Alderney Animal Welfare Society has a new veterinary nurse.
Jeannette Bathgate, 35, moved to the island from Scotland earlier this week to fill the position vacated by Jill Moore, who recently joined Customs and Excise.
Ms Bathgate, who has worked for Merlin Veterinary Group, in Kelso, since 1999, says her friends and family were shocked at her decision to move to the Channel Islands.
"They thought I had gone mad. It isn't as if I move from job to job - I've been in the same one for ten years.
"Most people wondered where Alderney was when I told them but as soon as they went online and saw the pictures of all the beaches they all started booking their tickets to come over."
Ms Bathgate applied for the Le Val-based role after seeing an advertisement in the Veterinary Times.
She said: "The job seemed interesting but I never thought I'd end up here. However, I came across for two nights in October and absolutely loved it. I started packing my bags as soon as I got home."
Woody, Jeannette's two-year-old Huntaway dog, and four cats have all moved south with their owner.
AAWS chairman Colin Williams said: "We're absolutely delighted Jeannette has arrived. It's been a difficult period for us but I'm pleased we now have our first choice in position."
Mr Williams went on to thank Customs for allowing Ms Moore, who will continue as a consultant, to carry on helping AAWS prior to Ms Bathgate's arrival.
Mr Williams said Ms Bathgate had been employed on a full-time basis and will run clinics five days a week.
The current plan is to open from 2-6pm on Wednesdays and 4-6pm on other weekdays. John Knight, of Guernsey-based Vetcare, will continue to visit every fortnight.
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on
Tuesday, 23rd February 2024 and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors.
The Guernsey Bereavement Service has made three visits to Alderney over the past few months and would like to continue to help you. We are visiting the island again on
Tuesday, 23rd February 2024 and would invite anyone who feels they would like Bereavement Counselling to telephone the Bereavement Service Office on 257778 to make a time to meet one of our counsellors. 