Luca’s Legacy
Luca
In August 2010, the SSPCA contacted Susan to ask her to take on who was then known as German Shepherd/black/tan/008. She went on to become Luca.
Susan had been diagnosed with a rare condition and told she would deteriorate quickly. Susan rescued Luca, and in turn Luca rescued Susan.
They went on to have many adventures together over the next 13 years, travelling all over the country, Little Ferry became her favourite beach. Luca helping Susan defy her diagnosis throughout.
More about Luca
Luca ate bees, swam with seals and stole the hearts of the entire family. She invented a game that the family called ‘Switch’ with two tennis balls, and trained her humans to play it. She learned to bat balls, play hide and seek, honed her scent skills, and a stick wasn't a stick unless it was an entire tree!
She refused to come home from her walks without her ball, Susan even having to dive into deep, dark water one night to retrieve Luca's ball before she would come home.
The locals knew the family as Luca's mum, Dad, Gran, Granda, everyone knew her. She had uncles and aunties and in 2016 became a big sister to her human brother, Findlay, whose side she never left for the rest of her life.
Luca was Susan's soul, dog, and Susan was, and always will be, Luca's.
Our practice is named in Luca's memory, as an amazing companion who faced many challenges herself, and stood up to them bravely. In Luca's memory, we honour all our amazing clients and provide the care and support we all want for our own companions.
Company History
The practice opening was a true passion project of our animal loving business partners, Susan & Andy.
We opened our doors in May 2025, with a small but dedicated team of 2 veterinary surgeons and 3 registered veterinary nurses.
April 2025 was all about rolling up our sleeves, putting on our marigolds and reviving the building that had served as “the Larkhall vet” for many years.
We are named in honour of Susan’s soul dog, Luca, an SSPCA rescue, who is represented in our practice logo.
