By Luke Voogt
In 30 years as a vet Julia Aspinall has treated thousands of animals like Sergio.
With World Veterinary Day on Saturday, Julie used the occasion to help the long-time resident tabby at Geelong Animal Welfare Society’s (GAWS) Moolap shelter find a fur-ever home.
“He’s been here for a long time,” she said.
“We’d have at least four or five in the shelter at any given time that are like him.”
While Sergio has minor health issues, the “smoochy” and “needy” black feline could be the perfect second shadow for the right human companion.
“He needs love, an owner and a sunny shelf to sit on – that would just make his day,” Julia said.
The Leopold resident joined GAWS as head vet more than a year ago, so the profits from her expertise would go directly towards feeding and caring for the shelter’s animals.
“It’s just a really nice place to be at in this stage of my career,” she said.
“You’re getting to give back to the community and the animals, and intervene where you need to.
“Finally in the shelter space you’re doing that directly for the animals, not an owner or a boss. Our bosses are the animals out the back.”
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) website advises that vets have a “significantly higher risk” of suicide than the general population.
Being a vet can be tough, Julia explains, as generally they need a high degree of empathy for the job.
“You do it for the love of animals and most vets have incredibly high standards on themselves,” she said.
She describes her fellow vets at GAWS as “amazing”.
“They’ve just got hearts of gold, for people and animals,” she said.
For more information on Sergio or GAWS other resident animals visit gaws.org.au.
For help phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
