Why ‘Poppies’ Mobile Vet?
I wanted to say it with flowers! You may have noticed on my homepage or business cards the words “Love, Compassion, Peace, Innocence, Health, Remembrance, Dreams, Success”. These are the meanings of poppy flowers, depending on their colour. While most might think of poppies and associate the red poppy of remembrance with ANZAC day, a field of poppies can include anything from white to yellow, pink, orange and purple. There is even the blue Tibetan Poppy. In the language of flowers, each of these poppy colours has its own meaning.
While I was struggling to decide on a name for my business that truly represented the type of service I wanted to provide, the meanings of poppy flowers felt like it conveyed every hope I had for my new venture!
Poppy also has a special meaning to myself and my family. My grandfather was referred to as ‘Poppy’. My Poppy was my hero and played a key role in my continuing my Bachelor of Veterinary Science when I was thinking about leaving the degree. As such, it only seems fitting that my business name should honour him in some way. My Mum actually sparked the name by saying ‘I thought Poppy (now passed) would have helped you with a name’.
Meet The Vet
Hi! I’m Dr Brittany from Poppies Mobile Vet. I am a Maryborough girl, born and raised, who is attached to my hometown and the family in it. I’ve always loved animals, and have wanted a menagerie for as long as I could remember, although I was limited to fish and guinea pigs growing up. Like many Vets, I also always knew I wanted to be a vet and studied towards that goal throughout my life. At age seventeen I moved to Townsville to achieve that goal, studying at James Cook University.
In 2019, I graduated with my Bachelor of Veterinary Science and moved back to Maryborough for my first job in a local clinic. I worked in the clinic for two years, where I thoroughly enjoyed surgery, and meeting lots of pets. Sadly though, I also struggled with the mental and emotional pressures of the fast-paced, stressful clinic environment.
I have been spoilt for the last two and a half years working part-time as both a small animal mobile vet in Gympie and working for an online vet chat and general health advice service. I loved the mobile vet lifestyle, getting to travel around and see new things, while also getting to provide a low stress veterinary service in the home. I also found great joy in empowering clients with knowledge through my online job (and who can fault working from home!).
The next path I am looking to travel is to open my own mobile vet business, while studying and aiming to obtain my Members in Behavioural Medicine. Hopefully I will then be able to expand my skills, offering specialist behavioural consults to the Fraser Coast region.
I am currently a dog Mum to Foster, who is a three legged Cattle Dog/Wolfhound Cross. Foster is my comfort and motivation, and a key player in my interest in behaviour after he showed behavioural issues early on. I dived into behaviour head first trying to train Foster into a sociable, well behaved member of society and now want to expand my knowledge and be able to pass it on to others, while still having the time to spoil him.
Outside of Vet, I enjoy quiet hobbies like reading, novel writing, learning new languages and sewing. My passion for writing has been channelled into some of the articles on my website, and you may notice some of my handmade scrub tops when I come to visit.
I look forward to meeting you and your furry friends on the road!
Meet The Pets
Foster
Foster was surrendered to the clinic at just 5 weeks old with a broken leg. He was brought out to the back and handed to me with the words, “You don’t have a dog, he’s yours now”. I instantly fell in love with that little, cheeky face. I brought him home under the pretence of a “foster” and that he would be re-homed once his leg was healed and he’d had his vaccinations. My Mum was the one who suggested his name, “Foster”. She said it was so “We’ll remember he isn’t ours.” I said to her one day, “You know, he’s going to be five years old, still living with us and still called Foster, right?” To which she replied, “I know.”
Foster has had character from day dot. He’s strong willed, independent and always has to have the last word. It’s presented a few challenges over the last couple of years, but he is worth it every time and proves himself over and over again. While I tried my best to socialise him, he became fearful and aggressive towards people as he grew out of his puppyhood. I have invested a lot of time and training into his behaviour so that he can now go out into public and meet new people. He continues to surprise me every day.
Despite attempts to heal his broken leg, he continued to have complications and experienced pain as a result. So the decision was made to amputate his leg just shy of his first birthday. It was the best decision I ever made and I haven’t been able to wipe the smile off his face since. He still has pain from his Hip Dysplasia and is developing arthritis in the remaining front leg, but he doesn’t let that slow him down or stop him enjoying life.
Foster has his own Instagram page (@the_fozz_miester), where I post all his cutest photos!
Eve
Eve is Foster’s cousin! She was another foster fail when she was adopted by my brother. She was very anxious when we first brought her home and was hesitant to approach everyone. However, she ran straight up to my brother when he got home.
She’s gained a lot of confidence since then and now comes seeking affection any opportunity she can get. She is sweet, eager to please and, like any Kelpie, has a need for speed.
Eve does have some inter-dog aggression issues that we are working on and managing but her willingness to learn has been a great help.
Eve will often pop up in articles and on Foster’s instagram page as she is a big part of the family!
