NATIONAL STRONGHOLD VETERINARY PET CARE
AWARDS ANNOUNCED
Results were announced today
for the 2007 Stronghold Veterinary Pet Care Awards, a national award programme
which invited pet owners and members of the public to write nominations and
stories about the work of their veterinary services. This is the 8th consecutive year
of the national competition, organised by Pfizer Animal Health in association
with the Irish Veterinary Journal.
·
The overall national winners of the 2007 Stronghold
Veterinary Pet Care Awards are:
Anicare
Veterinary Group which has practices in Dublin at Botanic Veterinary Hospital
in Glasnevin, Clontarf Veterinary Hospital on the Malahide Rd., Blanchardstown
Veterinary Hospital and the new Palmerstown Veterinary Hospital
·
The 2007 Stronghold National Category Award for Top
Veterinary Nurse is awarded to:
Yvonne
Kennedy, Knockgriffin Veterinary Clinic, Midleton,
·
The 2007 Stronghold National Category Award for Top
Individual Vet is awarded to:
Eamonn
Moore, Blackrock Veterinary Surgery, Proby Square, Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock,
Co.
Speaking at
the awards ceremony, Mary Newman from Pfizer Animal Health said she was
delighted with the response from members of the public to the Awards, having
received quite literally hundreds of stories and nominations from Irish pet
owners.
RETURNING TO A WELCOME
HOME
“The importance of pets to
people shines through in so many of the nominations we receive. For an awful lot of people, ranging from
teenagers to more elderly people, their pet makes the difference between
returning to an empty home, or returning to a “welcome home” when they open
their front door,” said Ms Newman.
“Dogs encourage people out
for a walk. Pets break down social barriers between people. Pets help many people in today’s busy and
pressurised society to lead lives which are much less isolated and much more
fulfilling than they might be without a pet.”
“The fact that pets are such
loyal and cherished companions means that pet owners increasingly want the
reassurance of knowing they have access to high standards of veterinary care
when things go wrong,” said Ms Newman. “The hundreds of
Stronghold nominations from members of the public reflect a tremendous level of
appreciation for a veterinary profession in
VETERINARY HAS CHANGED IN
At the awards ceremony,
Anicare’s founding veterinary partner Michael Hatton echoed the view that
veterinary has changed in
“With smaller family units,
pets are playing increasingly important roles within the family. At the same time we are finding that one side
effect of Celtic Tiger Ireland is the fact that people have less time – for
instance - to visit an elderly neighbour or relative. We see clear cases where pets are playing a
very important part in helping to combat loneliness.”
Mr Hatton said that the
Anicare team were very proud to have been able to expand to four practices, but
were very conscious of the need to strive to provide the highest possible
standard of veterinary care as well as a friendly and personalised service to
clients.
Michael Hatton and Tanis
Turley, veterinary partners at Anicare Veterinary Group, received the
Stronghold Perpetual Trophy and a prize valued at €2,000 at an awards ceremony
in Castleknock in Dublin today (Sunday 25th November 2007). The award was received on behalf of the
Anicare team, including colleagues at Glasnevin, Clontarf, Blanchardstown and
the team’s newest practice at Palmerstown.
The
One pet owner wrote that “They mix
professionalism with care both to my pet and the other visitors to the
clinic.” Vets are described as being “exceptionally skilled”. Commended for instance, for researching a particular disease, treatment
and outcome extensively, for their patience and for remaining 100% positive at
all times.” One pet owner simply
wrote that “Some people are lucky enough
to win the lotto, but I am lucky to have the best veterinary practice in the
world right at my doorstep…”
The awards judges are always impressed when they see standards of
excellence consistently reflected across the entire team in a practice, from
senior vets to veterinary nurses, to assistants or trainees. This was the case in the context of this
year’s overall winners, but with the consistency also reflected across all of
their practices.
Pet owners,Yvonne and Martin
Hewitt,
TOP INDIVIDUAL VET
The Stronghold National Category
Award for a Top Individual Vet was awarded to Eamonn Moore, from Blacrock Veterinary Clinic, Co.
Surprisingly one pet owner seemed to be almost frustrated that his pet
hasn’t had any accidents recently.
He wrote about Eamonn Moore saying: “ …. So why the nomination? Well it
seems petty not to, when you think about it. After all, it's not my vet’s fault
that the little sod (pet) hasn't tried to do himself in recently and my vet is
still the same considerate, patient and professional person he was two years
ago…”
A lady from Southside Dublin wrote “It
is hoped that most people will have the pleasure of loving someone or something
at least once in their lifetime. I fell
in love with a bitch called Lady….. A
dog of no exalted breed, no particular beauty, became for ten years, in many
respects, my reason d’etre.”
Another family described the
care given to their pet dog called Kruger.
They said that they: …..“ know all
owners think their dogs are special, but Kruger really was an exceptionally
loving, intelligent and gentle dog who will be irreplacable….. I
cannot imagine how we would have dealt with Kruger's passing if our vet had not
been such a wonderful vet. ….we knew he was, even in death, in the best hands
possible”.
This win a very significant two-in-a-row both from Eamonn and for the
Stronghold Awards, because Eamonn Moore also won this same national category
prize last year.
TOP VETERINARY NURSE
The Stronghold National Category Award for Top Veterinary Nurse is Yvonne
Kennedy from Knockgriffin Veterinary Clinic, Midleton,
Yvonne’s is part of a practice described as amazing…with one pet owner writing: It’s the care and well being of our beloved cats that matter. Another pet owner wrote
that: “the one nurse that stood out
for us was Yvonne. She just has a
loveliness and gentleness about her……Some things are hard to put into words but
when you come across someone who has a natural kindness, you don’t forget
them…”
HIGHLY COMMENDED
At the 2007 Stronghold Awards
Ceremony, a number of veterinary professionals were Highly Commended at a
national level by the judging panel.
Highly Commended veterinary practices were:
·
·
Knockgriffin
Veterinary Clinic, Midleton, Co
Highly Commended individual vets were:
·
Gillian Hick,
Cloverhill Veterinary, Glenealy, Co Wicklow
·
John O’Mahony,
·
Annette Quegan,
Pet Vet, Wexford town and New Ross
·
Tom Rennick,
Tuam, Co
Highly Commended veterinary nursing/ support staff
were:
·
Elisha Fahy,
Hanaghan Veterinary Hospital, Ballyvary, Co Mayo
·
Caitriona
Higgins, Artane Veterinary Clinic,
·
Lisa O’Donovan,
previously
ENDS
Date:
Issued by: Antonina Ni Dhuinn, Progress
Communications 01-2766117 info@progresspr.ie
Or contact Michael Hatton, Anicare Veterinary
Group tel: 01-8375543
Tanis Turley, Anicare Veterinary Group tel: 01-8330744
o
Further Background Information: winning veterinary hospital
Anicare Veterinary was founded first in Glasnevin (Botanic Veterinary
Hospital) by Michael Hatton in 1991.
Tanis Turley joined in 1995 when the team opened the Clontarf Veterinary
Hospital on the Malahide Road, with Tanis becoming a partner in 1997. Blanchardstown Veterinary Hospital opened in
2005 and now the team are opening a new practice, with Palmerstown Veterinary
Hospital.
Regular Continual Professional Development (CPD) educational programmes are
encouraged both with vets attending conferences and requesting in-house CPD
programmes which are tailor made to suit the team’s needs. With a team of this size there is room for
individual’s to develop specialised areas of interest, which also means that
there are times when cases can be reffered for a further consult to an in-house
colleague rather than externally.
Investment within the practices is also ongoing – ranging from new
equipment and technologies, to refurbishments and decor to create a pleasant
and welcoming environment for both clients and staff.
Partner Tanis Turley was the overall winner of the Stronghold Award in 2001
and this team from Anicare has previously been Highly Commended at national
level in the awards. You can also
visit www.anicare.ie
Veterinary Service nominated:
“Following Homer’s death, Lisa
rang almost every day (at her own expense) to listen, sympathise, talk about
our beloved, loving dog……Without her unbelievable support and help it would
have been even more difficult than it has been to have lost him….”
Veterinary Service nominated:
“ I know without a shadow of a
doubt that my husband and I would not have been able to care with such an ill
dog without the knowledge that we had Lisa in support….”
Veterinary Service nominated:
“John saved Misty’s life. She now runs all over the place on 3 legs and
doesn’t even realise she is missing a leg.
….The accident hasn’t stopped Misty doing what any “4” legged dog
does. She even out-runs our other dog
Veterinary Service nominated:
“In April this year, Easter
bank holiday, Buddy became dangerously ill.
John still spent that weekend treating Buddy, and again the recovery was
miraculous. Always John would say “enjoy
the time you have left…..”
Veterinary Service nominated:
“I started my life as a
feral…... I was foraging for food I got
a chicken bone stuck in my jaw. To paint
the picture, I was in (their) garden, bald and frothing at the mouth and
submitting myself for help (I am sure you will understand this is not easy for
a cat). The people of the house referred
to me as that “skanky legged cat out the back”.
They also contacted the Animal Care Society and 2 mornings on the trot
before
Veterinary Service nominated:
Knockgriffin Veterinary Clinic, Unit 9,
Knockgriffin Industrial Park, Midleton, Co
“My husband bought Sally Ann
for me for my 69th birthday in June, as he knew I wouldn’t stay alone in the
house without a dog (result of a stroke)……Today she barks when the phone rings
and I’m deaf and I go and answer it. The
door bell she barks again. I told Liam
the dog was my ears.”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Knockgriffin Veterinary Clinic, Unit 9,
Knockgriffin Industrial Park, Midleton, Co Cork – Vet Liam O’Reilly &
Barbara Tel 021-4613672
“I have lost my best friend
and most loyal companion……However I am happier in the knowledge that over his
final months he enjoyed himself without any pain or distress, and we were all
able to enjoy the extra time we had with him…..Bruce was a dog in a million and
in Knockgriffin Veterinary Clinic, he was treated as just that.”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Knockgriffin Veterinary Clinic, Unit 9,
Knockgriffin Industrial Park, Midleton, Co
“Unkowns to me, she was struck
by a car on the main road causing her serious injury. The car failed to stop, but a kind lady and
her daughter, who were travelling behind, witnessed the accident and stopped to
attend to daisy. They were shocked at
what they had seen and at the distress of the dog…..Daisy was, and is, a part
of our family, who has brought warmth and love to enrich us all…”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Knockgriffin Veterinary Clinic, Unit 9,
Knockgriffin Industrial Park, Midleton, Co
“But the one nurse that stood
out for us was Yvonne. She just has a
loveliness and gentleness about her……Some things are hard to put into words but
when you come across someone who has a natural kindness, you don’t forget them…”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Knockgriffin Veterinary Clinic, Unit 9,
Knockgriffin Industrial Park, Midleton, Co
“I had to call them out at
Veterinary Service nominated:
Anicare Veterinary Group/
Botanic Veterinary, 183 Botanic Rd., Glasnevin,
“Fintan was exceptionally
skilled, he researched the disease, treatment and outcome extensively. He was extremely patient, yet he was 100%
positive at all times.”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Anicare Veterinary Group/
Botanic Veterinary, 183 Botanic Rd., Glasnevin, Dublin 9 – Vets Fintan Browne,
Susan Barry and colleagues Maria Tel 01-8375543
“During the thirteen years
while I had Sammy (rescue cat) the team have been most helpful and
understanding. Sammy had many visits to
the practice. Particularly during the
past eighteen months…. “
Veterinary Service nominated:
Anicare Veterinary Group/
Botanic Veterinary, 183 Botanic Rd., Glasnevin, Dublin 9 – Vet Michael Hatton
and all of the team Tel 01-8375543
“They actually have 3 clinics, we have used all - our
main one however is the Botanic Clinic. …..The practice has increased in size
over the last few years, but due to great management they have not lost that
homely and friendly manner. …”
Veterinary
Service nominated:
Anicare Veterinary
Group/Clontarf Veterinary, 66 Malahide Road, Clontarf,
Tel 01 8330744
“They mix professionalism with
care both to my pet and the other visitors to the clinic.”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Anicare Veterinary
Group/Clontarf Veterinary,
“Some people are lucky enough
to win the lotto, but I am lucky to have the best veterinary practice in the
world right at my doorstep…”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Animal Welfare Veterinary Hospital, 40 Charlemont
Street, Dublin 2 - John Hardy, Michael Brady, Paul Hurley and team Tel 01 6714303
”This is an exceptional practice, where
the emphasis is on care. Each vet…..displays the same attitude of kindness,
consideration and concern…”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Animal Welfare Veterinary Hospital, 40 Charlemont
Street, Dublin 2 - John Hardy, Michael Brady, Paul Hurley, Suzie Mitchell,
John, Hazel, Grainne and team Tel 01 6714303
”She is very nervous at the visits. The vets have been very resourceful in
suggesting ways to relax her and ger her, her treatment, with tenderness and
understanding on an ongoing basis.”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Artane Veterinary Clinic,
…Her dream began, learning,
working and caring for animals on a daily basis. As she has a warm personality this shun
through to pet owners coming into the practice worried about their little
pets…..
But in October 2002, her whole
world fell apart…..”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Blackrock Vetinary Clinic, 5 Proby Square, Carysfort Ave., Blackrock, Co Dublin – Vet
Eamonn Moore & Team Tel 01-2889641
“ …. So why the nomination? Well it seems
petty not to, when you think about it. After all, it's not Eamonn's fault that
the little sod hasn't tried to do himself in recently and Eamonn is still the
same considerate, patient and professional person he was two years ago…”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Blackrock Vetinary Clinic, 5 Proby Square, Carysfort Ave., Blackrock, Co Dublin – Vet
Eamonn Moore Tel 01-2889641
“I know all owners think their dogs are
special, but Kruger really was an exceptionally loving, intelligent and gentle
dog who will be irreplacable…..
I cannot imagine how we would have dealt with Kruger's
passing if Eamonn had not been such a wonderful vet
. ….we knew he was, even in death, in the best hands
possible”.
Veterinary Service nominated:
Blackrock Vetinary Clinic, 5 Proby Square, Carysfort Ave., Blackrock, Co Dublin – Vet
Eamonn Moore Tel 01-2889641
“It is hoped that most people will have the
pleasure of loving someone or something at least once in their lifetime. I fell in love with a bitch called Lady…..
A dog of no exalted breed, no
particular beauty, became for ten years, in many respects, my reason d’etre.”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Tom Rennick Veterinary, Church View, Tuam , Co Galway-
Vet: Tom Rennick & colleague
Tel 093-24546
”Claddagh has a number of illness's
but I would not change him for the world neither would I change my vet….”
MAYO
Veterinary Service nominated:
Hanaghan Veterinary Hospital, Ballyvary , Co Mayo -
Vet: Runa Hanaghan, vet nurse Elisha Fahy & Team Tel 094-9289007
“When your animal is ill, no matter how minor, it's an
anxious time and I really can rest assured knowing that they are all in such
good hands….”
WEXFORD
Veterinary Service nominated:
Pet Vet,
Tel 051 445484
“Having a pet shapes your life and your
lifestyle for the duration of their lives with us. Anyone who has ever had and
loved a pet will understand the sadness that is involved when their pet dies….”
Veterinary Service nominated:
Pet Vet,
“…..To Caroline who on
WICKLOW
Veterinary Service nominated:
Cloverhill Veterinary,
Glenealy, Co Wicklow - Vet Gillian Hick,
colleague Nicola and team
Tel 0404-44505
…She is not only an excellent
vet, she is the most compassionate, considerate and caring person I know. She is part friend and social worker….”
Samples of nomination can be
found at www.progresspr.ie/petcare.htm
in the 2007 Judge’s
Selection