While my paths in life lead me from all angles into veterinary medicine, my degree was actually in English writing and rhetoric. I loved reading and writing from a very young age (almost as much as I loved bringing random stray and injured animals into my parents' home), and little has changed into adulthood.
Many books that I read focused heavily on animals (surprise, surprise). Some of my favorites included Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls (hence my inevitable adoption of Clementine, the redbone coonhound princess), Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (funny coincidence on that name, no?), and Charlotte's Web by E.B. White (I was obsessed with that one; see image of 7-year-old me singing to Wilbur's cardboard cutout).
In more recent years, my favorites have included Marley and Me by John Grogan (butchered by Hollywood in movie form) and A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron (less butchered by Hollywood in movie form, but still butchered).
One book in particular that stands out as one that really gives you a behind-the-scenes view of veterinary life is Tell Me Where It Hurts by Dr. Nick Trout. I could not put this book down, and you won't be able to either.
"From the front lines of modern medicine, Tell Me Where It Hurts is a fascinating insider portrait of a veterinarian, his furry patients, and the blend of old-fashioned instincts and cutting-edge technology that defines pet care in the twenty-first century.If you're at all curious, go pick up a copy. You won't regret it! On my list next is one called Lily and the Octopus by Stephen Rowley. In this case, I did judge a book by its cover.
For anyone who’s ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at your veterinarian’s office, Tell Me Where It Hurts offers a vicarious journey through twenty-four intimate, eye-opening, heartrending hours at the premier Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. You’ll learn about the amazing progress of modern animal medicine, where organ transplants, joint replacements, and state-of-the-art cancer treatments have become more and more common. With these technological advances come controversies and complexities that Dr. Trout thoughtfully explores, such as how long (and at what cost) treatments should be given, how the Internet has changed pet care, and the rise in cosmetic surgery.
You’ll also be inspired by the heartwarming stories of struggle and survival filling these pages. With a wry and winning tone, Dr. Trout offers up hilarious and delightful anecdotes about cuddly (or not-so-cuddly) pets and their variously zany, desperate, and demanding owners. In total, Tell Me Where It Hurts offers a fascinating portrait of the comedy and drama, complexities and rewards involved with loving and healing animals."
Read any good animal books lately? Feel free to share with us! We're always looking for more.
Comments? Questions? Reply to this post below! We would love to have your input on any and all of our posts.
Comments
Post a Comment