Call it puppy love.

AN aspiring veterinary nurse has joined the team at her local vets as she enters the final year of her studies.

Samantha Lavender, 17, has wanted to work with animals all of her life, and has been provided with the perfect opportunity thanks to her placement once a week at one of the region's largest vets practices, Blythman and Partners.

After spending three weeks at the practice in 2008 Samantha was invited back to the Hebburn branch in September as part of a work experience programme in partnership with Houghall College, where she is currently studying animal management.

Samantha, who has 10 pets in her Sunderland home including five chinchillas and a bearded dragon, said: "Working with Blythman and Partners is my dream job and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. While I have only worked at Hebburn, I have visited the seven other branches and was both surprised and pleased to see that each branch has its own distinct personality.

"The Gosforth branch is a constant hive of activity as it is the largest branch and deals with emergency cases through its 24-hour hospital, while the Whitburn branch is quieter, treating mainly larger farm animals. I think I would be better suited to the Gosforth branch due to the variety of cases, however I am really enjoying my time at Hebburn."

Head nurse at Hebburn, Tim Jackson, said: "Samantha has tackled the job head on, giving her all to everything she has been tasked with. She has shown a genuine interest and a great aptitude for the job."

CAPTION(S):

THRILLED - Samantha Lavender with head nurse Tim Jackson, tending to an injured dog