There’s not much Lynette Craig hasn’t seen in almost 30 years as a vet nurse. The Werribee resident shared some of her favourite stories with Esther Lauaki
What’s your connection to the area?
I’ve been vet nursing for 29 years in Hoppers Crossing. I started with Dr Ray Horsey, at Green Cross in Derrimut Road, and I’ll have been with Hoppers Crossing Vet Clinic 21 years next Monday.
What made you to become a vet nurse?
I became a vet nurse because I love animals. What better way to work than to combine what you love most with your career choice? I used to bring home a lot of strays as a child and one year I gave mum a lamb for Mother’s Day. I think she knew from a very early age that I’d become a vet nurse.
What cases have stood out the most in your time?
I’ve seen everything. We get a lot of foreign body surgeries. One that stood out to me was an Airdale [Terrier] that swallowed part of a tap. People often don’t realise animals will actually pick up and eat anything. We’ve had dogs that have eaten boots, belt buckles and sticks.
What’s the most difficult part of your job?
Euthanasia of some of the animals that we can’t help, hands down, that’s the hardest part about this job. You get so attached to the people and the animals and when they have to be put down it’s heartbreaking. I’ve had to see a lot of them over the years. Too many, actually.
What do you love about the area?
I was born and raised in Werribee. My parents were born here and I have two daughters and two grandchildren born here as well. Wherever you grow up that’s normally where all your family and friends are and that’s true for me. I love the suburb, the houses, the people. I don’t think I’ll ever leave.
