For vets Gwen and Ian Cardiff, starting their own veterinary practice was always a dream, and something that has now come true thanks to the support and help of their family.
Kelston Vets opened earlier this year to offer a range of services from healthcare for pets to consultation, vaccinations, dentistry, surgery, diet advice and so much more.
“Setting up and running our own practice is something we have always talked about and dreamt of,” said Gwen, “but it would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of our parents.
“When the family cheese business in Kelston outgrew the building in the farmyard next to my parents farmhouse, it was left looking rather abandoned and unwanted, with old stainless steel vats and cheesemaking equipment sitting inside. My father, not wanting to watch such a beautiful building fall into disrepair and disuse, saw it as the perfect opportunity for us to create the veterinary practice we had always wanted.
“Setting up the practice has very much been a family project. Our daughters have enjoyed being part of every discussion, from opening hours to colour scheme, and even which digital x-ray processor to install. Grandpa Graham fixing the underfloor heating and Bampi Ted painting the interior walls and ceilings were all enthusiastically watched with running commentary and advice given when they thought it was needed.
“Even the practice logo was sketched and designed by my mother, Gay Padfield. It hopefully represents our care and love of animals, and our strong family background.”
As the parents of three daughters, inevitably running the practice and being a family does present a massive juggling act for Gwen and Ian, but as they are now working together, it’s a role that they can share more than ever before.
“Inevitably the craziest time of the day is from 3pm onwards when the multiple school runs begin and we are trying to give each child some attention after their busy day at school,” explains Gwen.
“Like every busy family, there never seems to be enough time to help with the homework, create a bespoke dressing-up costume and present a home-cooked supper with the right number of vegetables. But actually, most of the situations that we thought would be impossible have, somehow, turned out well in the end.
“For example, Ian and I got waylaid one Friday evening attending a whelping bitch in those golden hours between 5 and 7pm. My mother, in response to some frantic text messages, managed to rescue the sausages from the oven and when we finished at the practice, we were presented with the girls sitting at the farmhouse table having supper with Granny and Grandpa, complete with tablecloth, wine glasses and our suppers waiting in the Aga. Mother and pups were fine, the perfect end to a perfect day.
“I am hoping that these magical occasions are what the children will remember and perhaps one of them may follow our footsteps into the world of veterinary medicine.”
Gwen added that the practice sees all types of pets, from a recently sleepy tortoise to a very lively ferret. Since opening, Gwen and Ian have been visited by many more dogs, as they are likely to pop in for a social visit, to be weighed and eagerly await their treat from reception.
“Some of the more nervous dogs will visit regularly to build up a positive association with the building and us, so that when really needed a trip to the local vet is not overwhelming,” added Gwen. “Cats come in for their health checks and vaccinations, and we are lucky to be able to offer quiet consult rooms and a relaxed approach which helps to minimise the anxiety and make their visit to Kelston Vets as stress free as possible.”
For more details, you can call Kelston Vets on 01225 233727 or visit www.kelstonvets.co.uk