Donations from VPMA and SPVS
Image: Pauline Graham, Sue Surbey and Casper
Congress funds go to deserving charities The vice presidents of the Veterinary Practice Management Association (VMPA) and Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) have donated funds to their chosen charities.
Medical Detection Dogs and The Links Group were each given cheques that accumulated to a total of £1,310.
The money was raised at the first ever joint VPMA/SPVS congress – the Veterinary Business and Management Congress – held in January, 2013. Donations were made during a fund-raiser banquet and dinner.
Pauline Graham, VPMA vice president, chose Medical Detection Dogs as a beneficiary. She learnt more about the charity's work from meeting Sue Surbey and her diabetic alert dog, Casper, on a few occasions.
"Casper's ability to detect changes in Sue's blood-sugar levels was literally life-saving for her and allowed her to resume her normal activities, which would just not have been possible before," explained Pauline.
"Medical alert dogs are already out there debilitating diseases, as well as participating in research into the early detection of cancers.
"I felt that practice managers would very much want to support and promote such a great cause, so I'm over the moon to be able to present this donation on behalf of the VPMA and thank everyone for their generosity."
Vice president Gudren Ravetz donated her cheque to The Links Group, on behalf of SPVS.
The charity's chairman, Freda Scott-Park, commented: "We're so grateful for this donation, which will go directly towards helping to raise awareness of the links between the abuse of children, vulnerable adults and animals."
She added that, this year, The Links Group is working in collaboration with the charity Medics against Violence, so their programme can help veterinary practices recognise signs of domestic and animal abuse, including what to do in such a scenario.
"SPVS is a key supporter of our work, helping us to gain direct access to practice staff where this vital education needs to take place," Freda explained.
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.
