From graduate to practising vet. By HELEN CAINES of Drove Veterinary Hospital

I found myself walking out of my graduation ceremony from The Royal Veterinary College straight into an interview at Drove Veterinary Hospital.

Two weeks later, I could hardly believe I was starting work as a veterinary surgeon - a far cry from the safety net of university.

It didn’t seem long ago I was nervously sitting in an exam room, day after day, taking veterinary finals, after years of hard work.

But now, somehow, I had to put all that into perspective and put it to good use – a daunting task to any new graduate!

‘Frightening’ did not come close to explaining how it felt not to have your best friends around you and new faces everywhere you turn - not to mention the fear of having the responsibility of working for a well-respected practice.

But with that fear came sheer excitement - the thrill that at long last I was finally doing what I’ve dreamed of since the tender age of five.

I thoroughly love my job, and anyone will tell you I am always wearing a smile, no matter how tough it gets.

The highlight of my work so far was being invited to join other staff members on the Drove stand at Newbury Show.

It was great to meet other animal-mad people, and having cheeky Archie, my pet rabbit, in tow, certainly attracted some interest!

He had the time of his life - a constant supply of children to stroke and pamper him.

He is very demanding of my attention - something everyone should remember when thinking of taking on a rabbit.

It is not enough to just feed them every day. They need your interest, devotion and companionship.

There is nothing worse than thinking of a poor bunny sat in a hutch at the bottom of a garden, all alone.

I am particularly lucky that I live on a dairy farm in the countryside with my fiancé, who has learnt to love Archie as much as I do.