Suspended veterinarian Jan Spate is opening an animal supplies store at her existing premises after an unsuccessful attempt to find a new vet to take on the practice.
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A huge crowd gathered at the Wood Duck Inn at Hall on Saturday to show their support of the much-loved vet.
Many people believe the ACT Veterinary Surgeons Board were wrong to suspend Dr Spate, despite allegations that multiple complaints were made against the Hall-based vet over a seven-year period.
Derek Gillard, who has known Dr Spate for more than 25 years, said he trusted her with his prized show-quality sheepdogs.
He expressed his concern about what he and the rest of the community were going to do without Dr Spate, who was well-known for her commitment to her profession, often visiting sick animals after hours in emergency situations.
"She was one of the vets that it didn't matter what time in the morning or night, horses or cattle or whatever had a problem, she would get out of bed to be there," Mr Gillard said.
He said Dr Spate has saved the lives of his animals in the past.
Mr Gillard's daughter Bianca organised the event on Saturday. The money raised from the auctions, raffles and other fundraising activities was set to be put towards Dr Spate's legal fees, which she accrued trying to fight the suspension decision.
Selling raffle tickets by the dozen was Jan James, who has been a client of Dr Spate's for almost 40 years. Ms James said there weren't many vets like Dr Spate left.
"You don't often find vets with the calibre of Jan Spate," she said. "She's a normal, everyday, wonderful woman who has an affinity with animals."
Ms James described Dr Spate's service as no-frills, which she said was what many people liked about her.
"She's a wonderful woman as you can see from the people here, the hundreds and hundreds of people who have turned up," Ms James said.
The event on Saturday held a surprise in store for many in the community, with the announcement that Dr Spate was preparing to open again as an animal supplies store, selling over-the-counter medication, vaccines and pet accessories.
The announcement came as the ACT government put a deadline on the future of the surgery. A spokesman said the ACT Veterinary Surgeons Board was not reviewing the vet's licence suspension, and had not received formal notification that her premises had a principle vet.
"Unless and until Dr Spate advises the board, there is no authority for the premises at 2 Hoskins Street Hall to be used as veterinary premises," the spokesman said.
"Consequently, effective from 6pm on October 19, 2016 the board suspended approval for the premises to be used as veterinary premises."
"The board has advised Dr Spate that if it does not receive information by December 16, 2016 that another registered veterinary surgeon proposes to operate from the premises, the board will proceed to cancel the approval for the premises," the government spokesman said.
