I am now definitely in the twilight of my career. Looking back I hope I might have inspired one or two young people to train and become veterinarians. It is also quite possible that I have put some off the idea of becoming a vet, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Throughout my time in practice I have heard young people tell me they are going to be a vet or want to be a vet because they ‘love animals’. Well, most people enjoy looking at or being with or working with animals but unfortunately ‘loving’ them as it happens is not really enough.
A number of those who want to be a vet when they grow up get to the point where they arrange to spend a day in a veterinary clinic to find out about the job, but the sights and smells and general hustle and bustle of surgery as well as the actual treatment animals have to receive is too much and they quickly lose enthusiasm for their dream job. Others might persist with their aim until hormones kick in and social interests alter their direction in life. Or perhaps they are put off by the realisation that training to be a vet takes at least five years of total commitment and hard work at university before they can even start to work. And while they are building up a sizeable student loan their mates are out having a great time as well as earning a living.
But for those young budding veterinarians who enthusiastically pursue their dream, knowing what is ahead of them in the way of hard graft, stress and some deprivations, it will all be worth it. The rewards possible after achieving the veterinary science degree would be matched by few other qualifications. The opportunities it creates are only limited by the imagination. Few other qualifications can give you such a real purpose for living and working.
I have enjoyed immensely my life as a veterinarian, especially as my role has changed from a generalist to a sheep and beef farm advisor. Here our role is more to ensure stock are fed enough of the right stuff at the right time in an environment in which they can happily survive and grow and breed as well as possible. It’s more about prevention and welfare and whole herd and flock performance. My work in this area of the profession has been for me more rewarding than if I had worked as a companion animal vet where the emphasis tends to be a little similar to the medical profession — to fix things when they go wrong.
I am helped significantly here by being a StockCARE advisor. StockCARE is a programme to help sheep and beef farmers really find out what is going on in their businesses. It uses comprehensive systems to measure the important drivers of the farm business. The information collected through accurate measuring and recording is used to identify factors that are limiting flock and herd performance. We help the farmer identify opportunities and the most appropriate solutions to improve their business. This programme was developed by one of the most astute practical production animal vets in the country — Chris Mulvaney. I have had the privilege of working alongside him and a handful of other leading sheep and beef vets for the last 15 years.
And would I do it all again? Without doubt, but only if I could ensure I did it with Chick who has been a tower of strength right from my student days through all my working life. She has almost single-handedly brought up our children because during their childhood Pete J and I were just too damn busy working and trying to make ends meet. I hope, though, that I have been a good influence on them and do like to think that because of their upbringing they have grabbed every opportunity that has come their way and given things a go and succeeded and made me very proud.
And, yes, I would do it all again but couldn’t imagine doing it without Pete and Ally. Pete is an excellent veterinarian, an inspiring partner and wonderful friend. We have loved the work, been passionate about it, and like to think we’ve been good at it. My journey through life in Marlborough just would not have been the same without him.