Joan Savadge's love of animals didn't come from the usual childhood pets like dogs and cats, but it didn't make her interest in them any less. Unable to have a dog or cat as a child, Savadge gave her affection to a succession of not so cuddly, goldfish and turtles.

As a receptionist at Adobe Pet Hospital, Joan spends her day greeting and checking in clients, preparing charts and confirming appointments. She also answers the phones, schedules appointments and assists clients

however she can.

"The most enjoyable part of my job is just being able to see all the wonderful pets that come in and to work on a daily basis with congenial co-workers," Joan said.

Because of her husband's allergies, they avoided getting a dog or cat for their daughter. But to try to give her a little more interactive pet experience than Joan had, they got her a cockatiel - over 20 years later, Angel is still a talking and singing part of their family. With further research, the Savadges discovered that allergy sufferers could sometimes tolerate the Maltese breed of dog - Spencer is now 4 years old and has all the family members wrapped around his paw. Quite a change from goldfish and turtles!