“ I was born here in Lismore Base. I spent a couple of years at Lismore High and ended up going away to boarding school for 4 years in Sydney. After school I worked for a year then worked as a Jackaroo for about 16 months followed by 6 months overseas. I completed my Science degree and ended up doing Honours in Veterinary Science.
Dad (Dr David Jones) was a Vet, his father was a Vet so it’s definitely in the blood. I think I always wanted to be a Vet but didn’t quite get the marks at school I needed as I was having too much fun. I eventually settled down.
I met Tanya and we had four kids by end of Veterinary Science. That was 1999. We moved back here and I’ve been at this practice ever since (Lismore Vet Clinic). Dad built this place in 1966. Prior to that he had his rooms opposite the hospital on the corner and our house was next door.
Every day is different. You never know what’s going to come through the door. It could be a sick mouse with a tumour or it could be a sick horse. We’ve just had a dog chasing a stick who tore the inside of his mouth. We’ve had 2 snake bites this morning. One was a Tiger Snake believe it or not and the other was a Whip snake which was ok.
It’s tough sometimes and we have to help when needed. We do it for our animals and it’s a shame we can’t do it for ourselves. A kind, humane way to go. We don’t want our animals to suffer or be in pain when we can help them on their way gently.
When Dad was in practise it was mostly large animals, beef and dairy but now it’s gone the other way, probably 95% small animals and only about 5% large.
My father started Australian Veterinary Serum Laboratories producing Tick anti-venom and also Brown snake anti-venom so I’ve taken that on board now as well. We are the only manufactures of Tick anti-venom which all happens in Alstonville so that keeps us busy.
I don’t think any of my children will become Vets. They are more creative and going different paths. I was the youngest of 4 children and no-one else has taken it up either. Dad’s oldest brother was a Vet and a great Uncle was a Mullumbimby Vet.
I have a dog, 2 cats and 4 kids at home. As I said every day is different, happy moments, sad moments and you’re always dealing with that human animal bond.
I never saw myself doing anything else.”
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