“We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other”
Staff Profiles
Dr Jahk Hughes - Veterinarian
What inspired you to become a veterinarian?
From a young age I grew up very interested in Steve Irwin and David Attenborough, watching them religiously with my brother. We had an array of wild animals in our house from birds to lizards and even snakes, but also a dog (Pongo the Dalmatian – I know, very cliché). I always wanted to work in an animal field when I was going through school, anything from a palaeontologist to a marine biologist, but as I neared the end of high school I found myself searching for a real opportunity to work with animals whilst challenging myself and I actually started out with a Bachelors in Wildlife Science and later pursued veterinary science.
Do you have a particular area of veterinary medicine you are most passionate about?
I started my veterinary career with a very open mind, wanting to try everything and this led me into mixed practice with Forth Valley Vet. The clinic developed over the years I was year and I found a real passion for surgery (soft tissue and orthopaedics), wildlife surgery and emergency work.
For you, what’s the most rewarding part of being a vet our community?
The most rewarding part of being in the vet community is seeing how happy owners are when their pet recovers from a treatment plan or surgery and it makes a positive impact on them and their pet. As much as we don’t want to see the pain, suffering and illnesses occur, it’s a great day when we can make a difference.
What is the most unusual or memorable animal you have ever treated?
Some of the hardest and most memorable surgeries I have done have been on dogs and cats and successful surgeries on severe trauma patients are some of the most rewarding cases I have experienced in my career, they can also be some of the most heart breaking. However, the most memorable animals I have done surgeries on would have to land with little penguins, eagles, devils, wombats and owls simply because of the rarity in which these kinds of experiences present themselves.
What’s your go-to weekend plans after a long week in clinic?
As much as I enjoy work in clinic, I love the outdoors, hiking, running, triathlons and touch footy.
Georgia Dare - Vet Nurse
What sparked your passion for veterinary nursing?
My mum worked at the Dogs Home for 19 years and we did fostering for Just Cats leading up to this job. I have always had a love for animals and I love being able to take care of patients, the same way I would love for mine to be treated.
What is one "vet nurse tip" you wish every pet owner knew for giving medication at home?
Haha this is an odd one, however I learnt this when medicating my labradors twice daily for 12 weeks. I purchased whole frozen sardines, fed the sardines the medications then fed the dogs the sardines. It worked a treat and never failed ☺️
For you, what is the most rewarding part of seeing a patient go home to their family?
Personally, this is my favourite part of nursing. It is so rewarding seeing a family full of smiles and a wagging tail or purrs when they are reunited.
What is your secret to staying energized during a busy shift at the clinic?
A caffeinated drink is the best medicine to keep me going during a busy shift!
What’s your go-to "comfort food" after a long day at the clinic?
A cold beverage and hot chips is my comfort food after a long day at the clinic (and every day)