Helensburgh says thanks as Karen Murphy leaves Lomond Vets

Karen Murphy is moving on from Lomond Vets Clinic after 16 years and looking forward to new adventures.

Last week she thanked residents and their pets for letting her in on their lives.

And Advertiser readers paid their own tributes to the care she offered their beloved pets.

Henry (Image: Contributed)

Among those who paid tribute was local resident Jackie Hood, who chronicled the adventures of George the Helensburgh Cat - owned by Jackie's parents, Elizabeth and Dennis Royal - for two memorable years until he died in September 2021.

George was a familiar face around Helensburgh, strolling into pubs, marching into supermarkets and even hopping on board buses - on one occasion hitting the national headlines after going missing for four days before eventually being found more than 14 miles away at Firkin Point, near Loch Lomond.

Commenting on the Advertiser's Facebook page, Jackie wrote: "Thank you for caring for George the Helensburgh cat. The card you wrote me afterwards still makes me cry. I will treasure it always. Good luck with your future."

Dougal the puppy meets vet Karen (Image: Contributed)

Sue Moore wrote: "Karen was so lovely with my Westie Henry, and very kind and compassionate when it came to saying our final goodbye to him."

And Angus Young shared a picture of Dougal's first meeting with Karen, saying: "All the very best of luck as you move on. Thanks for all your help and advice over the past 3 years. You have built up a great team at Lomond Vet Practice."

READ MORE: Helensburgh vet announces she's to leave local practice at the end of September

Ruth Davies wrote: "Thanks so much for caring for my cats and kittens, you legend."

While Isobel Rollo added: "I will never forget the care and compassion you showed when our Skye girl had to go over the rainbow bridge after 14 and a half years of loving her.

"You even sent a condolences card.

"Above and beyond, and a lady with a good kind heart. Enjoy your next life adventures. Love from Stephen,Isobel and Skye."Flora (Image: Contributed)

Not everyone had heard the news when we shared our conversation with Karen on our website and social media channels.

Helen Brown wrote: "Oh no! Karen, you are such an amazing vet and have taken such good care of our pooches.

"The care, patience and love you showed to jock in particular we will always be so thankful for. We will miss you so much but good luck for the future."

On top of well wishes for Karen, there was also praise for the rest of her colleagues at Lomond Vet Clinic.

Katie Jamieson said: "For the last 14 years Karen and the team have looked after the Jamieson pets.

"She saw our beautiful Ragdoll kittens come and go to their local homes, has tolerated the biting dachshund, and admired our collection of Scottish terriers over the years.

"Karen was our first vet when we arrived in Helensburgh and we’ll miss her. Good luck Karen in your new endeavours."

Rolo and Ollie (Image: Contributed)

Annalisa Previte, sharing a photo of Flora, said: "Flora will miss you sooooo much. She will need a psychologist to recover lol. All the best."

And Jackie Hood wrote: "Thank you for caring for George the Helensburgh cat. The card you wrote me afterwards still makes me cry. I will treasure it always. Good luck with your future."

Jayne Forsyth added: "Been so lovely and kind to all my animals over the last 16 years.

"We’ve had a few tough journeys over the years including one going on just now with Rolo. Always professional and caring.

"Karen, we will miss you and will Rolo (and Ollie, Lulu not so much!). Good luck in the next chapter."