NORTH Tawton vet Paul Lewcock has fought off stiff competition to make it to the shortlist stage in a national awards scheme designed to recognise the unsung heroes of the veterinary profession.
From around 200 nominees for the 'Horse and Hound' magazine Vet of the Year Awards, the 31-year-old employee of North Park Veterinary Group has made it into the last 24 — and that's not bad for a vet who spends most of his time looking after cattle.
Paul sees 'the odd horse every now again' but his efforts have obviously been remembered by the owners because this is the second year the vet has been nominated.
The awards scheme seeks vets who have made a difference — particularly in the topical areas of animal welfare and preventative health care — and aim to show through practical example the extraordinary work being undertaken throughout the UK.
The North Tawton vet was nominated by 16-year-old Robyn Petrie-Ritchie from Okehampton after he helped her care for a horse she adopted a few years ago from the RSPCA.
With Robyn's care the badly neglected part- Arab mare regained full health and fitness but this was not to last.
The teenager explained: 'She had suffered extensive worm damage and over this last winter she became seriously unwell.'
Paul went out to see the ailing animal and an ongoing process of consultation and care between vet, horse and owner started.
'Paul has done everything possible to keep me up-to-date with my horse's progress, even calling me at school and leaving messages with the latest results and his ideas for treatment,' said Robyn.
'He has even driven me to see my horse when my mother was unable to take me.'
Robyn now has to face the possibility that her old friend may not make it through another winter but she knows everything possible will be done.
'Paul has never once suggested that, because of my horse's age and condition, I should consider having her put down and I am very grateful for his help and patience,' she added. 'Even if the outlook is grim, I am confident with Paul's help we're doing everything possible to make her life happy and comfortable.'
The vet now goes forward to be considered as one of the eight finalists by the judging panel comprising some of the UK's top equestrian personalities. The overall vet of the year will be announced in September.
He said he was honoured and proud that Robyn had made the effort to write into 'Horse and Hound' magazine.
'It is not for any great heroics,' he said. 'Robyn could not afford extra visits so when I was in the area I called in.
'I enjoy the equine work but I am really a cattle vet and see the odd horse every now and again. I am not concerned about winning the award
'It is just nice somebody put pen to paper and said thank you in this form.'