Dr Ross Blanks B.V.Sc 1977 Veterinarian/Director I have worked as a Veterinarian at the HVC for 25 years, after graduating from Massey in 1977. I previously worked in Darfield, before working in the UK in Gillingham, Enfield, Potters Bar, Carmarthen - Wales, and Nelson before settling in at Hornby in 1980. Animals are my life, I wanted to be a vet since I was 12 years old. I enjoy creating a climate where vets and vet nurses enjoy their work and provide the best possible care for the pets at our centre and our clients are kept well informed. In my spare time I enjoy the Great outdoors, kayaking, cross country skiing, mountaineering, tramping, cycling...... My animal menagerie consists of 2 horses, 1 goat and 2 dogs.     Dr Pauline Howard B.V.Sc 1981 Veterinarian My husband Peter and I came down from Whangarei 14 years ago. I wanted to be a vet since I was 5 years old and have just enjoyed a 25th Vet class reunion. My loves are my husband Peter, my three children, Alice, Andrew and Martin and our numerous pets. I enjoy my job which keeps me constantly learning and working with enthusiastic people and great clients. To relax I garden, enjoy outdoor things with the family and read books.   Dr Emily Ensor B.Sc, B.V.Sc 2002 Veterinarian Emily joined us in 2010. Dr Susan Shannon Veterinarian I have recently moved to Christchurch & am excited to join the HVC team. I have been a companion animal veterinarian for 20 years now. I have worked overseas in Australia & U.K, and here in Wellington, Balclutha, Alexandra & most recently Whangarei. It is lovely to be back in the mainland! I am still enjoying the challenges & rewards my career presents each day. Nowadays I am working part time so I can enjoy my young son, Oliver, & develop my other interests. While not working or caring for my family (which also includes my husband Paul, Arthur my geriatric Boston terrier & my cat Mandu) my interests include gardening, playing in the fabulous port hills, yoga, tramping, conservation, reading & music. Joining us soon.....     Julie Gray Assistant Practice Manager I joined the HVC team in 1998. I have always loved the diversity of the job, the clients and helping people with their pets. I have taken a step back from nursing to assist Ross with the day to day running of a busy veterinary hospital. Otherwise I am busy at home with my boys Keegan and Ashton. Our furry family consist of Travis the Cat and Whitney the Boxer. Claire Lyne Head Veterinary Nurse I had been nursing for 2 years before joining the team at HVC early 2007. I love working with people and animals so combining the two is perfect, I also thoroughly enjoy the medical and scientific aspect of my job. My furry family consists of Filey and Keelo my two excitable boxers, Deus and Shitten my moggies, Brandy my Peruvian guinea pig and last but not least my long suffering partner Craig. When I am not working I can be found out with my doggies, gardening, attempting D.I.Y, baking then eating it, and exercising. Joanne Morgan Veterinary Nurse I joined the HVC team prior to graduating from my Veterinary nursing course in 2005. I chose this career because I like been able to make a difference in the quality of life animals have. My animal family consists of, Fork the Terrier X, Spoon the Pointer, Taz the cat, Wasabi the rat and Tiny the Pacer Race Horse. Robyn Auld Veterinary Nurse I had over 5 years nursing experience in both the UK and NZ, when I joined the HVC team in 2008. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my friends, partner and furry family, Rhubarb the cat, Almo the love bird, my chickens and Bree and Thor my very cute Golden Retrievers. Jennifer King Veterinary Nurse I started working for the Hornby Vet Centre in June 2009. I completed my vet nursing qualification in 2005, and have spent the last 3 years working as an animal technician at Otago University and Otago Polytechnic. I love working with animals, and I have a particular fondness for cats. I have an ex-SPCA ginger moggie called Harry and two layer hens. Gabby Ferris Veterinary Nurse Gabby has been a regular face on and off over the last 5 years and has joined us full time late 2009. Jackie Saunders Super sub - Veterinary Nurse Jackie hates writing about herself. She is our highly valued off the bench sub for us. Jackie brings a raft of skills and a cheerful disposition every time she comes in. One day we will pin her down to write about herself.