To all the Fathers out there who spark and support their children's dreams. Stay you and thank you, as you are fuelling a burning desire in our young people to create a better world.
If it wasn't for my Dad, now aged 93, one could presume that Cherished Pets would not exist.
Think of the impact this man has had.
My dream to become a vet started at 5 years of age, when I proudly announced this to my mum and her vet, Dr Irving. Mum bred our Golden Retriever and we were back and forth to Dr Irving regularly. I vividly remember standing at the end of his stainless consult table and boldly advising him "I am going to be a vet when I grow up"
And there it began. My life mission and calling.
I grew up in Adelaide where there was no vet school, and I was a B/C grade student.
People used to tell me "not to get my hopes up" and to think of other career paths.
But my Dad, through all those years, was the one who always believed in me. It was unwavering and I knew it, and it kept me on my path. He supported me and enabled my pathway through a private school education and always being available for me. My number one mentor. We lived in Adelaide's Northern suburbs. He worked so hard to build his accounting business to provide for all his children. In my later school years he would spend his weekends driving me an hour across town to attend tutor sessions to help me raise my Physics and Maths scores - they were my weak spot. And back in those days they were essential core subjects to get in to vet school.
From the age of 13, I spent a lot of time at our local vet practice, volunteering and then as a paid junior kennel attendant. He always got me there if public transport didn’t line up - driving me after school, and on weekends, and waiting for me to finish my shift!
His family motto was "Aim High" and he used to sing me Frank Sinatra's rubber plant song.
As university approached, I applied for a place in all four vet schools that existed at the time: Melbourne Uni, Sydney Uni, Brisbane and the newer vet school at Murdoch. When I received an offer at Murdoch it was my Mum and Dad who put everything into enabling me to move to WA, without any contacts or support structure over there, so I could pursue my dream.
Beyond that my Dad has been a number one fan and cheerleader ..
So when I started Cherished Pets in 2015 I said to him, "Dad, I need a picture of an old man and an old dog for this new thing I'm doing". So here he is with me and my sister's old retriever, Tessie.
Today my Dad is 93 and facing his own challenges. In fact many of my clients, team and community know that I am heading to Adelaide a bit more at the moment to spend time with him and support my sister and the rest of family in responding to his changing life needs. I am so grateful for the people around me supporting this.
It is a sacred time and one to treasure.
So to all the Fathers out there: today we celebrate you. Allow yourselves to believe in your children and let them follow their dreams. Provide a rock solid foundation of safety, security, love, joy and play. (My Dad has always been super cheeky and loved games and play). When your kids wobble, be there to catch them but let them fall. Provide a sanctuary for reflection, learning and growth. And watch them fly in this world and make a difference.
Love to all the Fathers out there on this special day.
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