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Kate’s Family Pets was the brainchild of Kate Schoeffel
back in 1993. In 2002 Joanne Pawsey came to work at Nyora and in
2006 Jo and Kate became partners after Kate’s family made
the momentous decision to move to Bathurst. They still own Nyora
and Jo now lives there and runs the dog operation
Joanne
Jo was born in Orange, grew up in Penrith and moved to Condobolin
in 1995 with her husband John who is Condo born and bred. Jo had
a serious car accident when she was young and, in spite of years
of trying, has been unable to have children. Jo is a remarkable
person who has overcome emotional and physical challenges and yet
is filled with humour, courage and compassion. She worked for many
years in aged care and was greatly loved by the people in her care – although
far too outspoken to endear herself to the hierarchy.
Jo is a passionate dog lover. She quite literally prefers the company
of dogs to people and while she has no human children she has seven
canine children as well as two birds and whatever weak puppy or
stray pigeon she happens to be nursing. John is a very tolerant
man.
Jo started working at Nyora in 2002 and rapidly became indispensable.
Her nursing training is invaluable and her love for our animals is
something that cannot be taught or bought. Most people buying one
of our dogs will come to know Jo and many now regard her as a personal
friend.
Kate
Kate is a veterinarian working in rural New South Wales. She has
an Honours degree in genetics as well as a veterinary degree. Her
husband Bruce Watt is also a veterinarian and works with production
animals particularly cattle and sheep.
For 22 years they lived at Nyora, a cropping, sheep and cattle
property where their four gorgeous daughters Annelie, Elle, Elizabeth
and Jane grew up.
Kate started breeding dogs when her children were very small and
now the fairies in her garden have nearly grown up. Condobolin is
a wonderful place to live and raise children but drought, the inevitable
migration of their children the coast and the lack of family ties
in Condobolin finally decided them that they too should move while
they were still young enough to start a new life. Having Jo made
this move possible – she loves our dogs and Kate knew she
could trust their welfare to her absolutely. They have moved to
Bathurst and bought a small farm there. Jo is living in the house at Nyora and Kate and Jo
speak on a daily basis about the dogs.
Back when it all started |
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Christmas Eve 2010 at our new house on the hill – with Morris the Goldendoodle |
Cherish |
Jo and Pup |
Jo, Gretel and Lisa 2 |
Jo with Julia, Adelle, Puff, Cherish
and Jake |
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