1.What inspired you to choose a career in Veterinary medicine?

I have always had a passion for helping animals from an early age; I was always the one raising the baby birds that had fallen from the nest. Throughout my schooling I enjoyed the science based subjects and decided early on that I would like to become a vet. I secured all of my school based work experience in veterinary clinics around SA and it became apparent to me that my passion lied with helping people to do the best by their animals. I worked hard and made it happen from there.

2. What are your favourite animals to work with and why?

Wow this is a tough one! Can I say puppies? I was privileged to be taught the amazing skill of presenting puppy preschool classes which I absolutely cherish as the best part of my career. To be able to ‘train’ owners from early on in their journey with their puppies is one of the most rewarding experiences of my career thus far. You build amazing relationships early on and I loved seeing how much more comfortable the puppies were to come to the clinic than dogs who hadn’t had positive experiences; much less stress all round!

 3. What has been the most challenging moment of your career thus far?

This would have to be during my time working in a country based clinic where feral cats and dogs were a large problem. The clinic and the local council were working together to try and reduce the problem with many information sessions and desexing days but unfortunately we still had large volumes of euthanasia to deal with.

4. What has been the most rewarding moment?
One that sticks in my mind is that of the weight loss journey of Skully the kelpie, probably because I am partial to a kelpie! As happens to many, Skully was very well loved by her beautiful owner and very over fed and under exercised. She was severely overweight and had several medical conditions as a result/that were exacerbated by the excess weight. Through the Hills weight watches program, we were able to reduce her weight dramatically overtime which in turn eased her medical conditions. To watch her go from a lethargic, deteriorating old girl to a bouncing, youthful pup again was something I will cherish always.

5. What is the single best lesson that being a Veterinarian has taught you?

Knowledge gives you the power to make change! As a professional, you have the power to educate the public and give them the tools to make a real difference in the quality of life of their pets and possibly the pets of their friends and family as a flow on effect.

Rhiannon Ferry’s Bio

Rhiannon has been a veterinary nurse for several years and was even crowned Veterinary Nurse of the year early in her career. With a deep passion for horses and dogs alike, Rhiannon also enjoys educating humans on essential pet care including nutrition and training. In her spare time, Rhiannon enjoys showing her horses and spending lots of time with her husband baby boy.