DR HARRY COOPER (OAM)

TELEVISION PERSONALITY

DR. HARRY COOPER

(OAM)

IS BEST KNOWN FOR HIS MEDIA APPEARANCES, AS OUR FAVOURITE VET ON THE ICONIC LIFESTYLE PROGRAM

“BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS.’’

He is loved by millions of television viewers throughout A ustralia...

Dr. Harry is also an advocate for children growing up with animals and has written numerous books regarding the subject. He has stated “it is a scientific fact that children who grow up with animals have higher self-confidence, can mix with people well and are far higher achievers. He is also an ongoing financial contributor to the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University.

Dr. Harry’s work was recognised with a “Centenary Medal’’ in 2001, a “Service Award’’ from the Australian Veterinarian Association in 2006 and an “Alumni Award’’ from the Veterinary Faculty at the University of Sydney.

EARLY LIFE

Dr. Harry was born and raised in Sydney surrounded by animals. He and his brother Neil watched their parents breed and show a variety of animals, which sparked Harry’s interest in animals. Ironically, their father commenced a veterinary science course however, withdrew after 12 months. Harry

has stated that he knew he wanted to be a vet from a young age, and began showing budgerigars and poultry with the assistance of his parents.

DR. Harry graduated from Sydney University with second class honours for Veterinary science in 1965 at the age of 21. He then practised as a vet for several years across Sydney and the UK before embarking on a media career.

In 1969, he began his media career with a veterinary segment on the morning TV talk show “Today’’ in Sydney. He later became known as the resident veterinary surgeon on the longrunning series “Burke’s Backyard. In 1993 he hosted his first series, “Talk to the Animals’’ and in 1997, the veterinary series Harry’s Practice.

Dr Harry currently presents a veterinary segment on the lifestyle program Better Homes and Gardens and has been providing pet information and advice to viewers on the show since 2004. Better Homes and Gardens was recently awarded its 12th Logie for Australia’s most popular lifestyle programme.

He is also an animal welfare advocate and public speaker...

Q & A WITH DR. HARRY...

B&L : Congratulations on your amazing career, what age were you, when you decided on a veterinary career and what motivates you to continue with your work?

DR. HARRY : Thank you, I was about 12 or 13 when I decided I wanted to become a vet and I do what I do because I love it.

B&L : Both you and your brother Neil became vets, was that coincidental or was that because of your father’s influence?

DR. HARRY : My father’s ambition was always to become a vet, and he subsequently started a veterinary science course, however he withdrew after 12 months and joined a shipping company. So yes we were both heavily influenced by my father’s ambition and his love of animals.

B&L : What was your second career choice if veterinary science had not come to fruition?

DR. HARRY : I would have become a geologist, I had a very impressive rock collection as a youngster and I loved exploring places like the Jenolan Caves when I was younger.

B&L : Were you born and raised in Sydney?

DR. HARRY : Yes. We lived in Linley Point, which is on the Lane Cove river, as a matter of fact my brother Neil still lives in the family home.

B&L : You graduated from Sydney University in 1965 at the age of 21 with an honours degree for Veterinary Science. What did you do after you graduated?

DR. HARRY :After I completed my 5 year course of Veterinary science, I joined a Veterinary Practise in Gladesville, during that time I developed an affinity with dogs. I then went to the UK and practised there for 2 years.

B&L : Can you tell me what made you pursue a media career, and how did that transition occur?

DR. HARRY : IN 1969 I got a call from channel 7 asking me to be the “fill’’ on the “Today’’ show which was hosted by Patsy Noble and Bruce Webster. The “fill’’ means you fill in when someone does not turn up.

I was able to “fill in a 25 minute segment, apparently the switch board lit up after my segment and the rest is history. I then became involved with shows such as “Burke’s back Yard’’ with Don Burke, “Talk to the animals’’ and “Harry’s Practice’’ with Katrina Warren. I have now been involved with “Better Homes and Garden since 2004.

B&L : You have now appeared on Better homes and Garden since 2004. The program has won numerous awards. Why do you think the show is so popular with viewers?

DR. HARRY :Better homes and Garden is an icon of the 7 network. It has something appealing to offer to everyone. The Better Homes and Garden cast and crew are my television family and my friend on the show is Graham Ross, the Horticulturalist.

B&L : You have spoken on many occasions about the benefits of owning a pet. Can you tell me about the benefits that you consider important to one’s wellbeing that comes from owning a pet?

DR. HARRY :Animals are the world’s greatest listeners, which is of great benefit to everyone. They have the ability to sense our moods and I love the way they react with people.

B&L : You and your longtime partner Suze were recently married on your 125 acre property West of Port Macquarie with a menagerie of animals in attendance. How long have you known Suze, and can you describe what your wedding day was like?

DR. HARRY : Suze and I met 10 years ago at a mutual friend’s barbeque and we haven’t looked back since.

I am sure that Suze will agree with me, when I describe our wedding day as magical and I wouldn’t change a thing. Suze is a very caring and hardworking person, and I’m so lucky to call myself her husband.

B&L : Is it true that one of your pets played a major part on your wedding day?

DR. HARRY :Yes that is correct, Wendy, our 12-year-old Australian stock horse mare was the ring bearer on our big day.

B&L : You and Suzie live on a sprawling acreage property West of Port Macquarie. Is the workload overwhelming, and what motivates you to keep going?

DR. HARRY : Suze and I love what we do, and I would like to continue being involved with animals and continue working as a vet until I possibly can.

However, we do plan on reducing the number of animals that we care for ultimately.

B&L : You were awarded an AM (member of the Order of Australia) for your services to veterinary science & animal well fare in 2014. How did you feel at the time when your received the award?

DR. HARRY : I was absolutely touched to receive the honour, it was a great acknowledgement for my work……………………..

B&L: What is next on the agenda for Dr. Harry?

DR. HARRY : I want to keep going as a vet, for as long as I can.

STORY COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO