Season’s Greetings

It’s hard to believe, but another year seems to have flown past.

For both the staff of GVH and our clients, 2008 has presented its fair share of challenges. As many of you are aware, our major renovation project has been beset by several setbacks. The building has consequently been delayed significantly. Our staff have been working under cramped conditions, even having to organise relays for the lunch room. We are also very aware of the difficulties that you have sometimes experienced trying to find a parking space in the car park.

We’d like to very, very sincerely thank you for your patience.

So please keep your fingers crossed for us.

October of this year saw the passing of a very dear friend of GVH. Many of our clients would have had an occasional chat with our elderly neighbour, Charlotte Wilson. She passed away in hospital the week after having celebrated her 85^th birthday.

Lottie lived most of her life in the little cottage next door. GVH began its life in 1959, so Lottie has always been an integral part of the practice. She could always be relied on to keep an eye on things. She never married, and regarded the staff of GVH as part of her family. Lottie had a particular bond with animals, always taking an interest in the welfare of the furry patients she met in the waiting room, and in the strays who were re-homed from the hospital. She also fed a large contingent of wild magpies and pigeons. She had a special bond with our hospital cat Alex. He effectively had two homes, spending most of his day lazing about on Lottie’s lounge, and overnighting with us. He is still a little at loose ends with her absence. Lottie has been our friend over many decades.

We mourn her passing.

There have been other sad times for many of us, perhaps the loss of a much-loved older pet. For some, there has been the joy of a new puppy or kitten. We at GVH feel grateful for the privilege of sharing such special times with you.

We’d like again to thank all the clients who do things large and small through the year to help out us and the furry critters we care for. Newspapers and towels for the hospital cages, special morning teas and flowers for the staff, a home for a stray kitten, a lift home for an elderly client and their pet, caring for injured and orphaned wildlife, bringing in a pet who has strayed away from home in a storm. We appreciate all these gestures and say a big “THANK YOU” to all of you who make the GVH family a kinder and more compassionate place for our animal friends, and a happier place for us.

A peaceful Christmas, a happy Hanukah, a joyful New Year to you all. May your pets enjoy good health, and may their companionship bring you every joy.

Have a happy and safe holiday season.