Dr Christine: A beacon of hope for pets AND people
Being a veterinarian comes with long hours, many sacrifices, many difficulties as well as many small victories
From a young age Dr Christine Cruywagen’s extreme love for animals, combined with an intense fascination with science, led her to her dream career as a Veterinarian. Following her Onderstepoort journey she qualified as a young veterinarian in 2009 with a mission to find her place in this noble profession. “Very soon it became clear to me that my true passion lies in the bond between human and animal. Driven by this passion and an entrepreneurial spirit I decided to make the bold decision to buy Vaal Animal Clinic in Nov 2012: My own veterinary practice where all my hard work, perseverance and unwavering commitment transformed into my heart’s vision for a caring, community based animal hospital.
“This journey started with a team of only four people and grew over the years into the inspiring hospital it is today, with an amazing, dedicated team. My team is my business’ most valuable asset. Our clinic provides everything from basic care, preventative care, full diagnostic capabilities, surgery and an overnight facility for all the ill animals in our care.
“Being a veterinarian comes with long hours, many sacrifices, many difficulties as well as many small victories. The sacrifice is, however, not just required of myself, but also from my incredibly supportive husband Hugo and my talented, ever sunshine daughter Aydan. Our family time away is usually in Kruger National Park, where we relax and enjoy nature.
“Our mission at Vaal Animal Clinic is to nurture the human-animal bond and provide the best life for each of our four legged family members with the care and dedication every life deserves. My advice to any prospective women in business is: Hard work and dedication is the most necessary in the difficult times, but far more rewarding in the great times. I have been blessed with many great times and for that I thank God for every opportunity and the strength to persevere.”
This veterinarian wears many other hats: boss, mother, wife, sister, daughter, leader, mentor, friend and a dream of being a beacon of hope in our amazing community in many years to come.
Address: 52 Carter Street, Vanderbijlpark. Tel: 016 982 1407.
