Veterinary nurses honoured for extraordinary work
(left to right) Winners Leanne McLeod, Emma Addy and Helen Gourley, president of the BVNA Kirstie Shield, regional co-ordinator Diane Young.
Four veterinary nurses have been recognised for outstanding contributions to clients and their animals in this year's BVNA NI Veterinary Nursing Awards.
Now in its seventh year, the awards were created to help widen the recognition for the work of veterinary nurses.
This year's NI veterinary nurse of the year is Helen Gourley, who is described as "exceptionally dedicated" and "an absolute asset" to her practice, Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic.
One client who nominated her said: "Over the past year, both my dogs have been receiving treatment for serious conditions and Helen has been a great support to me.
"She takes time to explain matters in layman’s terms which has helped me immensely at times when I have been tremendously worried about my dogs."
BVNA NI's regional co-ordinator Paula Quinn said Helen is the "embodiment of what the veterinary nursing profession is all about" and "a shining example" to the public.
When it came to choosing this year's charity veterinary nurse of the year, one nominee stood out for judges. Emma Addy was nominated for her efforts helping stray and feral animals. Judges said her nomination was "very moving".
One example of Emma's work is the heartbreaking case of two healthy cats who risked being put to sleep. After talking to the owner, who was in difficult circumstances, Emma realised the client did not want her beloved pets to be put to sleep but simply could not afford to care for them anymore.
Emma got in touch with Cats Protection and arranged a placement for the cats, giving them a second chance at life and saving the owner from the guilt of having them put to sleep.
Another example is the four-month-old Akita that Emma found abandoned in a hedge, inches from death. She spent hours on the phone to the local council and Northern Ireland Akita Rescue before managing to secure a new home for the puppy.
After going through major surgery, the puppy - now called Oreo - made a full recovery and Emma found him a new loving family.
Leanne McLeod was awarded NI student veterinary nurse of the year. She "eats, sleeps and breathes animals," according to her colleagues.
In her spare time, Leanne volunteers at her local animal sanctuary and helps the practice rehome unwanted dogs. She also gave up her free time recently to hand rear two stray springer spaniel puppies, spending weeks caring for them before finding them a new home.
Colleagues of this year's animal nursing assistant, Ciara Wilson, say she has a gift for "building great relationships with clients and animals and loves chatting to clients like old friends."
Commenting on the winners on behalf of the sponsors, Susie Hill from Hill's Pet Nutrition said: "Once again, I’ve been humbled by the efforts of veterinary nurses who care so passionately for their patients and animals across the community."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
