Tributes have been paid to well-loved and devoted March vet Dr Elaine Stuttard
Tributes have been paid to a well-loved former March vet who has died after a long battle with cancer.
Dr Elaine Stuttard died on November 5.
In tribute colleague and friend Nick Valley of Amical vets in March, who announced her death on centre's Facebook, said: "Many of you will remember Elaine as an exceptionally capable and devoted veterinary surgeon to all of her patients and she was always kind and empathetic in her manner with her clients.
"She and her husband Chris built Amical in 1989 and it’s a tribute to her perfectionist approach to the smallest detail, that the practice has stood the test of time.
"I will always be indebted to Elaine for giving me my first job in small animal practice in the UK in 1999.
"She took a chance on me and proved to be a great mentor, occasionally tough, but always fair. We remained close friends over the years and it is thanks to her faith in me that I have been able to continue her legacy at Amical.
"Our deepest sympathies are extended to her sister. May she rest in peace with her beloved husband Chris."
Elaine wrote about her lifetime love of animals and her determination to be a vet on last year's 30th anniversary of Amical, which is situated in High Street.
She wrote: "As a child I had a great affinity for animals and grew up with family cats and dogs. "Throughout my schooling my ambition to become a veterinary surgeon never wavered. My interest extended to farm animals and I worked on a local farm at weekends and during school holidays.
"In 1969 I achieved my ambition to study for a university degree in veterinary medicine and five years later I qualified from Glasgow University as a veterinary surgeon.
"Following graduation I took up my post as an assistant veterinary surgeon with Noble, Jackson and Lyon in Upwell Road March. The work was mixed involving horses, farm animals and domestic pets and I enjoyed the diversity this gave me. After two years I became a partner in the practice.
"However veterinary medicine was developing both in knowledge and expertise and quite rightly clients’ expectations were increasing. I felt the future had to be in specialisation and took the decision to create the Amical Veterinary Centre to offer the clients and pets of March the best possible service. Amical is French for friendly an atmosphere I wanted the practice to create.
"The building I purchased was the Peatling and Cawdron wine shop. Architects and builders resulted in the practice you now see. My husband Chris who sadly died in 2018 not only supported me through the whole process but undertook all the plumbing and heating work.
"In August 1989 Amical Veterinary Centre was officially opened by Bernie Winters and his dog Schnorbitz. Over the next 12 years with the help of my staff and the loyal support of clients a high standard of client and patient care was achieved.
"In 2001 I decided to retire. It was a very difficult decision but felt I owed it to Chris that we spend more time together. This decision was made easier by Nick and Tara Valley. Nick had worked in the practice for two years and therefore understood Amical’s ethos and when he expressed an interest in taking over the practice I was delighted.
"My confidence has proved to be justified and the practice has continued to develop and thrive through the dedication of Nick, Tara and the staff."
