With one of the biggest hearts and gentlest natures, Sr Natanya Van Schalkwyk works with great care and passion; and wears her heart on her sleeve intuitively. Her bright, gracious smile and sincere eyes are calming and homely.
Having chosen veterinary nursing as a career at 16 years old, the decision came easily after knowing from a very young age that she wanted to work with animals. Her choice to be a nurse stemmed from her nurturing nature and knowing that she would have the ability, as a nurse, to assist in ‘hands-on’ patient care up to recovery. Sr Natanya graduated in 2012 – working at Old Chapel Vet and Blue Hills Vet before bringing her set of skills to Craig View.
She says the best part of her job is, “Being able to make a difference and help those who cannot help themselves. “ Her passion for her work comes through in her determination to consistently give of herself, selflessly. Her patients receive more than just medical treatment; as with each case Sr Natanya is not shy of sharing her cuddles and love.
Her most memorable case was that of an Airedale Terrier named Pluto. She remembers the case clearly. “The owners had accidently driven over him. We had to do a bilateral femur head amputation. He couldn't walk post-operatively. It took a total of 3 months, but with hard work and lots of physio and rehabilitation we got him walking again. He is still alive and well.”
Sr Natanya is fortunate to have an encouraging husband and a beautiful little girl. They own 5 fur companions, an Airedale Terrier, 2 Jack Russel cross Dachshund’s and a Domestic Short Hair cat. At this stage they are not looking at growing their animal family, but she says, “I plan on giving my pets the best life they can have”.
