Pamela Queripel qualified as an RVN in 2006, and has since become a pet bereavement counsellor. In this blog, Pamela recalls how her childhood dog led her towards a career dedicated to caring for animals, and how veterinary nursing became her calling.

“As a part of the 60 years celebrations of the BVNA, I thought I would share with you my true story on why I became a veterinary nurse.

“The reason I wanted to be a veterinary nurse was because of my childhood hero Boomer (my family pet dog).

“In the year 1980, I was 5 years old. I lived above a pub on the Isle of Wight. My step dad at the time was the landlord of the pub.

“One night, my dog Boomer started barking and my step brother was luckily still awake. He went to investigate, wondering why Boomer was barking. He saw smoke was coming from the stairs. He woke up my mum and step dad and said there was smoke coming from the pub down below. He went to get help, taking Boomer with him.

“My mum and step dad quickly woke me and my sister up.

“By time we left our bedroom, the fire had quickly spread, and I remember seeing the flames coming up the stairs. Everywhere was filling with the black smoke and I remember choking on the smoke.

“We all managed to escape out our bathroom window, which lead to a landing on a flat roof. My mum said she had to shield us with her dressing gown, because she said a fire ball blew behind us.

“We managed to jump down to the garden, and I remember going to a neighbour’s house (across the road from us), so we were in a safe place. We were all reunited after our ordeal and I remember lots of fire engines, ambulances surrounding our burning home. I was very lucky to be alive. We lost everything that night. The only possession I had was my night dress (like the rest of my family… all we had were the clothes on our backs).

“I was so grateful for my dog Boomer for alerting my family and in turn, saving our lives. I will never forget that dreadful night.

“Because my dog saved our lives, I grew up wanting to give back to animals, what they gave me… A wonderful life. I always loved animals and I was never very academic at school. I wanted to be a veterinary nurse, since being a very young child. I didn’t get the grades at school, but I was determined to pursue my dream.

“After a lot of hard work, I started my veterinary nursing career in 2000, and became a qualified veterinary nurse in 2006. It was the best moment of my life.

“Since becoming a veterinary nurse, I then became a pet bereavement counsellor too. I don’t think I could do any other career. It is such a good feeling helping animals and helping clients.

“I have enclosed the only photo I have of my dog Boomer. My always hero.”

​Thank you to Pamela for sharing the incredible story behind how you came to be a veterinary nurse.

During BVNA’s 60^th anniversary celebrations, we’d love to hear from our members past and present with their memories and reflections on how far the profession has come. Please feel free to share any stories and photos you would be happy for us to publish, to bvna@bvna.co.uk.