Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing, and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon
ISBN:9780767926447 read summary

In the tradition of veterinarian James Herriot (All Creatures Great and Small), Trout weaves together stories of life and death, successes and failures, pets rambunctious or stoic, and clients obstreperous or grateful. Although modern veterinary medicine and technology are light years ahead of Herriot's 1930's Yorkshire practice, our patients and our clients haven't changed. To some people, animals will never be more than a commodity--a cow to milk, a pig to eat, or a dog to guard the flock. But to other people, animals are family, and it is to these people and their beloved pets that we veterinarians dedicate our lives.

Though there's a very cute dog on the cover of Tell Me Where it Hurts, this book is not All Creatures Great and Small nor Marley & Me, but once you get past that, its a very interesting description of the life of a veterinary surgeon in Boston.

Trout loves animals but there's no question that the life of a veterinary surgeon requires hardening yourself, at least somewhat, to the death of pets. One thing about Trout's job is that, because he is a veterinary surgeon, and not a local vet, the animals he sees are almost all very hurt, or very ill. Unlike the fabled James Herriott, Trout doesn't get much chance to check over cute litters of kittens and puppies, nor sweet dogs that just need some heartworm pills. Trout sees an awful lot of cancer, and serious injuries that vets can't handle in their offices.

He's a great teacher and much of this book involves explaining to the reader the many quandries and problems that specialists face. The cost of a cancer operation on a ten year old dog is very, very high and the question has to arise--how long would this dog have lived otherwise? Trout has to weight the costs and benefits as well as the animal's pain. He's sensitive to the fact that this is overwhelming for many people--but he also understands that for others, two more years in the life of a dog may be worth a new roof.

I liked this book very much. Trout is witty and smart. If my cats were very ill, he's just the guy I would want to see at the animal hospital.

I liked his first book thats why I bought this book. I just thought the book was a bit too sad for me

This is a marvelously insightful and informative story of a very busy day in the life of a veterinary surgeon. Nick Trout is a keen observer of animal and human behaviors, a marvelous family therapist and a consummate storyteller. This combination provides excellent fare for anyone who cares for animals and has a long car ride ahead of them. More often than not, a major portion of the veterinary surgical intervention involves meticulous inquiries, clarifications of details, detective work and psychotherapy, in addition to a wide fund of animal care knowledge and dexterous hands. Trout recounts heartwarming memories of dogs and cats whom he treated for everything from ingested sox and shoelaces to cancers and various other common and obscure problems.

Trout also shares the stories of how he became interested in becoming a veterinarian and how he encourages the student vets under his supervision to deepen their understanding and skills in animal care - including the management of their human 'parents.'

This book is very highly recommended. I found the audio version utterly engaging, transforming a long drive into a very enjoyable experience.

So, I read this book when it first came out, and loved it. It shows so much compassion and love! I thought to myself that I hope never to need him, but if I do need a surgeon for my pet, I hope he'd be him.

The book ends with a *strong* sell on the importance of health insurance for pets. I'd always kinda debated it, and after reading this book - decided it is a must, and went ahead and got pet insurance for both my cats.

Guess what? One of my cats was just diagnosed with a likely tear in the ACL (very very rare in cats). I live near Boston, and the specialist my vet recommended is no other than... Dr. Trout!! And the kicker - it seems that if my cat indeed needs surgery (very likely), the cost will be about $3,500-$4,000. Normally - a big ouch. As it turns out - I have insurance!!!! I will only need to pay about 10% of that, and the reason I have insurance is the book written by the surgeon I am about to see!!! Phew!!! I would pay the money anyway, but it's really nice to know I won't have to go into debt to pay it!! :)

So read this book, and get pet insurance for your pets!!! (I have petplan - their plans and their reviews are fabulous!)