ABOUT ME

My name is Michelle Shanson and I work as a small animal veterinary surgeon in the UK. I graduated from Bristol University in 1999. Currently I work in Kennington, South London, which I'm really enjoying.

I completely LOVE and ADORE animals…and together with nature, they are my all consuming passion and purpose.

As long as I can remember my parents encouraged me to embrace the natural world and experience animals and nature with wonder and respect. 

Growing up in North London, I was lucky enough to enjoy access to the city’s crowning glories; the stunning Hampstead Heath and the picturesque beauty of two famous Hills, Kenwood and Primrose.

I grew up in a family of keen sailors and was often bundled excitedly aboard various boats.  I have never forgotten the pure joy of being afloat in a majestic sea off the south coast of England, feeding the fish and (when in harbour) the ducks and swans.
                                                     
On one particular sailing holiday in Greece I was blessed to see a pod of wild dolphins play in the water around our boat. In that amazingly magical moment I recognized my life’s purpose: living and working with animals.
                                           
At the age of 14 I was lucky enough to get a Saturday job helping out at the local veterinary surgery.  I was so excited when I discovered that this experience only served to completely confirm my vocation...I was on my way!

Growing up in my family we always had pets. My sister and I kept tropical fish and later on we also had terrapins. They were beautiful creatures. Looking back though, I realize that we probably shouldn’t have had them, as there really wasn’t enough information available in the 1980’s about how to properly care for them.

We also kept a beautiful rabbit, three friendly budgerigars and a gorgeous black rescue tomcat called Rafiki. He was a friendly, sociable, talkative and playful moggie who was absolutely my best friend and confidante . He even put up with me practicing my vet skills on him whilst at university!
Rafiki lived until he was 18 years old. At the end euthanasia was the kindest option and so it was with great sadness that I put him to sleep 3 yrs after graduating as a vet. I still miss him.
At university I had two rats that kept me – and everyone else! - amused. Soon after graduating I had four female guinea pigs that lived in my lounge and talked a lot! Now I have my darling little rescue dog, a vivacious Jack Russell Terrier called Dixie whom I completely adore. When moving to a small flat in London I left her with my family in Kent where she is very happy although I do miss her crazy ways and kisses!
                            
Exactly what qualifies ME to be YOUR favourite Veterinary Blonde!
Well…apart from being a highly vocal, sassy, stylish, passionate, empowered, female (and blonde) advocate for all things animal and nature, I also :
graduated from Bristol University Veterinary School in 1999;
passed the Northern American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) in 2005;
celebrated my love of language and communication by gaining certification as a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in 2007 and completing a course in Presentation & Platform skills;
enjoy membership of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, the British Veterinary Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons;
enjoy supporting the charitable efforts of the Worldwide Veterinary Service (www.wvs.org.uk);
love people too!

Developing this site is a pleasure. However, because I absolutely LOVE practicing as a vet I still work as a veterinary surgeon full time!
           
My vision for this website is that it provides on-line support for animal-lovers like you, sharing valuable information so that pet ownership can be as fun and stress-free as possible.

 Veterinary Blonde’s mission statement:-

“To present accurate information about animal health and welfare, in fun ways, to inspire people to act with maximum kindness and compassion.”

I believe the online access to correct information makes committing to this easy – and by being well informed YOU are a vital part of the grass roots solution to looking out for animal welfare…everywhere you go, every day you live.

                                                                                                                         
Yours in gratitude & partnership,
Michelle