You can get the latest news by visiting our Facebook page. You can browse and share photos, read comments from other pet owners and find out what our staff have been up to.
Summer 2019 newsletter
It has been a busy few months here, with the arrival of two babies and some staff changes. Firstly, congratulations to our Head Nurse, Emma, whose son Finley was born mid-March. Emma is doing well and enjoying motherhood (though can't resist popping in to check on the team)!
Bradley and Liz welcomed baby Joel to their family at the end of March and are adjusting to life with a newborn again. Joshua is very excited to be a big brother and is proving to be a very useful helper.
We bid farewell to Diego at the beginning of March; though sad to see him go we wish him all the best in his further training and employment in night work with Vets Now. Vets Now support us with our out-of-hours service so you may well still see him in an emergency.
As one Spaniard left, we welcomed another - Dr Israel Crespin joined the team on a part-time basis for evening consulting sessions. Israel qualified in Cordoba, Spain in 2002 and has been working in the UK as a government vet for the past 15 years. As well as his passion for working with animals, Israel has an interest in 3D animation applied to veterinary science. As a qualified computer programmer in visual effects and animation he has been developing anatomical models which are used for training and prosthetics.
Spring 2019 newsletter
Wishing you and your pets a very happy new year! We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support, especially the outpouring of seasonal thanks over Christmas; your cards, chocolates and kind letters received throughout the year are a huge encouragement and keep us sustained in our busy daily work.
As Brexit looms do watch out for changes in pet passport laws. It could take at least 4 months to prepare a pet for travel. Take steps sooner rather than later if you are planning to travel with your pet this year. If you wish to discuss this, please book an appointment with either Jane or Bradley who both have “Official Veterinarian” status to enable them to complete pet passports and other export paperwork. We are pleased to announce that having undertaken training at the end of 2018, Jane is now able to offer echocardiography in- house - this means many patients will no longer need to travel to a referral centre for cardiac investigations. Laparoscopic surgery has now become routine at Dacre House - please do book an appointment if you are interested in this for your dog. Finally, in staff news, we were very excited to meet Becky's little baby girl Ava who was born at the end of November. Congratulations Becky and Tom! Holly Deacons joins our nursing team in February on a maternity contract. Holly recently left school but is no stranger to working with animals having worked with horses, deer, sheep and cattle as well as her own French Bulldog. She is excited to begin a career working in a veterinary setting.
Winter 2018 newsletter
As ever the practice is busy looking after the pet population of Southborough and the surrounding areas; we strive at all times to give you the best possible service and are delighted to receive so much positive feedback from you on Facebook, Google and the, always appreciated, hand-written cards of thanks.
Laparoscopic surgery has become a popular choice for bitch spays amongst our clients with quicker recovery rates reported and a lower risk of complications - if your pet needs surgery please ask our vets about keyhole options. Sìne Reed joined our nursing staff in September, having worked previously at Folly Wildlife Rescue. Becky Cheeseman has now gone on maternity leave - we wish her all the very best with her forthcoming motherhood and look forward to welcoming her back part-time next year. It is with great sadness that we bade farewell to vet Helen Denning at the end of November. Helen has been a wonderful member of our team for the past two years, full of compassion and with an admirable work ethic. Helen is leaving the veterinary profession for the time being due to family commitments. All that leaves is for us to wish you all a wonderful Christmas - do look out for our reminders on pet safety this festive season - and to thank you all for your custom this year.
Autumn 2018 newsletter
In June we welcomed Hannah to our team of veterinary surgeons. Hannah graduated from the RVC in 2014, worked in Norfolk for a couple of years before taking a year out to travel and work abroad. She spent 9 months in Australia which she loved, though just a bit too far from home! Hannah enjoys all aspects of practice, with a particular interest in surgery. She loves dogs and hopes to adopt one at some point once she is more settled. Outside of work you may spot Hannah running/swimming and maybe taking part in the occasional triathlon!
As ever, at Dacre House we are always busy studying, attending training courses and keeping abreast of the latest developments in veterinary medicine. Our most recent nursing assistant, Emily has started her Animal Nursing Assistant diploma with us and Heather continues into the second year of her Veterinary Nurse training. Fireworks night is fast approaching which means nights of worrying for our pets. Loud bangs and flashes cause anxiety and, even in some seemingly relaxed pets, yawning, panting, restlessness and hiding may all be signs your pet is suffering from anxiety. Preparation is key - many pets will benefit from calming products such as plug-in diffusers or daily tablets. These should be started at least 48 hours (longer if possible) before fireworks are due to start. In severe cases, anxiety relieving sedative medicines can be used to reduce a pet’s fear response and help them to be calm and settled. We are here to help, so please ask us for further information on options for keeping your pets stress free at this trying time of year!
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We wanted to thank you all for your help, advice and kindness that you have shown Abby and ourselves over these past, nearly 15, years...thank you again for always being there for her and us.
"This card brings special thanks from me...because I'm as pleased as pleased can bee! Thank you." Thank you so much for being such a kind person and such an avid animal lover. As a family, we want to thank you for being willing to wake up at 11.30pm to help a little ghost of a dog and put up with near hysterical women. We are eternally grateful!
...thank you to you all for the wonderful care that you have shown to Raki during his last year or so...Particularly Becky. Also a very big thank you to Bradley for his kindness when we finally had to put Raki to sleep...You guys all do an amazing job...when a situation arises like this I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you all as well.
To all of you lovely people at Dacre House. Thank you all so very much for the kindness you always showed to Sam. He enjoyed all the fuss you made of him when he came to visit. We are all so grateful to you, for everything. With love...
We wanted to thank you all for your help, advice and kindness that you have shown Abby and ourselves over these past, nearly 15, years...thank you again for always being there for her and us.
