Growing up my family life revolved around dogs. My grandparents have owned and bred Irish Setters for over 40 years, and so from my early childhood I can remember being surrounded by adorable, red, excitable puppies… and of course their sharp teeth too! My first pet when I was around 5 years old was a little white mouse called Molly, and I remember how devastated I was when my mum told me that she had gone “missing”. When I was 8, we got our very own dog, a little Lakeland Fell Terrier called Daisy who lived until she was 19, only passing away in June 2019. We also had a few Budgies growing up too.

My adoration for animals grew as I got older. I caught the “dog showing” bug when I was 10 years old and never looked back. I spent my weekend travelling all over the UK and Ireland with my grandparents and our hairy red dogs. I loved the close bond I had with my dogs, and even started to show a variety of different dog breeds for close friends. I always knew I wanted to work with animals. This started when I was very young, I wanted to be a Marine Biologist so that I could work with Dolphins. However, working away from home and my dogs was not an option! I never thought I could work in a Veterinary Practice, I thought I would be too squeamish and didn’t think I would cope with the surgeries.

In my sixth year of High School I decided to give it a try. I started doing work experience at a local Veterinary Practice, and from that moment on I knew it was the career for me. Knowing I could make a difference and help nurse sick animals back to health – what was there not to love. I put all my eggs in one basket and applied for the BSc Honours Degree Course in Veterinary Nursing at Edinburgh Napier University, and out of over 400 applicants was one of thirty students accepted onto the course. I completed the majority of my Student Veterinary Nurse Training here at Apex Vets, and during my final year I was asked to become a full-time member of the team. I grew up in Denny, and so a job with Apex Vets was perfect for me. I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2015 with First Class Honours and top of my year.

In August 2018 I was promoted to Head Veterinary Nurse, and I am loving the responsibilities that come with the role. I am also seen as Apex’s “Pancreas” nurse, as I have a great interest in the management of Pancreatitis, and I am also the practice’s Diabetic Nurse. I love being a Veterinary Nurse and feel so lucky to be in a career that I enjoy. Every day is different, filled with the most amazing patients and new challenges. It is a very varied and busy job but looking after sick animals and supporting their owners is very rewarding. I love working as part of the Apex Family.

I now live locally in Larbert with my partner Stuart and our two Irish Setters Jeffrey and Caolila. I kept up with my dog showing hobby, and now regularly show, judge and steward at shows throughout the UK. I am now owner of my family’s affix; Glencarron Irish Setters. Caolila and I spent many of our weekends competing at dog shows and are doing very well. In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends and family, and of course walking our two crazy red dogs.

Professional Memberships:

• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• British Veterinary Nursing Association
• British Veterinary Association

Clinical Interests:

• Medical Nursing
• Inpatient Care
• Genetic Health Testing
• Nutrition
• New Pet Advice