by Karen Fine
Superb combination of memoir and essays on the pet-human relationship and how it nourishes us, sustains us, and completes us. As human beings. What it does for the pets is harder to discern, but she doesn't include any speculations on the unknowable.
The memoir/life history portion is but a small part of the book; she describes episodes of her life to explain how she ended up as a veterinarian and how she became an owner of several dogs and cats. Although she doesn't use the word owner--you don't "own" pets, it's more like you're guardians and friends of them. And she then expounds much on pet-human relationships, telling story after story of people whose lives revolved around their beloved cat or dog or even pig. Probably a few budgies, too, but she didn't seem to treat any so they're not included.
She speaks much of the ethical dilemmas of being a veterinarian, but doesn't seem to let herself become overwhelmed with the impossible. There are no fully "right" decisions, although there are certainly a few very wrong ones. But all are described with compassion and deep honesty. The pattern persists throughout the book--compassion and honesty. A willingness to put one's own heart on the line so that others can learn from the lessons she learned.
As I said, superb.
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Review: The Other Family Doctor
A Veterinarian Explores What Animals Can Teach Us About Love, Life, and Mortality
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