AMHERST - Happy surprises are always welcome. Dr. Tanya Sparling, a veterinarian, wasn’t expecting the email that arrived in her inbox telling her she was getting an award from her peers.
“I had no idea anyone had even considered me,” says Sparling, owner of Amherst Veterinary Hospital and Tantramar Veterinary Hospital, in Sackville, N.B.
The Young Veterinarian Award is presented to one veterinarian in Nova Scotia each year. It recognizes a doctor - a DVM who has graduated in the last ten years - who has made a significant contribution to the profession. The commendation is presented each year at the annual general meeting of the Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association. A presentation was made to Sparling on October 13th at the AGM, held at Atlantica, a hotel and conference centre near Oak Island on the South Shore.
Sparling completed her veterinary medical degree at Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph. But when she had the opportunity to come home to Amherst, she seized it. Purchase of the practice followed in 2012 (and Tantramar in 2017).
Under the Amherst-native’s ownership, the local veterinary hospital has grown in size, now employing five veterinarians and more than 20 people total. It has also become a 24-hour facility, with a registered veterinary technician providing care during off-hours and a doctor always on call. New technologies, such as laser therapy and dental radiography, have been introduced and an ongoing partnership with Dr. Ernie Prowse, who has a special interest in knee surgery, has been a resounding success. Most recently, Dr. Sparling completed her qualifications for designation as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, an endeavour that involved considerable investment of energy and resources.
Sparling also oversaw her Amherst location fulfilling the requirements for American Animal Hospital Association accreditation, arguably North America’s gold standard for best practices in the industry.
It’s been a busy decade. Sparling doesn’t anticipate it getting less busy any time soon. Her new hospital, Tantramar, is building its clientele. She’s also using it as the home for the rehabilitation portion of her practice.
“I love what I do. Practicing medicine and being an entrepreneur have been lifelong ambitions and I get to do both. I get to share my days with wonderful patients, terrific clients, and excellent staff. Life has its challenges - this job has its challenges - but I never doubt the value of what I’m doing. It’s incredibly rewarding.
“I’ve been the beneficiary of goodwill from some great people, and I’m just thankful to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them.”
