| "It's a very varied job, and that gives it a real thrill. You come in the morning and you never know what's going to happen." | | Jörg Niehoegen |
The Gladstone Veterinary Clinic is based in the shopping centre and looks after many of Telford's pets. I arrived early, but as usual I didn't know who I was going to meet. I tagged along with vets, Jörg Niehoegen and Jessica Keane, loitered in reception with the nurses, and quizzed owners as they brought their beloved pets in for treatment. Jörg says each day brings something new and unexpected. "It's a very varied job, and that gives it a real thrill. You come in the morning and you never know what's going to happen" Lolly was one of the first patients to walk through the door. The King Charles spaniel was in for a kennel cough vaccination and was shaking like a leaf. Her owner, Monica Partington, says she's a rescue dog whose original name was Lola. "I said to my husband about going for a walk and he said forget it… I'm not walking up the field calling Lola!" Lolly was clearly nervous, but some dogs get aggressive when they visit the vet. Sandy, a Jack Russell, had been attacked by another dog and the vets fear that she could get snappy. Tough decisions The bookcase at the clinic is covered in thank you cards. They come with photos, drawings and sometimes chocolates. Jessica says at least half are from owners whose animals have died or been put to sleep. "I think it helps both sides to come to terms with it"
Jörg says putting an animal to sleep is always difficult. "this is very stressful if you love animals. It's stressful for me still after twenty years". A dog called Kelly was carried into the surgery. The ten year old was clearly unwell and couldn't support her back end. Her owner Michael Renton-Cooper was very worried. "My son's grown up with her. He's about to turn 18 and he's know her since she was a baby" It was potentially a serious problem. Jörg explained what was wrong "Something is putting pressure on the spinal cord interfering with its normal functions". Despite Kelly's condition there was still hope. Jörg said spinal surgery was one expensive option, aggressive medical therapy was another, and the final option would be to put Kelly to sleep. Kelly's been put on a course of drugs. Let's hope it works… Behind the scenes The three trainee veterinary nurses, Susanne, Caroline and Andrea, run the reception, help in operations and are on hand to offer that essential TLC to the animals. All the staff seem to have taken animals home one way or another. Recently some children brought in a baby pigeon that now lives with Susanne "I know they're rats with wings but I've gotta do my bit" Caroline has two kittens, while Andrea inherited two rats that were brought in to be put to sleep. Meanwhile Jörg's dog was found in the street with a broken leg. He's had her 14 years now. They all do long hours and rarely finish before seven at night "We all have these days where we come home drained. But it's still very satisfying and enjoyable even when we have to make hard decisions" | 
