Of course, at The Mewes every day is a love your pet day. But I am happy to have an extra special day announced by the RSPCA to celebrate the special bond between people and their pets. It gives us an excuse to show our pets how much they mean to us.
One of our newest team members, vet nurse Paddy Pritchard RVN is pictured here with his own pup, Elsa.
Paddy only joined our team just before Christmas, and has already shown what a pet lover he is.
Paddy grew up locally, and attended Warden Park School in Cuckfield. His best subjects were science and then Biology, which helped him to get his place at Hartpury College to study for three years. After a year of unpaid placement in a veterinary hospital in Chipping Norton, and two years of academic study, he achieved his foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing Science.
He has spent his first two years as a qualified veterinary nurse working in Faygate, and now brings his passion for caring for animals to The Mewes.
Paddy played rugby throughout his school years, and is still a keen supporter of the sport. He also loves online gaming, and spending time with Elsa. We are very lucky to add his compassion and excellent communication skills to our team, when we really need the extra help.
If you have ever wondered about working or volunteering with animals, perhaps this national love your pet day is the nudge you need to find out more?
The RSPCA are using this awareness day to suggest pet lovers might like to volunteer their time to help animals. You could make a donation of food, treats or blankets to a rescue centre, or go to rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/volunteer/vacancy to see what you could do to help out.
You might even offer to walk a dog for an elderly neighbour, or a family who are shielding, as long as you maintain the appropriate social distancing requirements.
You can be sure that doing a good deed will lift your mood, and you never know, it might lead to a whole new career!