Terry Girling
Terry graduated from Leeds University in 1983 with an Honours degree in Animal Physiology and Nutrition. He then went on to the Royal Veterinary College and qualified in 1987.
Having worked in large animal Practice initially he moved to Beaminster in 1989 to do more mixed Practice.
Interests include Acupuncture, canine rehabilitation and he is currently chairman of the Canine Hydrotherapy Association.
Married to Sarah (also a Vet) and with Tim his 6 year old son, they have four dogs, two cats , two horses, loads of chicken and a flock of sheep.
In his spare time? he enjoys falconry (and subsequently does rehabilitation work with birds of prey) fly fishing and is an enthusiastic naturalist.
He is particularly bad at DIY but his enthusiasm more than makes up for it.
Joanne Verhaeg
Chartered Physiotherapist specialised in the treatment of animals (ACPAT, A)
Before treating animals, as a physiotherapist you first have to train to treat people. I did my human training at Bristol Physiotherapy School, graduating in 2005, and began my animal training with Amanda Sutton, in Winchester 2 years later. I then worked for Amanda for a couple of years. I moved to Somerset in 2000 and began working independently, and for individual vets, treating horses and dogs in Somerset and Dorset. Shortly after moving to Somerset I met ‘Girling and Bowditch’ and was impressed by their holistic and enthusiastic approach to animal care and rehabilitation, and I’ve worked with them ever since!!
I’m married to Chris (a Royal Marine) and we have a daughter Poppy, 18 months old, 3 dogs – Megan (Staffie X Springer), Daisy-Doos (Salukhi), and Jeffrey (Salukhi X ?). I also have a horse called Eric as well as a beloved Dartmoor pony called Eddie! So, life is busy, and most of my spare time is spent with my daughter and/or my animals.
When I do have time, my other interests include keeping fit, and music – particularly festivals we live very close to the Glastonbury site!!
Katie Sawyer
Katie has always known a rural environment, being the daughter of a trout fishery keeper. Her childhood was spent living and breathing horses, dogs tending injured wildlife and fishing!
Having spent several years working in an Office environment and not really enjoying it as a career she has returned to what she loves. Katie runs and manages the Canine Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy unit and has a keen interest in animal behaviour.
Apart from keeping her 13 year old son in check she is a keen walker and teaches dog agility , also competing with her 8 year old Springer Murphy (who is better at it than her).
Any other spare time is spent horse riding and occasionally picking up a fly rod!
Emma Stantiford
Emma joined the Practice in 1995 having studied Animal Care at Kingston Maurward College. She qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2000 and subsequently became an NVQ assessor. Emma also does Hydrotherapy.
Formerly an active member of the local Young Farmers club and stalwart of the ladies tug of war team her energies are now directed towards her young family Ellie and Harry and retired working Collie “Jade”.
