Pat & Dónal
& Helen, Triggs pulled through & is alive & healthy. We live 30
miles from Dungaravan but go there for all our petcare needs, purely because of
the caring & expert service we always receive. Even when Triggs was brought
in for grooming last month, he recognised where he was going & had an extra
spring in his step. As soon as we walked in the door he was over to say hello
to Helen at the front desk.
Once we were inside Dónal
spotted us straight away, knew we were Triggs' owners, asked how he was &
went to say hello to him. Nearly 8 months later, Triggs & the vets are
still great friends & look out for each other. I cannot praise all in the
practice highly enough, all I can say is I trust them to take care of Triggs -
I can give no greater appreciation.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
WEXFORD
Veterinarian nominated:
Richard Bramley, Gubbins & O’Shea Veterinary,
Tel 053-9145755
Reason for Nomination:
Outstanding care, kindness,
consideration both for animal and owner. It is comforting to know that your vet
really cares about the animal and this is certainly the case with Richard
Bramley.
Having attended other
practises in the past with my older dog I was amazed at the care my dogs
received when I went to richard for the first time. He also will telephone
after treatment to enquire about their progress. My only regret is we as humans
do not receive this sort of care when ill.
One dog I have has been
rescued from a puppy farm and was in a bad way when I got her.Only for the
loving care and attention she received from Richard and his team she would not
have made it. Many times I was not even charged for the visit as her medication
was so expensive.The care and concern that is shown to the animals is
amazing.
My mother’s old dog recently
had to be put to sleep by Richard and being aware of how deeply upset she was
by this he wrote her a note a few days later to see how she was. That is what I
would call going beyond the call of duty.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian nominated:
Richard Bramley, Gubbins & O’Shea Veterinary,
Tel 053-9145755
Reason for Nomination:
Richard Bramley is an outstanding vet and also the perfect
gentleman. He has treated Snowy for over
two years. I could not be happier with
the high standards of care that my dog receives.
Rcichard is always willing to answer any questions that I might have
regarding my dog’s treatment. He puts both dog and owner a their ease. I feel totally involved in every aspect of
Snowy’s care. Richard will educate me on
whatever it is I need to know to understand and care for my pet.
Richard is a man of his mind and will always return a call and do
exactly what he says he will. He is the
most fantastic vet I have ever known and I’m so lucky to have him treat my pet
Snowy.
If the doctors were even half as efficient as Richard, we would be an
awful lot better. Please acknowledge
Richard for his dedication and professionalism and his amazing ability to care
so deeply about animals and give them the very best treatment.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinary Practice
nominated:
Gubbins & O’Shea Veterinary, Distillery Road,
Wexford – vets Dan Gubbins & Richard Bramley
Tel 053-9145755
Reason for Nomination:
One of our 3 dogs, Sam – shepherd x g. shepherd, has been unwell 2 or 3
times since we got him 5 years ago. We
had only had him for about 5 days, when he got a severe viral infection and
almost died. But thanks to the care
and attention of Dan Gubbins, he returned to full health.
Dan even brought him home to care for him while he convalessed and Sam
developed a fondness for chicken and lasagne.
Sam also suffers from dermatitis and this year had a severe attack. Richard helped to return his skin and coat to
great condition and is always on hand to give advice and assurance.
Our smaller dog – Ronnie (jack Russell) had to attend the surgery in
2005 for an aural haematoma to remove a lump from his ear.
Richard again helped us and he performed the operation and helped with
the post op care. The staff at this
surgery are excellent, thorough in their examinations. Always reassuring and aware of the owner’s
concerns and emotions. The surgery
is always clean and the service provided is second to none.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
Liam Walsh, Fernwood, Bree, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford Tel 053-9247603
Reason for Nomination:
Liam is a great vet. He has such
a great way with animals. He has looked
after our dog Ryker and is so gentle
with him.
He has a great knowledge of animals and gave us advice about Ryker. He was wild as a wolf and we had him neutered
on Liam’s advice and the result of the operation was great.
He and his assistant Linda have kept him up to date with vaccinations
and even electronically tagged Ryker for us.
He has a way with the children who really do own the dog and they can be
anxious about their pet but he puts them at ease by explaining what’s
happening.
We think he is just great.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
Liam Walsh, Fernwood, Bree, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford Tel 053-9247603
Reason for Nomination:
I have been attending Liam for many many years now and I have found him
most caring with my dogs and puppies.
I could ring him anytime, day or night, without any hesitation. When one of my dogs are feeling off colour, I
take him or her over to Liam. Liam would
take the dog, talk and stroke the dog before he examines him or her. He builds up a friendship with the animal and
that to me is a person who cares.
I recently had one of my cavalier king charles bitches over with
Liam. He had to carry out a caesarean
section on her during the night. He
delivered eight beautiful puppies.
Mother and puppies did very well after her experience. No after care was needed which was a bonus.
I breed different types of small dogs so I am in touch with Liam quite a
bit during the year. If I need
information, advice, Liam is always more than helpful. In my opinion, I couldn’t have asked for a
better vet to look after me and my precious pets.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
Liam Walsh, Fernwood, Bree, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford Tel 053-9247603
Reason for Nomination:
Liam Walsh has been doing the veterinary work for my dairy herd for over
15 years and in that time I have found him to be very gentle and caring when
treating animals and when it comes to family pets there is none better.
Recently Liam treated my dog’s damaged leg in the afternoon and he rang
me late that night to see how he was doing and called around the next day to
see him without even being asked.
He is a very caring and professional vet who is very concerned about
animal welfare and does not like to see animals of any kind being mistreated.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
Liam Walsh, Fernwood, Bree, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford Tel 053-9247603
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to nominate my vet because of his gentle, professional and
caring manner and also for his interest in bringing on the next generation of
vets ! I did a year of work experience
with Liam. He was highly informative yet
never condescending.
All of my many questions regarding animal health and ailments were
answered patiently. I got great hands on experience and now have my mind made
firmly up on my chosen career path.
One thing that stands out about Liam is his ability to get on well with
his clients, whether it is a dairy farmer or a dog breeder. Even when dealing with boisterous cattle his
manner or voice is never rough, epitomising firm but kind !
Liam has treated our animals’ various ailments – my little red setter
bitch Saoirse got a stalk of a sunflower through her neck and soft palate. We brought her to Liam straight away. However no amount of antibiotics could stop
the infection in her neck.
Liam was consistenly conscientious and did everything to relieve the
poor dog. She ended up having her neck
operated on and the infection cleared up.
She is now a picture of health, running around with her doggy friends !
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
Natasha Nowacki, Moyne
Veterinary, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Tel 087-2211017
Reason for Nomination:
Natasha works very hard. She is always in good form.
My dog had mange and she cured him.
He was only a stray and had mange, she convinced me last year to give
him a chance. He was on his last day and
if he was not homed that day, he was to be put down, but she convinced me to
give him a home.
He had mange and she cured him and now he never has an itch or a
scratch. Every time the dog meets
Natasha, he is overjoyed to see her. She
is a true credit to the veterinary profession.
Last year, she rescued a wolf [hybrid] single handedly from a river at
10 o clock at night in the dark. He was
tied to a concrete block and she was the vet on call and saved him by wading
into a flooded river in the dark of winter, risking her life as the water was
dangerous and the wolf would have been mad.
She brought him back to her…..and fed him and brought him back to her
office and cleaned him up and fed him.
She also found him a home with the help of fellow vets at the Moyne
Vets, Enniscorthy and through the help of the Enniscorthy SPCA……
She is always waiting to helpf animals.
She is constantly trying to find homes for dogs, cats and even
goats. She works with all animals and is
very good at treating them all.
She is always aware of pain in animals and always gives pain killers to
ease the suffering of animals after surgery or when they are sick.
I hope she wins this competition as she cares for all animals, has a
huge love for dogs and does her best at all times to take good care of animals.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
Annette Quegan, The Pet Vet,
Tel: 053- 9126523
Reason for Nomination:
Where do you start !?! How many
people can you phone day or night ? When
you’re worried, concerned or maybe just being paranoid perhaps ! (we’re all
guilty of it !!!).
The Pet Vet – that’s who ! I’m
the proud and often confused owner of four mad, but very wonderful dogs. The trials and tribulations that we’ve been
through are so numerous that even I wonder how we survived them all.
Squashed by cows, caught in gates, mites, cysts, neuterings, jabs,
dental work, on and on it goes. But you
know no matter what, how trivial, how daft or indeed how serious the problem,
Annette is there. Always. To help, calm
you down or just listen to you, and often thank God, have a good laugh with too
!
Nobody deserves this award more than Annette. Once you have experienced that care and
professionalism that radiates from her and her staff, you would never look
elsewhere. Always there, always
concerned and always compassionate.
She’s definitely The Pet Vet.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
Annette Quegan, The Pet Vet,
Tel: 053- 9126523
Reason for Nomination:
Since I returned 10 years ago, my wife and I have travelled widely in
Figgie, our oldest dog, a 12 year old Gordon setter/collie cross has
been suffering the effects of old age.
No longer can he chase up and down the
I had forgotton to bring his prescription medicine from
Now he runs, he jumps in and out of the car. His coat is once again shiny and smooth. His fading eyes are bright. He is like a dog several years younger. Yes it was the medicine she recommended, but the
point is that she recommended them. She
trotted him around the car park. She
knelt down and petted him. She showed
real and concerned rapport and she gave him back the joy of living.
Plenty of other vets have been consulted but it was her care, her
professional knowledge that rejuvenated him.
And that’s what it’s about, isn’t it ?
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
Annette Quegan, The Pet Vet,
Tel: 053- 9126523
Reason for Nomination:
On Sun January 15th Billy was very quiet. Unusually quiet. We went for a drive and when we came home,
Billy had his face to the wall and was listless.
I knew he was very sick. It was
8.45 on a Sunday night. I hated ringing
Annette on her day off as she has so few.
She met me in the surgery in 10 minutes.
I knew by the look on her face it was very serious. Billy had been poisoned (rat poison).
I just started crying. Annette
said the next 24 hours were crucial. I
didn’t want to leave him on his own.
Annette looked at me as if I was mad.
She said “Billy is coming home with me.”
I didn’t sleep a wink. At
At
As you can imagine, Billy loves his visits to Annette and her team of
girls.
My eldest son bought a cocker last year and travels to New Ross from
What a lovely lady Annette is, always in good form and I feel safe
knowing she is always at the end of a phone.
She deserves the highest honour can be bestowed. It would take pages to tell you all Annette
has done for me in the past. I wish her
the very best of luck.
-- End of Entry --
Veterinarian nominated:
Annette Quegan, The Pet Vet,
Tel: 053- 9126523
Reason for Nomination:
I have been going to
Annette's practise for several years and have found her to be unfailingly
professional, kind, courteous and helpful - the same can be said for her staff,
Brid, Eibhlis and Emma.
Annette is very patient and
always takes the time to explain any problem that one of our cats is having at
any given time, which helps us look after our pets all the better.
About 10 months ago my cat
Pooky developed a urinary infection, and became very sick over a period of
weeks. He was put on various tablets but did not improve, and Annette decided
to operate. I feared the worst, especially when she said that a further
operation may be necessary, and that the outlook wasn't good.
Because travelling was
traumatic for the cat, Annette kept him at the practise and in the evenings
took him back to her own house, to keep an eye on him. This went on for weeks,
until one night she decided to operate for a second time, and didn't finish
until the early hours of the morning.
It was a success, Pooky has
gone from strength to strength and is back dropping dead mice on my pillow in
the middle of the night! I remain eternally grateful to Annette and her
dedication to her profession,she is vet of the year for me, each year, without
question.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
WICKLOW
Veterinarian nominated:
Bairbre O’Malley, Kilmaintain
Place, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Reason for Nomination:
Veterinary team - Over the
course of the past year and a half I have had the pleasure of dealing with the
staff at Ms O'Malley's practice.
In August 2005 my soon to be
husband and myself found a 9 week old terrier cross pup abandoned on the
road. We took her in and brought to the practice the very next day where
she was treated as if she was our own. Even though she was not at that
stage our dog I had Bairbre give her her injections and after waiting the 2
weeks to see if anyone claimed her we had her chipped.
Over the next few months Penney was in great health and that Christmas we
received a Christmas card for her from the Vets.
Unlike all the other nominiations we have been lucky that Penney has (touch
wood) escaped with only the odd visit due to an emergency. When I knew
that Penney was off colour and sick I took her to Bairbre and Penney was put on
antibiotics.
When we had Penney neutered the practice when fantastic as Penney is quite
strange in that she will not eat for other people but only for those that she
knows. Penney made a fantastic recovery.
When Penney ate a basket in our garden we had to rush her to the
When Penney had to have a tooth removed the team where great with her.
When she has her injections they always give her little treats or gifts so that
she feels at home.
They are all so wonderful with all the animals that they see that I feel that
they should be nominated for the award.
When my nephew's dog who was then a pup was visiting and got sick the team
dealt with it as if
When our pet canary (Splat) was in need of treatment they where great.
Eventually he died of old age.
When we found an injured hedgehog and brought her there for treatment they only
charged for the medication and not the treatment.
They really are a bunch of stars.
=== END OF ENTRY ===
Veterinarian nominated:
Alan Rossiter, Blacklion Pet
Hospital, Greystones, Co. Wicklow Tel 01-
2875283
Reason for Nomination:
I would like to nominate my vet at
I was the owner of a beautiful Samyod, his name was Bengie and we had a
great 5 – 6 years together. He then
became ill and my vet discovered he was suffering from diabetes. I had to inject him twice daily and make
regular visits to
My vet and his team had a great love for this dog. One day, late September 2005, I found that
Bengie was not at all well. I brought
him down to the hospital. Alan my vet kept him in and made him comfortable and
tried so hard to save him. He stayed
with him well into the night and phoned me next morning to say he wished to God
he could do something to save this poor dog, but Bengie is not responding to
treatment and after 3 days Bengie died.
I was heartbroken. I had lost my
best friend. Alan and his team were
wonderful to me and he told me he would take care of Bengie. He came to my home
later that evening and helped dig the grave.
He then wrapped Bengie in his blanket and buried him.
I could never have got through all this alone if it hadn’t been for Alan
and his team. He is a wonderful vet,
such kindness and understanding, I have never known. He is a great vet.
-- End of Entry --