Every vet has a story — and this week, we’re sharing ours.

From childhood horses and vet school struggles to early jobs, unexpected turns, family life and finding balance, this episode is all about how real life shapes the professionals we become.

No perfection. No polish. Just honest conversation about animals, work, motherhood, mentorship, and learning when to say “I don’t know — but I’ll find out.”

👉 Up next: we’re joined by Una O’Donnell, talking riding, training, warm-up rings, and why everyone needs a bit of Una in their life.

This Christmas special of Off Duty was recorded live at Santa Paws, so if you hear kids laughing, dogs snoring, ponies being discussed very seriously, or Santa having strong opinions about mince pies — that’s exactly how it’s meant to be.

This is Christmas, Off Duty style.

In this episode, we chat with children, families, pony owners, goat keepers, photographers, vets, and of course Santa himself. Conversations range from Christmas wish lists and naughty lists to ponies, goats, dogs, elf mishaps, and why Santa absolutely does not deliver live animals.

Along the way, we gently weave in important pet safety reminders — because Christmas is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming (and risky) for our furry friends if we’re not careful.

The episode finishes with a festive poem from Mairead, reminding us to slow things down, keep routines where we can, mind our pets, and enjoy the small, quiet moments in between.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Santa Paws, to everyone who has listened and supported Off Duty this year, and to this wonderful little community we’ve grown together.

Happy Christmas — and mind each other 🎄🐾 More conversations coming in 2026.

Colic is one word that strikes fear into the heart of every horse owner — and when surgery is mentioned, that fear often doubles.

In this episode of Off Duty, we share the powerful real-life story of Mr Trigger, a much-loved pony who developed a surgical colic and came through the other side.

Through his owner Ruth’s honest account, we talk about:

• The early signs of colic and how quickly things can change

• What surgical colic really means today

• The importance of prompt action, teamwork, and collaboration

• How far equine veterinary medicine has come

• And why surgery is no longer the last-ditch option it once was

This is a hopeful, informative conversation for horse owners, parents, and anyone who has ever sat up all night worrying about a pony.

🎄 Christmas Bonus Special coming next week! We’ll be sharing a festive extra episode featuring wonderful children from Santa Paws at Arra Vets — full of warmth, laughter, and Christmas magic.

🎙️ Off Duty is a podcast about pets, ponies, people — and the stories that happen beyond the clinic and the yard.