Hi, hello, and welcome!
It's your trusty September edition of The Journal; I always look forward to letting you in on what I've been up to and bringing you all things puppies, pets and people that I meet along the way! This month is going to look a little different; less puppies, more bunnies...
I recently caught up with a somewhat unusual vet, Dr Olivia Clarke, who you may recognise from a little TV show called Bondi Vet Coast to Coast. While still working clinical shifts on weekends, Olivia is part of the Pet Circle veterinary team working to create educational content and much more. Olivia continues to carve out a dynamic career for herself in the veterinary profession... plus I had to find out how one so peacefully creates a loving home with a cat and a bunny rabbit! |
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I have always believed that social media can be a positive place if you want it to be; I have Instagram to thank for connecting me with Olivia! On a recent trip to Melbourne for a conference, we decided to catch up and OOOoooooft did we get some cool photos done - far from the glossy likes of Bondi Beach, Melbourne served up a chilly morning while we strolled some laneways and chatted all things Bondi, birds and bunnies. |
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DR OLIVIA CLARKE, MELBOURNE, VIC, 2025. |
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I started my career working in and living above a well known little vet hospital in Bondi, Bondi Junction Vet Hospital, home to the OG Bondi Vet TV show, circa early 2000's - remember Dr Chris Brown? While I was studying upstairs, I would hear gaggles of giddy tourists from the UK, Italy, Spain or the USA, giggling and taking selfies below my bedroom window. It was the norm - I found it endlessly amusing seeing visitors wondrously enter the clinic as part of their trip to Sydney - a part of the job I look back on fondly. When it wasn't too busy, I'd happily show tourists around the practice and answer their questions. It was even more fun working a weekend shift with a very humble Dr Chris - clients would be thrilled when they noticed it was him - totally star struck. Somewhat of a surreal occupational hazard, I managed to dodge the cameras for five years. Fast forward to 2025, and Dr Olivia is the newly rostered Bondi Vet, having a similar effect to Dr Chris, I'm sure!
"I grew up watching the show and aspired to be like the vets," Olivia says. "I mostly was excited to showcase all the amazing exotics patients I was seeing and highlight how valuable these pets are to their families." When it comes to being recognised from the show, she really loves it when people come up and introduce themselves. "I occasionally get recognised as the lady that pulled a towel out of a snake!", she says. Watch the viral video of Monty the jungle carpet python who ate an entire beach towel, YIKES! |
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DR OLIVIA CLARKE IS INTERViEWED BY THE BBC ABOUT SAVING MONTY THE PYTHON, 2020. |
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Olivia stands out as someone who is building a diverse career for herself as a veterinarian, something we both agree is vital to a sustainable career in this profession. With over a decade of experience behind her, Olivia holds memberships in Avian Medicine & Surgery and Medicine & Surgery of Unusual pets, she has special interests in exotic pets and rabbits and is regularly contributing to continuing education courses and provides resources for veterinary professionals. She recently joined the veterinary team at Pet Circle to further educate pet owners through content creation and help to develop their bird and exotic pet range. I could go on... but don't want to make you question your own achievements! (You're doing amazing sweetie!).
"Between clinical work, education, content creation and bits and pieces in between, I think I live by the motto that variety is the spice of life", she says. "Career diversity is important to me, and it's clear to those who know me, that I am someone who enjoys and seeks out range in my career." |
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DR OLIVIA CLARKE, MELBOURNE, VIC, 2025. |
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CATS AND BUNNIES: A LOVE STORY |
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Olivia is mum to Moby, the cat and Flick the bunny! I know, cats and bunnies under one roof??? Only Olivia would know how to facilitate this! "My darling boys have a really special bond." Flick the rabbit came first before six week old Moby joined the fam. She says, "after a couple of days, Flick learned that Moby could groom him and he's loved him ever since!" Olivia says that they have known nothing but love from her, and a combination of nature and nurture has proven to be a huge success. She adds, "Moby is the most gentle cat you will ever meet, so that helps too."
It's never a dull moment, be sure to follow @droliviaclarke on socials for sound pet advice and of course all things bunnies and exotic pet care - who knows where you'll see her next! |
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DR OLIVIA CLARKE, MELBOURNE, VIC, 2025. |
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I'll be returning to Melbourne with availability on 7th - 10th December. Want some pics in time for Christmas or perhaps you are looking for the perfect gift for a loved one? Get in touch to enjoy a 10% Christmas discount on all booking types and gift vouchers, exclusive to subscribers: CHRISSY25. |
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To each and every one of you,
thank you for being here, even if just for a moment!
Until next month! |
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