Who is Mrs. Donovan in All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot?

Mrs. Donovan is described as a precocious gossip within the community. She is well known, and often assists Herriot by preparing concoction to treat sick animals. Over the course of the novel, Mrs. Donovan's dog is hit by a car, and Herriot effectively convinces her to adopt an abused dog, who needs her love and attention.