Profile

Growing up in beautiful Bavaria

I was born and raised in Bavaria, Germany. From a young age I enjoyed spending time with animals, especially with horses and our beloved family dogs. Being outside walking, riding and swimming I learned to love all creatures great and small and the beauty of nature.

Vet school in Munich

When I was accepted at the Vet school in Munich in 1995 a dream came true! I graduated in February 2001 having had a wonderful time and education.

During my externship at the abattoir I rescued a pig who I called Josef who gave me and his carers four very enjoyable years. I wish every pig could have his luxurious life!

In 2000 I was privileged to get an invitation to spend 3 months as an extern at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Michigan, USA where I was introduced to a very high standard of patient care and professionalism. I would like to thank the surgeons and nurses for their patience and effort to teach me as much as possible in such a short period of time. This experience truly influenced my goal to become a highly qualified and passionate veterinarian.

Small animal veterinary surgeon in the United Kingdom

Full of enthusiasm and adventurous spirit I became a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and started working in a small animal practice in England. My first position was at Sage Veterinary Group in West Yorkshire (2001-2003). I then moved on to Swanbridge Veterinary Hospital in the East Ridings of Yorkshire (2003-2005). My last position was in County Durham at the White Lion Veterinary Clinic (2006-2010).

Over the years I gained a lot of experience in all areas of small animal practice. From the early beginnings of my veterinary career I was interested in alternative treatment options. Steroids, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory were the main medications used in small animal practices but in my opinion there was so much missing. What could I do to improve general health? Stimulate wound healing and the immune system? Or was there something to even prevent diseases? I was sure there must be other treatment options!

In 2005 I participated in my first alternative professional development course in acupuncture held by Trixi Williams in Calne, Wiltshire.

The Veterinary Herbalist

In 2008 I was introduced to herbal medicine by participating in the foundation course in veterinary Herbal Medicine run by Integrate CPD in Oxfordshire (www.nhs4animals.com).

This was truly a life changing experience. Not only have I found the treatment options that I was looking for so long but I also met so many special and inspiring people that have influenced my life and work in many aspects. I would especially like to thank Peter Conway (www.conwayherbalist.co.uk) who is a terrific herbalist and who kindly shared his knowledge about herbs and his wisdom about life.

Full of enthusiasm I participated in weekend courses that ran over 2 years, becoming a member of the British Association of Veterinary Herbalists (www.herbalvets.org.uk) and I was awarded the Certificate in Veterinary Herbal Medicine in 2010.

Thanks to herbal medicine I was able to offer my patients much more and so many benefited from it as a result.

Improving Canine Communication

Another interest of mine, canine behaviour, has led me to Jan Fennell (www.janfennellthedoglistener.com). I had the opportunity to spend 5 days with Jan and her team in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire to learn and understand the language of man’s best friend. I am very grateful for this unique experience and although never working as a behaviourist I am able to integrate this knowledge into my daily work. My own dogs are the ones who have benefited the most.

Moving to Australia

My husband Tommy received an irresistible offer to work in Australia. After having travelled to Australia many times and been fascinated by this very special country we decided to leave our lives in Europe behind and start anew in Australia. Sadly, in the interests of our dogs Dexa and Foster we decided not to put them through the journey and the long quarantine but to leave them with my parents in Bavaria. There they live a life of luxury, together with three cats. We miss them so much!

The Animal Naturopath

In Australia not only are the fauna and flora different but so are the rules. Having graduated from a German Vet School I was not accepted by the Australian Veterinary Association without passing further examinations. However, my qualifications met the criteria for practitioner membership with the Holistic Animal Therapy Organisation (www.hato.com.au).

My leisure activities

I love being amongst nature, hiking, riding and bushwalking (preferably in the company of dogs). I also like to spend time in my garden. Seeing beautiful plants grow, thrive and flower is deeply satisfying. Travelling is also something I can hardly resist. Exploring new landscapes, people, fauna and flora of different parts of this magnificent planet is very inspiring.

If I cannot be outdoors then the next best place to look for me is the kitchen. Yes, I do enjoy cooking fine food a lot! Remember: “You are what you think and what you eat!”