Book Description

When Blessed Are The Blood Mares was published in 1978, no other single source existed that contained such a wide range of information on the care of the breeding of mare from mating, through gestation, to foaling and nursing, and on the care of the young horse. Now there is: the second edition of this classic. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A resource I reach for often...
The title says it all...Reach for this if you are new to breeding - read it and you will see, it is a long process to breeding a champion. The mare is definately where to start and this book should help. It is a great resource Click - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0876058489/mcfarm

This book just saved a foal's life!
My old "Blessed Are the Brood Mares" is dog-eared and falling apart, so I'm about to treat myself to a new one. With the information on these golden pages, I've managed to save TWO foals, who would not otherwise have survived. I wouldn't be without the treasure trove of information between the hard-used covers of my copy. This book is the antidote to ignorance of the mysterious brood mare, her antiquated reproductive system, and her oh-so-fragile foals. Every horseperson worth he/his salt should own this one. Dr. Lose's anecdotal information is compelling and impresses on the breeder the enormity of what they do when they contemplate breeding a beloved or valuable mare. Every bit of the advice I chose to follow has rewarded me lavishly. This book includes an illuminating section on foal illnesses and tons of advice on how to keep the brood mare healthy throughout the years of her reproductive life, and how to avoid putting her in undue jeopardy. This book is a "gotta-have" for the compassionate breeder and of equines.

Pleasant and informative
Provides people new to breeding a good overall view of the process. It is easy to read and a good reference. This is not the highly technical manual that would turn away the amatuer. At the same time it lacks depth to be a truly serious resource.

great book
A must have for the average horse person. This book is extrememly informative, written in a lively way that keeps you reading from start to finish, and is understandable by the layman. I would recommend it highly.

Excellent resource for novice breeders
This book is a great resource for novice breeders. There is great information and knowledge will help you put your mind at ease. I recommend this book for everyone who is hoping for their first foal. ... Read more

Book Description

An ideal companion to Knottenbelt's Equine Stud Farm Medicine and Surgery, this comprehensive text covers all aspects of veterinary care of the foal - from birth through weaning. Describing appropriate procedures for clinical assessment of the new-born foal, it addresses emergency interventions, resuscitation, and critical care. Disorders of growth and nutrition are reviewed, as well as congenital or inherited abnormalities of each of the major body systems. Plus, a unique section on special syndromes provides more than 200 color photographs carefully selected from the authors' extensive collection. * Content is concise, informative, and easy to read. * Full-color photographs illustrate common disorders, congenital defects, and more. * Flowcharts summarize key diagnostic tests and findings. * Numerous charts and tables provide easy access to key data. * Appendices present key data, treatment protocols, techniques, and procedures in a quick-reference format. ... Read more

Book Description

Here's the newest edition of the "gold standard" in the field! This comprehensive new edition covers nearly all the major content areas in the veterinary technology curriculum. Written by veterinarians (including many board-certified specialists) and veterinary technicians, it covers common clinical procedures, clinical sciences, animal husbandry, pharmacology, medical and surgical care of small and large animal species, practice management, and more. Completely updated and reorganized for a more logical flow of information, the new edition now progresses from basic procedures to clinical sciences to management of small, large, and exotic species. It also contains several hundred new photographs, helpful pedagogical aids, and many totally rewritten chapters. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Everything in one book
If you are looking for a single book for Vet Techs then this is it. I have several of the "topic focused" books and find the same information here in this book at the level of detail that I need. I consider this the Vet Tech bible...

Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians
Great resource - everything you need in one place. So much in here it is a must for evey Tech.

Everything in one book
This is a wonderfully written book for the veterinary
technician.It has a full range of topics in which to learn
more about. This book was done very well, I own it and suggest it to anyone.

must-have study material
I am an unlicensed tech and want to take The Test later this year to get certified. Everyone I have talked to swears by this book as the most comprehensive review for techs. It doesn't get too detailed in some areas....you'll still want specialized texts for subjects like pharmacology or anatomy. But this is the one book every tech and student should have. A note of warning....if you buy this book used, make sure you get a RED covered copy. Older editions have a green cover and may have out-of-date info.

Necessity for every tech!
I am a vet tech and I think this book is wonderul. Myself and the other tech at the clinic use it every day. It is a great reference for any technician. A must have for every vet clinic. ... Read more

Book Description

Pet Behavior Protocols: What to Say, What to Do, When to Refer is perfect for anyone in a position to aid pet owners in finding sensible solutions to pet behavior problems, including veterinary professionals, shelter staff, breeders, trainers, animal control agents, and anyone else involved with animal welfare. The book takes technical animal behavior theory and turns it into effective, practical solutions for real-life situations you'll face with dog and cat owners in your community. It supplies practical, effective protocols for behavioralproblems so you can follow a methodical step-by-step guide when pet owners turn to you for solutions. The book includes sample questions so you'll know exactly what to ask pet owners and presents information on problem prevention using several highly effective principles.

When you know what to say, what to do, and when to refer, you can help avoid a breakdown of the human-animal bond and make a big difference for both pets and the people who love them. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

an excellent book for its intended audience
I am studying to be a veterinary technician, and this is one of the books that I am required to read. It has come highly recommended to me, both by my professors and a co-worker who is a certified behaviorist. This book is for behaviorists, shelter workers and veterinary professionals who deal with animal owners; it is NOT a training manual for people who wish to train their dogs, as some reviewers seem to think. This is an excellent book for its intended audience. Mr. Webster has reviewed other works that he has not even read, therefore I'm not sure I would trust such a review, let alone any review that contained such poor grammar and vocabulary. If you are a dog owner looking for a training manual, there are many other books available, such as The Dog Listener, by Jan Fennell, or The Other End of the Leash, by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D.

Disappointed
Review of Pet Behavioral Protocols By Suzan Hetts To Begin with all rights were reserved and their was a (about) 160 word disclaimer, that did not sit well with me. I am skeptical about a book that is going to be used as a reference that says, it makes no representation about the suitability or accuracy of the information contained in this work

In applied behavior as a field only dog and cats are discussed in the book. Of those two selections I only am reviewing the dog portion for I have no expertise in cats.

Dr. Hetts refers to the applied behavior field within that field with a diagnostic approach to dog behavior and how professional people should handle, in general and specific ways, people and dogs that have real or imagined problems. The protocols have to do with what to say as well as what not to say to your client, in a basic communication course dealing with the specifics of dog behavior. As the writer says it is not a cook book for solving the behavior problems but a way to get all the information you need to make a diagnoses and assign a treatment or regiment suitable to correct the behavior. Dr. Hetts does refer to the behavior specialist that they may be responsible for lives (dog/human) based on what they tell their client.

The author refers to behavior modification and different ways to modify behavior, about the way a behaviorist should be an educator, and defines his/her duties (I would call that a job description). Describes a multidisciplinary project to establish guidelines for dog trainers. Also what tragic results can come from abusive training techniques like hanging a dog until it passes out for not obeying a command. Dr. Hetts stops well short of saying not to physically punish, yell, or blast an air horn to get the behavior you want.

Then to a crash course in animal learning that speaks of behavior modification not of instilling new behavior. As an alternative I would rather have a new behavior in the animal than a modified behavior. This is my example: If the dog previously would bit the first person walking by a modified behavior would suggest that he would bite the third or fourth person in line or only on Tuesday and not on Saturday and Sunday, not to stop biting. By definition alone of the word modify (to make less extreme) would suggest that scenario.

The author gives the reader a definition of punishment as decreasing the frequency of behavior and that there is positive and negative punishment. In her (disclaimed book) opinion that it is ok to use a shock collar the get acceptable behavior. Later in the book there is a suggestion that incorrect behaviors can be ignored and only the wanted behaviors to be rewarded. But so little information is provided in later chapters on the specific protocols and so much on how to use positive and negative punishment that ignoring unwanted behavior and rewarding good behavior may be forgotten as the solution. This is where I believe the author has missed the point. There is enough scientific and antidotal evidence to suggest that we are dealing with thinking (limited) animals that humans can establish a communication with. Another point was missed when the effects on children who watch there dog getting shocked. Are they learning dominance works to get their own way? Who will have the damaged ears when using the air horn in classical conditioning?

In most of the following chapters there is a section on the use of punishment. Earlier in the book she describes under what conditions punishment will work that you would have a better chance of winning the lottery than having success at punishing an animal correctly as stated to do so in the book. Then there is the, if a little is good then a lot is better attitude of America.

The next ten chapters deal with specific problems and some of the questions that need to be asked. In a chapter on fears and phobias they seem to put most of the blame, for fear and phobias, on lack of socialization and inappropriate use of punishment. There is that punishment subject again. Then why sometimes it is good and bad to sooth your phobic dog during a thunderstorm. Those 10 chapters need to be studied. For they are written in pseudo scientific, obfuscate, (to confuse a mind), and make me wonder if the author has actually trained an adequate number of dogs for obedience competition or work on a ranch to test their own theories. If they did train them how did they turn out? What gets me is that for the last 135,000 years (Charles Vil'A, UCLA) we as humans have gotten along well with the dog until the last 30 years. This $76.00 book has some suggestions, very few answers and a 160 word disclaimer. So I was very disappointed when that much effort has come up so short on explaining to everyone what has happened to our relationship with our dogs and how this book intends to help keep millions of dogs from being euthanasia. There is a solution already to be put into use. They touched on it in one paragraph in the book (pg41) and the books have already been written about the shift in thinking. If you use this book as a definition as to the state of the art/science the author admits in the disclaimer that they really don't know. The vets and scientist are only guessing and they are hoping for a break. If they don't know it now the break is a paragraph on pg. 41. ... Read more

Book Description

2000 Winner, Better Health for Life Award, Cat Writer's Association (CWA)
When it comes to your dog's or your cat's health, you want the best health care available. But did you know that conventional medicine is not the only answer, or even the best answer?
Inside you'll learn from a respected veterinarian how the therapeutic wonders of natural medicine can benefit your dog or cat. This comprehensive guide discusses more than 40 common conditions or diseases that can affect your pet and how they can be treated or improved with natural medicine.
Easy to understand and use, with cross-references between conditions and treatments, this informative resource includes:
·An A-Z guide to common health conditions
·An A-Z guide to herbs, vitamins, and supplements
·Dietary recommendations for specific health concerns
·Proven complementary therapies for your pet
·And much, much more!
Do your pet a great favor—add this complete reference to your library. You'll both be glad you did.
Inside, natural treatments for:
·Allergies
·Obesity
·Cancer
·Kidney Disease
·Arthritis
·Heart Disease
·Feline Leukemia
·Dental Disease
·Ear Infections
·And many more common conditions
"Incredibly well thought-out and organized. This bible will serve as an excellent reference for veterinarians and pet owners alike." —L. Phillips Brown, D.V.M., product manager, Inter-Cal Nutraceuticals
"A concise overview of common animal conditions and available complementary therapies that will help readers ensure their pets and patients receive the best treatment." —Myrna Milani, D.V.M., author, Preparing for the Loss of Your Pet
"This bible is a 'new testament' that may help pet caregivers heal their sick pets." —Alice Villalobos, D.V.M. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Holistic Healthcare for Pets
Dr. Messonnier's aproach to natural health for dogs and cats is neither too complicated for the average person to follow nor too far-out to work in conjunction with a traditional family vet's advice. Good, practical information is presented in "real person" language, making this book an excellent guide for anyone concerned about their dog or cat's health.
In addition to information that will help you keep your pet healthy, Dr. Messonnier introduces various types of complimentary and alternative therapies for sick or injured pets. He instructs readers on how to use these treatments alone, or in conjunction with traditional medicine, to ensure a holistic approach to pet health. Readers can choose the best path to their pet's wellness by using the more familiar route, or by combining techniques to meet their dog or cat's need.
This book is a must for any pet owner who thinks outside the box of traditional pet health care.

Natural health Bible for Dogs & Cats
This book is a must have book for all pet owners. I have owned pets all my life and could not believe the things I learned from this book. There were many things in this book our vet never discussed with me. I use alternative medicine for myself and my family but never knew I could for our family dog. Dr. Messonnier provided traditional treatments along with alternative treatments in a very easy to use book. He provided valuable inforamtion on pet foods and the pets diet that our vet never discussed. I would recommend this book to every pet owner.

Lacking substance
Save your money, this book will just give you the briefest of overviews. If you are interested in dog health or have a dog with an allergy problem, this is not the book to buy. Even the overviews are incomplete, a fluff piece. You would do better looking up animal allergies on the internet.

good for every dog lovers library
very thorough. organized well. i found out a lot of things that i wish i had known earlier. i especially liked the section on diets. it details what types of diets are available out there for your dog, from everything from commercial to homecooked, to raw. gives honest answers and opinions that make sense pertaining to the diet section. other areas of the handbook are scientific and are organized very well. nice book to add to your library.

A great guide for any animal guardian
I loved this book. Even though it's written as an encylopedia, I read it from cover to cover. It's deals with a technical subject but it's written in an untechnical, albeit dry manner. It helps de-mythologize all of those sometimes ominous-sounding supplements out there that are touted as cures or treatments for various ailments. It's also an informative reference book for humans, because many of the supplements he talks about are available for human use also. Dr. Messonier presents conventional as well as "alternative" treatments and their pros and cons to give the reader a balanced view of available treatment protocols.

This book is an excellent resource. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good reference for students and residents
This is a very comprehensive, technical text, and the authors' expertise is evident. Its chapters include malformations, inflammatory diseases, injuries, degenerative diseases, neoplasias and PNS diseases. Following the book requires some familiarity with general neuroanatomy and pathology, and is therefore most suited for advanced veterinary students or pathologists.Most pictures are useful and clear, and the extensive reference lists at the end of each chapter are valuable, although some are now outdated. This is the most comprehensive textbook of its kind, and no other book is comparable to this valuable reference. Reccomended in any veterinary pathologist's library, veterinary neurosurgeon or any veterinarian or student with a specific interest in neurology. ... Read more

Book Description

This volume and its companion Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Research: Biology and Management represent the most comprehensive publications of their type on nonhuman primates. This volume addresses the diseases of nonhuman primates with an emphasis on the etiological factors, clinical signs, diagnostic pathology, therapy, and management. Its companion volume serves as a general reference for those who provide care for these animals and for those who use them in biomedical research. ... Read more

Book Description

This two-volume masterwork offers explicit guidelines for evaluating patients, selecting the right operation, and implementing clinically proven procedures. It covers major topics relevant to the field such as oncology, ophthalmology, dentistry, the nervous system, the urinary and reproductive systems, and more. The up-to-date 3rd edition features an increased emphasis on decision-making algorithms and high-quality images that depict relevant anatomy, diagnostic features, and sequential steps in operative procedures. Expanded, detailed coverage assists the reader with learning and applying the latest surgical techniques. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Slatter best surgery book
This is definately the best small animal surgery book on the market. I have used it as a new grad and even now as a more "experienced" practicioner. Very good for soft tissue and orthopedic topics, with concise but thorough explanations of how/which surgical option is best for each type of condition (fracture type, etc) I'm buying a set as a gift for a new grad!

very expensive
god book, but....

Best S.A. surgery book in the market
Don't waste your money somewhere else!, having this book gives you 95% of what you need in practice.
How many books you buy and never read?, this is one of the very few books that YOU read at least once a week. It's just EXCELLENT. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Spurgeon's Color Atlas of Large Animal Anatomy
I am a fourth year vet student and have found this book to be a great clinical reference book. It is an especially useful tool for rectal palpation - an essential skill for any large animal practitioner to master. I highly recommend Spurgeon's Atlas to anyone interested in large animal anatomy. ... Read more

Book Description

A practical reference that presents common clinical findings in an easy-to-use text/atlas format. Following a general chapter on sample collections and techniques, the remainder of the book takes a "systems" approach, followed by chapters on specific types of fluid. Within systems chapters, normal findings are presented first. Then, abnormal findings are presented by "class" of problems, such as bacterial lesions, fungal lesions, parasitic lesions, and so on, in the case of the eye. Algorithms (flow charts) on sample evaluations enhance text discussions by guiding readers to the most likely cytologic diagnosis. In addition, there is a colour plate section featuring 64 illustrations for quick viewing and comparing cell types and infectious agents. The detailed index will aid utilization of this edition as a quick photographic and textual reference. ... Read more

Book Description

This one-of-a-kind text atlas is a must-have for veterinarians and veterinary radiologists. A wealth of superb illustrations demonstrate the correlation between radiographic and ultrasound images. As diagnostic radiology and ultrasound imaging continue to play a vital role in the practice of small animal medicine, it's crucial that practitioners stay abreast of the very latest technology with a tool such as Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasonography, 3rd Edition. ... Read more

Book Description

No one who keeps reptiles can afford to be ignorant about reptile parasites and their treatment. This best-selling, easy-to-use book offers readers essential information on how to identify the most common parasites of reptiles and how to most effectively treat them. Includes drug charts and dosages. Highly recommended for hobbyists and pet stores. Illustrated with many black and white photos. 83 pp. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Essential Knowledge for the True Reptile Lover
Consider yourself a true reptile lover? Then you should concerned about the well being of your pet. A healthy pet is a happy pet. Keep your pet well-fed and in good hygienic condition is essential. However, it is possible that the reptile may be suffering from parasites without our knowledge (such as through food). This book tells the pet lover what are the various parasites, what symptoms, what cures, etc. It is truly a good book on the topic.

The words, of what I would consider in ideal size, are printed on good quality "glossy" paper and very professional.

I have a copy and I think it's the best book available I can find about the topic. This book that's good in appearance and content. Get it if you are a true reptile lover.

Everyone herp owner should buy 2 of these books!
And, at Amazon's price, you can afford to buy two of them--one for you and one for your vet! I did! My vet can't thank me enough, and now I don't have to loan him my book every time I want him to see my veiled chameleon. It would be great to live in a big city with vets that specialized in herps/reptiles; but here in the rest of the real world, there are furry pet vets on every corner who can give excellent medical care to your reptiles and amphibians using Dr. Klingenberg's book.

Key features for you and your vet: 1. Medicine names, dosage for types/weight of different animals, means of administering, side effects, and uses. 2. Photographs of extracted worms and of microscope slides showing various micro-parasites & their eggs. 3. Sketch showing all the worms & parasites in relative size to each other. 4. Tips on "shot-gun" approach to parasite & disease treatment in wild-caught animals, discussion of various cures, discussion of the effects of diseases on your herp, and practical husbandry/keeping/handling/feeding info on how to prevent future reoccurances.

I got this book when I bought my first frog "just-in-case," but I never needed it, never used it, until this year when my chameleon was sick with worms. I was glad I had it and that is when I decided to buy a second copy for my vet's clinic. You can't afford to wait to buy this book until you need this book. You need it now while your animals are healthy!!!

All Amphibian & Reptile Keepers should have this book
And you should have it before you need it--as in, before you animal is sick. This is a complete and well done reference guide for those of us who don't need to know the vet manual's textbook explanations and can't afford to own those massive volume collections anyhow. It covers basic diagnosis, examination, equipment, internal and external parasites, medicines, dosages, tips for treating, how to administer meds to differnt types of animals, hygiene information, and, best of all to help your vet out, it contains photographs of microscope slides of what the nematoads or protozoans will look like and sketches of them for identification of relative size.

If you don't have an exotics or herp vet near you, this will help your furry pet vet help your herp. Believe me, I am thankful every day that I got this book when I didn't really need it because it meant the small town horse and dog vet clinic could see my old world chameleon and HELPED me, like they would not have been able to without this book.

Nicely done book, good for vet and pet owner
Roger Klingenberg is a well-recognized veterinary expert on reptiles and their parasites. His book is very well done and appropriate for both veterinarians and reptile owners. The combination of clear line drawings and excellent black and white photos clearly demonstrate how to recognize, diagnose and treat parasites of a variety of reptiles. The book is concise, clearly written and includes useful bibliography. For the price it can't be beaten!

Good Entry Level Book
Excellent book for the basic reptile keeper to get an idea of what to expect and what to look for when caring for herps in thier care. Also a good source of info on things to watch out for when dealing with vets who may not be versed in herps such as certain meds to avoid, or problems experienced as well as common dosages. Most certainly a must have book for any herper's library. ... Read more

Book Description

"This book is an important contribution to improving the health, well-being and care of our closest animal companion, the dog…. No one with a dog should be without this book." —From the Foreword by Dr. Michael W. Fox

The Holistic Dog Book addresses your whole dog and all the ways you can bring a more natural approach to your dog's care. Whether you're interested in essential oils, homeopathy, natural diets, herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage or emotionally satisfying training, you'll find what you need to make well-informed decisions about what's right for the both of you. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Holistic Dog Book:Canine Care for the 21st Century
Brilliantly done! Not since Dr. Pitcarin's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats has there been a more concise and comprehensive book on holistic health care for our companion animals. Page after page is written with enthusiasm and true understanding of what holistic health care is all about. Ms. Flaim's book is very well researched and packed with valuable information from the nation's leading experts. If you have never used holistic care or you have done so for years there is information in this book for you. The Holistic Dog Book: Canine Care for the 21st Century is a "must have" for your reference library.

Excellent Holistic dog care for the 21st Century
Ms. Flaim gives you all the information that you would need to make an informed decision about holistic care for your dog. Holistic care does not replace Veterinary medicine, but can be a very valuable source of help, according to Ms. Flaim. Everyone who owns an animal should read "The Holistic Dog Book".

A must have for any dog owner
This is a wonderfully informative book filled with many options on health and training. It captures the reader with the use of natural, herbel and emotional management tools for your canine. It was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone who owns a dog.

MOST COMPREHENSIVE DOG CARE BOOK EVER WRITTEN
NO ONE BOOK CAN CONTAIN THE SUM TOTAL OF KNOWLEDGE ON A PARTICULAR SUBJECT BUT THIS ONE COMES CLOSE. FROM IP6 TO ACCUPUNCTURE, TO HERBAL REMEDIES, IT COVERS IT ALL. WRITTEN IN CONCISE EASY TO UNDERSTAND LANGUAGE IT IS A TREMENDOUS RESOURSE, FOR THE PET OWNER CONCERNED WITH THE OVERMEDICATION OF HIS OR HER PETS. ALTERNATIVES TO WESTERN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE CAN BE AS VALID FOR OUR PETS, AS THEY CAN BE FOR OURSELVES. THE WRITER USES A VERY REASONED COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO PET HEALTH CARE. I, FOR ONE, AM LOOKING FOR THE AUTHOR'S SECOND & FOLLOWUP BOOK ON THE SUBJECT.

Good Buy
Comprehensive, very informative. I only wish there was a more complete section on Chakra points as relates to the Chinese and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. I really appreciated the section on AK. Your money will be well spent, your companion well in health. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (75)

Excellent....
I picked this book up one day with no clue as to what it was. After having read it I've concluded that it's the best story that I've read concerning animals (excluding animal farm). It also helped me understand life as a veternarian (at least some fifty years ago!) I've also come to the conclusion that Herriot has created a brilliant novel in his first try that have taken so many others years to complete. Synopsis: A heart-warming true tale of a veternarian named Dr. James Herriot in the late 30s in Yorkshire, England.

classic works!
James Herriot's books stand out in modern writing as absolute classics, evocative of an earlier, more innocent time, and more wonderously, by the skill with which these deceptively simple, entertaining, moving stories are written. Beneath the entertaining text and characters lies absolutely beautiful, artful writing, with craft and skill that ties all these chapters and stories together in a pattern of one country vet's life in England in the 1930's and 40's. These are so much more than animal stories. I am biased; these are my favorite all-time books, read and re-read since my youth. Increasing age has not diminished their charm. History will write James Herriot's name large. If you haven't read these books yet, you owe it to yourself to start with "All Creatures Great and Small". Whether or not you care for animals, you will fall in love with a gentler time, the escapades of a trio of young men, and the laugh-out-loud as well as very tearful events this author writes about so beautifully. Absolutely timeless and a classic.

Best Listening Book Experience Ever!!
James Herriot is a wonderfully gifted writer. The way he can describe a scene with the exact perfect wording and phrase is simply uncanny.

You are THERE on the Yorkshire dales living the lowly daily life of a young vet.

Add to that Christopher Timothy's truly masterful performance and this audio book should be in the hall of fame. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

A breath of fresh air. Genuinely hilarious, heart warming, uplifting.

Give yourself the best gift ever. Listen to this book.

The beginning of magic
This is where it all started with James Herriott for me - a paperback tucked in with 3 or 4 other books I received for my birthday a long time ago. I couldn't tell you what the other books were, but this book, and its sequels, have become dear friends. I can tell you the stories from memory (and from my heart) and I have read the paperbacks so often I've had to replace them with hardbacks just so they'll last longer.
James Herriott was a vet practicing in Yorkshire (England) from the end of the Depression until about 20 years ago.
The stories are charming, happy, glorious, tragic and tear-jerking. It was a wonderful but brutal time to be practicing veterinary medicine. It was before many of the surgeries we have now and Herriott was there for the introduction of antibiotics and many other medicines. Think about it - how often have you had your cat or dog treated for infections - 60 years ago there was nothing to kill the bacteria that brought death to so many. How impossibly hard it must have been for him to lose so many of the animals he treated, and how wonderful when he knew he saved them either for the farmers who needed their stock or the families who loved their pets. And the people he writes about! What characters!
I have pets and love to read the stories about cats and dogs and horses. I teach medical students and use more than a few examples from these books about the PROCESS of thinking which is so essential to any practice of medicine. His stories here and in later books about diagnosing hoof and mouth disease or husk or heatstroke or nettlerash are fascinating reading about the mind of a physician as it works while the seconds of life tick away.
This book is great, the series of books is great - curl up somewhere and get to know them.

A great book
You have to be dead not to enjoy this book. I just wanted to register my five stars. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Amazing work.
for all those with an interest in the anatomy of horse limbs and hooves, i highly recommend this book. it is detailed, clear and well illustrated. One of a kind, have never seen another publication that matches this one. congratulations to jean-marie denoix. ... Read more