Jade Ridsdale

4th Year Student

I was born in Perth but moved out to the country when I was in Primary school. I love where I live in Northam as it has the peace and security that comes with country life and I am only an hour from the city limits. I have had animals in my life since I was born and I got my first pet when I was one year old. I love animals and have always been fascinated with them. I have dogs, cats, a horse and my pet rams at home.

I am currently studying to get my veterinary degree at Murdoch University, and for the last 5 years have been working towards that goal. Throughout that time I have been commuting the one and a half hour trip to uni and back again as my way of trying to balance my study and home life. I have a loving family; mum, dad and younger sister.

I am looking to work out country when I graduate but am still deciding whether to work in mixed practice or predominantly with small animals. Overall, despite being stressful at times, I have a loving family (furred & non-furred), a great man by my side, I’m very close to achieving my goal of becoming a vet and I am very happy with my life.

What has been your most frightening experience at Vet School?
I haven’t been “frightened” per say but I guess my first surgery on spey clinic practicals was one of my most anxious/ worried moments. I also did a surgery on a sheep that recovered very well and successfully. However, when I did spey clinics, it was a whole new level; someone has entrusted me to keep their animal alive and well, and to do a surgical procedure on them. I put myself in their shoes and knowing that someone out there most likely loved this animal as much as I love my own and if anything went wrong how terrible I would feel. THAT was terrifying!

What was your first Pet?
Kenny, my fluffy tabby cat. I got him when I was a one year old and have had animals of my own ever since. I loved that cat to bits!

What do your family and friends think of you becoming a Vet?
My family and boyfriend are proud of course and my friends are all really happy for me because I am doing what I have always dreamed of doing. It’s not so much that they are proud that I am going to be a “Doctor”, or getting a university degree or anything, it’s more so the fact that I am doing what I have always wanted to do and stuck to my goals.