Stories of much-loved veterinary nurse reflect her passion for education, kindness and enduring legacy
For many in the Vets Now family and across the wider veterinary profession, it is hard to believe that it has been an entire year since our beloved colleague Louise O’Dwyer passed away.
To celebrate her life, we asked people on our social media to share their memories of Louise and the impact she had on them.
While Louise’s contribution to veterinary nursing has always been clear, we were blown away that so many people had their own individual stories of how Louise had positively affected their lives, both professionally and personally.
Here are just a few of these memories, reflecting how far and wide her legacy travels.
It is clear that for so many people the world is a better place because of Louise.
Louise was my hero, such an inspiration. I wanted to be just like her from the moment I first heard her lecture. I was lucky enough to get to know her a little and she gave me so much confidence as a nurse. We had lots of fun at conferences and various CPD meetings where I would try not to catch her eye and have a question fired at me! I wish I could tell her today how much she has helped me and how much I appreciate her.
– Helen Molyneux
Going into ECC I had no idea of what to expect. Louise was such an inspiration – a great teacher with enormous knowledge, enthusiasm and wisdom. Her sense of humour always made her lectures fun and easy to follow. I miss her greatly. Love, from a fellow nurse in Norway.
– Hanna Englien
After listening to Louise lecture and then meeting her at an annual corporate meeting I was taken by how funny and engaging she was in person and what you saw when she lectured was the same as Louise in person. I will be forever grateful we ended up on the ‘naughty’ table together. A friend and mentor to many and a huge loss.
– Claire Coulthard
After qualifying in 2016 I found ECC my favourite part of veterinary nursing. I went on to do the BSAVA merit award in ECC and anaesthesia with Lou as my tutor. The passion she had was contagious and her teaching methods flawless. From this she inspired me to go into referral nursing and a year later I was privileged to work with her at Vets Now. She would always help, give out tips and advice. But what I miss most of all is chatting about our other passion, travel!
– Rebecca Dixon
She will forever be my number one role model. She imprinted her wisdom on generations of nurses without even realising. She gave us all confidence to further ourselves and our education and have a voice for our patients. A great educator and a lovely human. Shine bright.
– Lou Northway
Louise inspired me to study and achieve an anaesthesia cert, she helped me with the transition from charity practice to being a referral nurse. Her energy and enthusiasm for vet nursing inspired me to lecture, sharing my knowledge. She was funny, inspiring, caring and understanding. She is greatly missed. She did so much for veterinary nursing. Here’s a gin raised to you, Lou.
– Rosanna Atkinson
Louise inspired me to push the boundaries in my nursing career. She made me realise there was more to be achieved and supported me through my ECC and anaesthesia cert. She has paved the way for a brighter future for all the nurses to come. Truly missed.
– Chris Butler