Nick Trout

This is Trout's third memoir, focusing on how the pets of his family influenced not only his career decision to become a veterinarian, but how his relationships with the animals, and his observations of others' (especially his father) informed his philosophy of animal-human interaction and relationships. This book made me really reflect on my own connection to my pets. A really well-written, engaging book that is both bittersweet as animals leave Trout's life, but also hopeful as it explores show more all that or pets add to our lives.

Review copy courtesy of the publisher via Goodreads First Reads show less

I happened to read this book while I was revisiting the James Herriot books from my youth.

The author makes a few comparisons between himself and Herriot. About the only one I agree with is they were both citizens of the UK. Trout’s stories, while entertaining, are detached and cool; what I would expect from a surgeon - technical skill without sentiment.

His stories lack the emotional connection so brilliantly shared by Herriot. Perhaps, it is more a reflection of Trout’s specialty or show more the environment he works in. But I found his story less heartwarming and missing that crucial element of a vet who likes people as much as he does their animals. show less

What a wonderful book! I grew up reading and re-reading James Herriott's veterinary stories, so I looked forward to trying out this modern-day vet's tale of emergency animal surgeries. I was not disappointed. He had me laughing and crying with every chapter. It was a fascinating read. I appreciated how, in between the anecdotes, he sprinkled up-to-date facts about the nature of veterinary practice today both in the UK (since he's originally British) and the US. I found that very show more enlightening. And some of the characters, both animal and human, had me chuckling out loud (loved the story about the macho Boxer owner whose male dog has a bit of a gender identity problem!). I recommend this to anyone who loves animals and medical tales; it is very inspiring, too, because Dr. Trout's love of animals and his deep need to save lives and care for our pets really shines through. show less

I started out thinking this was just going to be another boy meets dog, sad ending dog story. I was wrong. It was so much more. Yes it was about the bond humans form with their dogs. Yes it was about the reality of life's circumstances and how they sometimes interfere with emotions and practicalities. Yes it was about a child with a debilitating disease who deserved a dog but couldn't have one. Yes it was about a struggling single mother just trying to live with her own battles. Yes it was show more about an organization that performs miracles every day by finding that perfect dog for a needy person. What made this novel great is that it wasn't just one of these factors it was all of them that led it to be a wonderful read. I see a movie coming! show less