I’ve been surrounded by animals for as long as I can remember so it was no surprise I decided that a career as a veterinary surgeon was the one for me. My journey as a veterinary surgeon has taken me to all manner of places over the years – India, Australia, New Zealand, even the Isle of Wight – and I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the incredible bond that people share with their pets. My first dog, a beautiful collie cross that followed us home from school one day, lived to the ripe old age of seventeen and I’ll never forget the kindness shown by the visiting vet when she had finally to be put to sleep.