User:Cindamuse/Dinah Ashley-Cooper

Dinah Ashley-Cooper, Countess of Shaftesbury (born 12 September 1980) is a German-born veterinarian and philanthropist. She became the Countess of Shaftesbury on 11 September 2010, when she married Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, 12th Earl of Shaftesbury.

Early life
Dinah (née Streifeneder) Ashley-Cooper was born on 12 September 1980 in Munich, Germany, spending her early life in Rome, Italy. The Countess is the daughter of Dr Fritz Streifeneder and Argentinian-born Renata Leander-Streifeneder. Her mother is a physiotherapist, while her father is a retired orthopaedic surgeon, who is now involved in the family business, F. G. Streifeneder KG, based in Emmering, outside of Munich. The company's focus includes the manufacturing and distribution of orthopaedic supplies, exporting worldwide to over 100 countries.

Professional background
Professionally, the Countess of Shaftesbury is a veterinary surgeon. In 2005, she graduated from the University of Leipzig and completed her dissertation in orthopaedic surgery/research in 2008 at the Vetsuisse Faculty in Zurich. Upon her graduation, she accepted a position on staff with the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). , she is working as a small animal veterinarian. She has expressed an interest in supporting charitable organizations, primarily those involved in animal welfare. To this end, she is a patron of the Worldwide Veterinary Service, based out of Cranborne, Dorset.

In addition to her medical practice, the countess serves as a director of Shaftesbury Events, along with Philip Rymer, long-time manager of St Giles House and the Shaftesbury Estate. Shaftesbury Events serves to develop and present opportunities for television, film, and photo shoots utilising interior and exterior shots of St Giles House, along with the estate park and grounds. , the estate has been used for weddings, corporate events, and sporting events including the Grand Shaftesbury Run, Paws in the Park, and local dog shows.

Marriage and family
Nicholas Ashley-Cooper and Dr Dinah Streifeneder were married on 11 September 2010, in the parish church in Wimborne St Giles. The Earl and Countess of Shaftesbury have a son and heir, Anthony Francis Wolfgang Ashley-Cooper, Lord Ashley (born 24 January 2011). Their daughter, Lady Viva Constance Lillemor Ashley-Cooper was born 22 April 2012, in Wimborne St Giles.