Vetnews | November 2024 4 « BACK TO CONTENTS November is the height of the Silly Season with time slipping through the hand like hourglass sand. Last month was dedicated to the health of women and this month the men have their turn. Movember is an opportunity for men to stop for a moment and consider their health. The aim is to create brotherhood and show off a ‘lip lapa’ as my son-in-law calls it. Start the month clean-shaven, then at the end of November spam my inbox with your best moustache. I may personally send you a gift. At the end of this year, one of the SAVA office heroes retire. Ms Elize Nicholas has been the answer at the other end of a call to many, many veterinarians. Her unwavering dedication (and love of) the vets was visible in the way she handled every query and answer (even the impatient ones). In the short time I had the privilege to work with her she never kept office hours, she could be reached any time of day, was always super respectful and would never call a Veterinarian by anything other than his title. She knew all the secrets in the trade and nothing escaped her watchful eye. Even though she was the organiser and driving force behind many a function, you would not see her as she did her magic behind the scenes. For 25 years Tannie Elize was the stitching that kept SAVA together. And her heart, always had space for one more. My wish for you: Tannie Elize is to have the best retirement ever. Enjoy the more relaxing times and when you pass a veterinary practice or sign, briefly think of the love you gave and received from members. – Hamba Kahle – may the wind always be in your back. It is the first time since I became editor – which feels like yesterday that the magazine is so full of news that there is no space for a semi-scientific article. Sadly, we have quite a few obituaries but noticeable that the second part of the year was packed with activities at Onderstepoort. There are 2 articles on pet nutrition – one is an interesting opinion piece on how the food may have changed the dog, and also reflects on our current modern-day human diet. If you have friends nominated for the Worldwide Vets Golden Star awards, we feature 3 members who have been nominated. Vote before 14 November. This month also features the second last article on the OP Centenary celebrations. I wish to thank Annette Boshoff, Heloise Heyne, Prof Bath and other contributors for their sterling work in gathering so many photos and much information. It brought back many memories for many readers, although I was always a little apprehensive when paging through the photos in case something incriminating popped up ( I am married to a Vet, after all). I Pray that you will have a good November and that rain may fall on your pasture. Andriette v From the Editor Editor’s notes / Redakteurs notas FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM ELIZE NICHOLAS Dear SAVA members As I bid farewell after 25 incredible years of service as Secretary of SAVA, I leave with gratitude and nostalgia, however, there is a time to come and a time to go, and the time has come to embark on a new chapter in my life. I cherish memories of milestones achieved, challenges overcome, lessons learned, and most of all the valued friendships formed over the years. A heartfelt THANK YOU to those members who learnt of my retirement, for your words of appreciation, shared memories and well-wishes, I shall carry them with me always. Sonja Ludik will be taking over from me, and I urge you to give her the support you have given me over the years. It has been an honour working alongside all of you! “Au Rivedérci” Kindest regards, Elize
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