In 2006 Dr Clifford Bull first met Kim, and they were married two years later. Over the years Cliff shared his dream of opening a clinic with his wife, and looking back she admits that she didn’t quite realize then how much of an entrepreneur he really is.
Kim holds an Honors Degree in Economics and Financial Management. After graduation she practiced in the private sector as a Construction Economist. Seeking more excitement she took up the challenge of teaching Secondary Education Economics and completed her Post Graduate Certificate in Education. 2015 brought great joy and excitement to the Bulls with the birth of their beautiful baby boy Zachary. Currently Kim manages the Exclusive Vet retail outlets, assists with the management at Craig View, and runs a part-time business creating delicious cakes and treats.
Being a vet’s wife is not a nine to five commitment, and her compassion for animals often had her up in the early hours to assist Dr Cliff with emergency call outs. Her affection for animals continues to grow as she recognizes how vulnerable and dependent each companion is on their owner and vise versa.
Kim says the most memorable moment since opening the practice was watching her husband’s eyes sparkle with tears as he thanked family, friends and colleagues at Craig View’s opening. “Being able to support Cliff in his dream, provide him with guidance and know his intentions are sincere, makes me a very honored wife.”
Dr Cliff never stopped working towards his goal of becoming a veterinary practice owner. He put himself through University, by running a small pet shop and breeding snakes & mice. After qualifying, he intended on working with horses and wanted to specialize in equine surgery. Starting out at a practice Crowthorn, Johannesburg, he then put his feelers out, before moving into small animal medicine and surgery in Boksburg and Benoni. He has a passion for reptiles and exotics and even owned a herd of cattle, where Kim found herself reluctantly filling the role of “herds-lady” on hot summer days.
In 2013 Dr Cliff left small animal surgery, to pursue large animal and wildlife work. Here he learnt so much more than a textbook could ever teach. Hanging out of helicopters darting game, made him feel not only closer to nature, but also closer to God. So with faith, determination, sacrifice and a lot of hard work, he took greater steps towards his goal of a purpose-built animal hospital.
Opening the doors of Craig View Veterinary Hospital in 2017 was one of Cliff’s proudest moments. And the privilege of being able to do so alongside his nearest and dearest is one that is not easily matched.
