A SOLIHULL resident is celebrating an extraordinary milestone this month, with 60 years of continuous patronage at 608 Vet Practice.
Alison Berry, a lifelong animal lover, first joined the practice in 1966.
Over the last six decades, she has trusted the practice with the care of her beloved family ponies and a succession of cherished German Shepherd Dogs.
The milestone took a nostalgic turn when Alison recently visited the practice carrying a collection of historic letterheads she had saved across the decades.
The documents spark a trip down memory lane, bearing the names of past veterinary partners who became household names in the local community.
Alison said: “These vets have passed on a great legacy to each new generation of vets, who have themselves built on the knowledge, and continue to offer great service to pet owners in the area.”
When Alison and her family first registered, 608 Vet Practice operated as a mixed practice, caring for both large and small animals. It was during this era that the veterinary team looked after Alison’s family ponies.
In 1980, her focus shifted to a lifelong love of German Shepherd Dogs. Over the last 46 years, she has shared her home and heart with five special dogs – Rex, Katie, Merri, Lisa, and her current companion, Ginny.
All of whom have received care from the 608 team.
Alison’s archives highlight the work of past veterinary partners who she describes as “local legends,” including John Heath, Jack Waters, Roland Robson, and Steve Borsberry.
Graham Connan, a long-standing vet at 608, said: “Over the last 36 years I have been privileged to work with and be mentored by some of the veterinary legends that Alison named.
“I agree that part of what makes 608 vets special is the way we function like a family, where one generation indeed passes its knowledge, experience and values on to the next. I’m proud to have been part of that family.”
