31/12/2025
As we stand on the edge of 2025, peeking towards 2026, I am filled with sadness and trying to shift it towards gratitude, celebration and hope.
In some ways it has been a wonderful year. Personally I have been honoured to present at many different conferences both in person and online across multiple continents. Recorded podcasts, contributed to upcoming books and met a wealth of truly wonderful animal orientated people - and a load of amazing animals too.
Sadness comes from the very recent loss of Sarah Fisher. I met Sarah back in 2010 (I think!) at a WSPA human behaviour change event we both took part in. We met a handful of times after that in person at conferences as well as sharing online space. She was an amazing voice for animals. Everywhere I spoke across the globe, someone would tell me they knew her and of ACE free work or TTouch via her. Her positive intentions towards animals and people spread everywhere. I sit with a heaviness in my heart that she is no longer here to inspire others with her deep wisdom. The loss of other animal advocates such as Jane Goodall and Diane Keaton adds to the sadness.
Yet we know that their compassion and passion did not extinguish with their physical presence. I feel a stronger drive than ever to keep marching forward and spread their message for the greater good of all living beings. There is a large community who absorbed their energy and are now in a position to carry it ever onward.
The veterinary community, at least in the UK, continues to receive bad press. This year I have never felt so much negativity from various groups or individuals as though we chose an animal orientated medical path purely out of altruism and that it should be our burden to carry regardless of the cost to ourselves.
It saddens me the things I hear, the complaints I witness, the comments I read.
But again, as I teeter on the edge of a new year, I try to draw strength from this. A continued determination, as I am nothing if not stubborn, to be a part of a profession who can continue to grow in their abilities to help animals and their humans, the main reason why most of us chose this path.
There is excitement in the air about the year before me.
When I reflect on the last almost 27 years of veterinary practice and animal behaviour and welfare involvement, I see huge change. Large strides of improvement for the benefit of animals.
And so I will step, not stumble, into this new year. With a continued enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility to do justice to the intentions and messages of my colleagues who are no longer with us in person but remain with us in spirit.
I wish you all a positive 2026 and hope to meet many of you there.
