We received a wonderful email from reader Angela Tomlinson, who has put forward “an amazing local lady for the commitment, understanding and care to us and our precious pets” for The Listing Local Recognition.
The lady in question is Mrs Rosemary Hobson, founder of Reed Vets, who recently retired from her practice.
Tell us why you are nominating Rosemary
Rosemary Hobson is Reed Vets; she is a local household name and will never be forgotten during our lifetime. I know of clients who have moved a substantial distance away who prefer to travel back to see her, rather than a vet local to them. Personally, I have always trusted her to always do right by me and my dogs. She is amazing, her commitment to all our fur babies is unending. Time is never an issue, whatever is needed for you and your pet she works tirelessly to deliver.
I think that it’s only fitting that as Rosemary retires, that we are all able to thank her for her dedication over the years, for her continuity of care, and for being a friend to us and our pets. She is an amazing woman, and her commitment is beyond anyone’s expectation. We will never replace her and as a community we are nervous that can anyone ever fill her shoes.
What makes Rosemary stand out in her role?
She is a great leader and has established a strong and committed team, all with the same ethos to ensure the health and well-being of our pets. She must limit her own personal life due to the huge amount of time she spends at the surgery. She has provided continuity of service, shared journeys over years and created great memories.
When anyone locally asks for a recommendation on social media for a vet, Rosemary or Reed Vets is always the most popular, which speaks for itself.
It’s not everybody who has the vision and the drive to set up an independent veterinary practice. Her team it feels are hand-picked and they all complement Reed Vets. For myself, I value the continuity of care, especially as my dogs get older, and being able to request a particular vet is important.
Not only does Rosemary look after our pets, but she will also turn out to look after injured wildlife.
Can you share an example of how Rosemary has gone above and beyond in her role?
Angela put this question to other local people, and we were blown away by the answers. Here are a few examples:
“Without Rosemary, my dog wouldn’t be here today”
“My own experience, in 2019 I rang Reed Vets in panic late evening and Rosemary answered, which isn’t unusual. Her house is very close to the Surgery, she appears to cover the majority of out of hours calls, including Christmas Day etc. We thought my dog had picked up poison and she thought the same. By the next day, my beautiful beagle was in Dick White Referrals, and it wasn’t poison but as Rosemary suspected following an in-depth examination, a disc issue. It was confirmed she had a herniated disc in her spine. She spent six days in hospital and came home unable to walk. Tirelessly Rosemary has supported me and my fur baby for the last 6 years, never ending health checks. My dog after physio, hydrotherapy and a huge amount of time and effort enjoys a happy and fulfilling doggy life and can walk, albeit a bit wobbly, but now 12 years young
“A Deer was in a local RTA, still alive and Rosemary was the only Vet committed to go out to the wild animal”
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
As a community we owe Rosemary a massive thank you for her amazing services over 20+ years both at Reed Vets and previously the Woolpack in Buntingford. Her dedication is beyond anyone’s expectation.
We wish her and Harry a well-deserved enjoyable and fulfilling next chapter of their lives. She will be sorely missed.
As part of Rosemary’s retirement plans, she has entrusted Kin Vet Community to continue her legacy and ensure a smooth transition for both her clients and the practice.
Dr Stefano Susanna MRCVS, who has been locuming with us for some time, will be taking over as Clinical Director at Reed Veterinary Surgery from 5th May 2025.
Reed Veterinary Surgery, (Behind the Silver Ball Cafe) Reed, London Road A10, Royston SG8 8BD 01763 848793 reedvets.co.uk
If you would like to recognise someone who you believe is deserving of Local Recognition, please email us hello@thelistingmagazine.co.uk
