This week, I want to pay tribute to a local legend who has sadly had to cease practice as a vet.
I met Jan Spate, the country vet of Hall, in the 1990s.
Jan was already a legend. Not only was she an expert at looking after all animals large and small, but she would often provide her services for free or at minimum rates. No animal was left unattended just because its owner could not pay for its treatment.
I will tell one story about Jan involving my own dear little cavoodle, Bailey.
In late 2014 or thereabouts, Bailey was not well, so I took him to Jan.
He had a paralysis tick, and more than 50 grass burrs had got under the poor little bloke’s coat and burrowed into his skin. Jan quickly sorted out the tick, and after she and I sheared Bailey, she proceeded to take the 50-odd burrs out of him, in two goes – 30 one night, and 20 the next day. She saved his life, and I was very careful to avoid long grass again. The first night took about 60 minutes, and the second day 30 minutes. I paid Jan $150 for the job – she refused to take more – and I had to virtually force her to take the last $50. No wonder she was not popular with some other vets!
Last July, Bailey had a run in with a slow-moving car and fractured four ribs. Jan had ceased practicing, and I took him to the all-hours weekend vet clinic at Gungahlin. Two visits to that vet and to the northside vet, several X-rays, and two-night accommodation and observation later, the bill came to $2,700. The vets and staff were wonderful, and I even got a card two weeks letter asking how “sweet Bailey was going” (very well). The service was excellent, but I couldn’t help thinking what would happen if I could not pay. They asked me if I wanted an X-ray and several other services I felt were essential – but what would’ve happened if I couldn’t afford them? No animal should suffer just because its owner can’t afford vet services. Our local Assembly members should look into this. Is the RSPCA the solution?
Jan would just provide the service regardless. Jan has had some serious family and other issues, and as a result of her love for animals, continued to practice when she was not meant to, and was fined as a result. She is now elderly, and can’t practice at any rate.
My good friend greyhound trainer Alan Tutt (who always took his greyhounds to Jan), retired magistrate and horse lover Peter Dingwall (who always took his horses to Jan), and I have resolved to jointly nominate Jan for this year’s Senior Canberran of the year, and also for consideration for an Order of Australia award. Over the decades, she has saved thousands of animals’ lives.
If any reader wants to help out in this regard, please email [email protected] with your details, and I’ll get back to you.
