Edda Pohlandt MRCVS, BVSc, BSc (Agric), veterinary surgeon, was born in South Africa in 1965 and graduated from Onderstepoort University, South Africa in 1996. She became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the same year. She worked in mixed practice in Burnley, Lancashire and in Totnes in Devon for five years.

After her daughter Thiane's birth, she returned to South Africa to open her own practice, the Dullstroom Animal Hospital. The Dullstroom Animal Hospital was a small animal and equine practice, with Mrs Pohlandt's special interests being small animal surgery and equine lameness work. Renowned for its many birds of prey, Dullstroom was the ideal place to expand her interest in raptor medicine and surgery.

Already a keen falconer, and having a husband who breeds gyr/saker falcons, led to a comprehensive raptor rehabilitation programme of wild birds of prey. She also started a Community Veterinary Clinic in the local township, running a vaccination and speying programme for the pets of underprivileged people.

In 2007 Mrs Pohlandt achieving her ABVA acupuncture qualification in the UK which allowed further treatment of arthritic, injured and lame patients.

Regular locum work in the UK since 2008 has meant that Mrs Pohlandt has worked in a number of veterinary practices in the UK, from small sole charge practices to large 11 branch veterinary centres.

A husband from Penrith, and the need to house thirty falcons, has brought her permanently to Cumbria. Opening a small animal and exotics practice in Carlisle was the next logical step.

Sharon Sendall is the office manager and afternoon receptionist at Falcon Vets on London Road. Sharon was born and bred in Carlisle and is the friendly voice you will hear on the telephone. Competent, and willing to give any visiting pet a few extra cuddles, Sharon will take care of all your enquiries and appointments. Trained in pet nutrition, Sharon will give knowledgeable advice on all your pets' feeding needs. Sharon owns a labrador and a springer spaniel. Her cat rules her home.

Sarah Hesketh is our morning receptionist and resident dog groomer. When Falcon Vets approached Sarah to see if she had the time to groom a few of our clients' dogs, we liked her so much we asked if she wanted to join our team! She said yes and has been with us ever since. You will see her on reception in the mornings and all grooming is arranged, by appointment, to suit your convenience. Sarah owns a Pekinese and spends all her spare time with her Cob mare called Missy.

Vikki Wharton has taken on reception and animal care duties. Vikki has a wealth of animal care experience and is doing her introductory veterinary nurse training course. She has joined us as health and safety officer and part-time receptionist. Vikki has a whole host of rescued pets – guinea pigs, dogs, cats, fish … and she will take in the odd hedgehog that needs nursing as well!

Tabitha is the practice cat and regularly greets clients in the waiting room. She loves climbing in people’s bags and is very easy going about all inpatients …