Scottish SPCA member celebrates 50 years with the organisation
Sharon Comrie (C) Scottish SPCA.
The Scottish SPCA is celebrating the career of Sharon Comrie, who has been with the organisation for 50 years.
Sharon, who is currently working in the fundraising team of the Scottish SPCA, first joined the charity as a volunteer in 1973 at just 13 years old.
Discussing her many incredible years with the organisation, Sharon said: “It is incredible to think that I’ve been with the Scottish SPCA for half a century.
“Since I joined this amazing organisation, animal welfare in Scotland has come on leaps and bounds and it has been an honour to be a part of the organisation at the heart of this for the past 50 years.”
Throughout her time at the Scottish SPCA, Sharon has taken on roles including managing the Angus, Fife and Tayside centre, overseeing the charity's network of centres across the country, and fundraising.
“Spending most of my career in our rescue and rehoming centres, there’s no doubt there are times when it has been tough and emotionally challenging,” Sharon continued.
“However, I would not change a single day of it. Not many people can say they lead a happy, fulfilled working life for their whole career.”
The impact that Sharon has had on the animals she has helped is palpable, and one example of this is Paddy the dog.
When Paddy arrived at Sharon's centre, it didn't look like a good prognosis. The veterinary team believed that Paddy would likely pass away, and Sharon didn't want him to be alone. She slept beside Paddy in his kennel for several nights to keep him company, and thankfully, Paddy pulled through and was happily rehomed.
Several years later, a dog ran up to her in Dundee city centre and started smothering her with licks. To her surprise, it was Paddy, who had remembered the kindness she had shown all those years ago.
Mike Flynn, Scottish SPCA chief superintendent who has worked with Sharon for 35 years, said: “Many people who work for the Scottish SPCA or any animal welfare charity will tell you that it is a vocation, not a job. I cannot think of a single person who sums this up more than Sharon.
“We’ve been lucky to have her, as have the tens of thousands of rescue animals who have benefitted from her love, care and dedication over the past five decades. Sharon is a force of nature, and nothing can come between her and helping an animal in need.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
