Driving Home Naked: And Other Misadventures of a Country Veterinarian

by Melinda G. McCall

Have you ever driven home from work wearing nothing but a pair of rubber boots? For Dr. Melinda McCall, a large animal veterinarian in rural Virginia, this is living the dream. Caring for cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, llamas, and the occasional alpaca, unusual mishaps and mind-blowing adventures abound. Getting caught driving home naked after a tough day at work is just another day at the office for Dr. Melinda.

Ride along in the vet truck as this fearless vet confronts every obstacle that crosses her path while building a thriving veterinary practice with an all-female foundation. She prevails through a fractured skull, back surgery, rare zoonotic diseases, and other extreme challenges. With stubbornness and grit, she surpasses the expectations of adversaries, including her own father, to become the owner of a successful veterinary business and mother of an inquisitive, spirited young daughter.

Offering a firsthand glimpse into the fascinating world of veterinary medicine, Driving Home Naked is a smart, riveting, and heartfelt memoir that will captivate animal lovers and inspire people to follow their dreams on any scale. Buckle up for a wild ride.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Animals, Biography, Nature, Biography Memoir, Womens

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2023

Reviews

[Kelly Singletary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Honest, down-to-earth, humorous! Dr. Melinda’s stories of life in the country as a large animal vet bring fresh perspective and respect for our farmers who work hard to bring us food and for her work in our community doing a difficult job in a male-dominated profession. Her compassion for humans and animals is inspiring. Highly recommend reading this book!

[Katie LaVallee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read with many fun stories of a veterinarian working in rural Virginia! I loved how she showcased the grit and determination she had to make it as a large animal vet in a male dominated field, proving them wrong with her fun adventures and also showcasing how taxing the career can be.

[Farah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 stars. A fast read about a wild and unique career. I have a lot of respect for the author going into a career that is so physically taxing and so much in need. I read this book on a beach trip and the quick fast chapters worked for some brainless reading. I enjoy books about vets in general so thought it was an interesting enough read though I think the stories remain mostly surface level without a great deal of vulnerability or bigger themes brought together. Overall, I don't mind because just sharing the amazing work she is doing is enough and she's not got a career in writing. For those who want a more nuanced and artfully written book, there may be other vet books that are a better match.

[Allie Chartier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book I was really struck by what a good person Dr. Mcgall is. I think her experience definitely shows if you do good and give to your community and people they will do the same for you during your time of need. I really enjoyed reading about her experiences and what it’s like to live this type of life.

[Kaylee Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. I think this book opened my eyes a lot. It really showed the challenges that I never imagined as a vet. I think it showed how when you put enough work into something it does pay off and you feel rewarded. I really liked the writing style is well. It really wasnt a hard book to understand.

[Patricia Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made me laugh and cry a few times. You don't have to be interested in agriculture to enjoy this.

[Hilary Keys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not usually one for short stories, but grandma loaned it to me so I had to read it. I enjoyed the wild mucky stories of large animal vet life.

[Tasha Parrish · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun! And I finished this at 11:59 pm Dec 31st (it was the only way I could stay awake). I do love good vet stories. Critters are amazing.

[Cynthia McCulley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually loved the stories in this book, but the writing threw me off. At some point I was able to ignore the writing, but it is a shame this book wasn’t better edited as the stories are entertaining. And being a veterinarian was her calling!

[Rhaeann · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 2 stars is generous imo. Couldn’t even get to page 100. Each chapter is extremely short, with very little detail and they quickly become repetitive. Skip it if you know anything at all about veterinary medicine.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

just barely ok.

[Sandra Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a large animal vet, as opposed to a small animal vet; i.e. cattle, horses vs dogs, cats and is located in Virginia where I also live. The book includes stories bringing laughter and tears as the vet author navigates the familiar byways of central VA. My former southwest Virginia vet was both large and small animal vet, tended to all my animals and it was she who recommended this book. Whether one believes times are changing for the better or worse, quickly or slowly it's still a world where females have to work a tad harder and smarter to prove themselves. I appreciate female vets who, I believe, bring more empathy to the tasks than do a lot of males. There are challenges that both genders face but females, I believe, face them more. Not the least are the challenges presented by males to a female vet but Dr. Melinda is kind when dealing with obdurate males. Who can blame her for being a tot testy when faced with a smart aleck, or worse a frisky male, after a long day of physical, bone crushing labor. Perhaps using a cattle prod would have helped...
Vets see the best and the worst of people and some of the stories in this book could strip the soul of any tenderness but Dr. Melinda faces them head on, bringing relief to those she can and giving the last gift to those in need.
Driving Home Naked is a worthwhile read; for those who have animals, you'll nod knowingly and be even more appreciative of your vet. For those without the need of a vet, you'll be introduced to a life and lifestyle slowly disappearing. Large animal vets are few and far between with more students going after the big money and, dare I say it, easier money of small animal practice.
God bless Dr. Melinda and other large animal vets who practice with their hands what their heart demands.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad to have had the opportunity to read this book. It left me feeling good. I have thought about it often since finishing it. The authors life story is woven throughout the book, and I felt inspired by reading her story. I found this to be a beautiful testament to the hardworking men and women who work to care for their animals and to provide the rest of the country with meat, dairy and fiber as well as a testament to the equally beautiful and hardworking Melinda McCall.

I read the book in two and a half sittings, I had planned on reading it slower, thinking since it was short stories about her experiences I would be able to put it down. ( and get some work done). Not so, and eventually I just had to give into the book, if you know what i mean. I kept saying. “One more chapter”. The book is so well written that I could imagine myself riding along in the truck with her, taking in the beautiful Virginia scenery, on the way to a call, listening to her stories and thoughts about life. Many times while reading I laughed out loud, and, sometimes, I cried a bit. Reading the book will take you to the back roads of VA and introduce you to a host of characters, some Salt of the Earth type folks, some quite eccentric and some a combo. I can just picture sitting in a country kitchen, and drinking a cup of coffee with some of the farmers at the end of a successful visit. All the animal rescue people are truly hero’s .

This is the kind of book that you will want to gift to friends and family. I know that I have a list already. I plan to give it to my niece as it will show her the value of tenacity, and kindness. I do have to say some of the stories are quite descriptive about the medical aspect of caring for the animals. So if you are squeamish you may want to skim a few parts. This book, IMO, should be on the reading list for all veterinary students.

So, go ahead and treat yourself, get a copy and sit down and savor reading this wonderful book. I am so glad that i did.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st reading: This is a fascinating collection of anecdotes from the life of a female large animal veterinarian. The stories range from amusing to philosophical to outright shocking in some cases - both from the standpoint of how cruel real life can be to how backward some people's attitudes can still be in this day and age. Intellectually I know it hasn't been that long since women started participating in more male-dominated professions, such as large animal vets, but the condescension and disrespect this woman had to deal with - and still does to some extent - is maddening. (Although by the end of the book, the community's rallying around her while she dealt with some health issues was very heartening.)
One of the more interesting aspects of the book is seeing how different expectations are between treating human and animal patients. The author muses while waiting for a personal medical diagnosis, "I have never bitten or kicked anyone in the office or vomited or defecated on their floor. Yet they struggle to get me diagnosed and treated. Meanwhile, a vet might have to do a multi-stage athletic event to even get near their patient, then diagnose and treat them right on the spot—and knows the cost of every service and medication they provide." Just shows how out of touch with reality the medical profession is in many ways.
Having said that, I found the author's reluctance to get herself looked at and treated when it was blindingly obvious that she needed medical attention unfathomable. You would think someone with her education would know better.
The book's narrative reads slightly disjointed, a bit rough and ready, but overall is enjoyable.

[Deborah Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Driving Home Naked, Melinda shares the gritty details and heart-stopping adventures from her life as a large animal veterinarian. Growing up in rural Virginia, she helped her dad at the dairy farm and knew by age twelve she’d be a vet despite his attempts to discourage her.

In her fifteen-county practice, she’s unintimidated by the long hours and grueling work the job requires like venturing deep into a muddy field to help an expectant cow in trouble. When it avoids the owner’s lariat rope and heads into a glorified swamp, she strips down and enters the water to examine her patient then recruits a passing farmer to tractor out the buoyant bovine to save its life.

Whether you were raised on a farm or in the city like me, you’ll be amazed, entertained, and sometimes shocked by the extraordinary life of this tenacious doctor and single mother who works around the clock, through injury, illness, and her own pregnancy, to care for the animals she’s called to heal.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

As expected, Dr. McCall's book is reminiscent of the books written by one of my favorite authors, James Herriot, whom I idolized in my childhood and young adulthood. She tells of her experiences in a comical, yet heartfelt, way. Through her writing, the reader can tell how much she loves her job, her patients, and her clients. This book did not disappoint, and I can't wait to see what she produces in the future.

Melinda has been our farm vet since 2012, so I was very excited when she announced that she had a book coming out, and I couldn't wait to get a signed copy. I attended one of her book signings and, when she found out that I would be traveling near her hometown, she asked me to deliver a couple of cases of books to her parents. I was more than happy to oblige, and found her parents to be as kind and genuine as Melinda has always been to us. I feel so very fortunate to have an "old school" country vet to help when we need it.

[RH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for anyone, animal lover or otherwise. Dr Melinda tells her story in a fun and funny, down to earth way which makes this a book that is hard to put down, and over way too fast. From interesting people to animals doing things that are so unexpected that you know no one could make them up, this book is a great insight into the life of a modern large animal vet, never mind a female one. The individual chapters are like short stories that could stand alone, but putting them together has turned them into a great chronicle of a life well lived, and we should all feel honored to have been given the change to get this amazing glimpse of an incredible life led by an amazing person. This book is not just worth a read, it's probably worth 2 or 3 reads.
This is definitely on my best book of the year list.

[Joseph Dougherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Melinda McCall's book was a journey into the world of a dedicated, adventurous farm animal veterinarian that was impossible to put down. Her life experiences serving others are an inspiration and her humorous tales speak for themselves.

I grew up reading of James Herriot's adventures in the English countryside and I have no doubt that future generations will grow up reading of Melinda McCall's experiences in rural Virginia. This book will leave you dreaming of becoming a large animal veterinarian or prompting others to consider this vocation.

I'm looking forward to giving this book to several friends and family members; it will brighten their day, it will make them laugh, and increase their appreciation for the veterinarians and staff that take care of our nation's food production animals.

I hope there is a sequel to this book!

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir of a woman large animal veterinarian rural Virginia. It reminded me much of James Herriot's stories, with an endearing mix of personal anecdotes and animal disorders. Less funny, but still heartwarming.

It started off slow, though. I came close (about 25%) to giving up early on. But it got better and better and by the time she started describing a massive animal rescue it was hard to put down. It went all the way up through the Covid year and shortly after.

About the only thing I could have asked for was a little more detail in the descriptions. There's plenty of detail, but I wanted more. Like about how she felt, or about the animal issues. All the diagnoses seem to be short and sure--if she ever made any mistakes, I don't remember reading them. I would have enjoyed hearing her thought process as she came up with a treatment.

[Logan Kruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great and inspiring read. Reading this as a vet student, albeit a small animal tracker, I appreciated the unique view that only a veterinarian can give. While Food animal medicine is not my choice in life to pursue I have always admired the people who work in the industry. However, there were just so many things I did not know about being a Food animal vet and especially about the clients they serve. I think there is something to be learned in every story Dr. McCall tells and I have a new even greater appreciation at the communities that help provide food for all of us every day. She is inspiring to veterinarians, women, and mothers everywhere and i am really grateful she shared her stories.

[Andee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was well written and I learned more from it in the technical sense than I ever thought possible. I wouldn't have wanted to learn much of what I did. I had zero idea - ZERO - of just how disgusting much of the job of large animal vets can be. There is just untold amounts of poop, pee, and buckets of nasty, nasty fluids and all sorts of inner parts that can end up as outies with farm animals. I have always appreciated veterinarians and what they do. I now have a near saintly appreciation for them. They deserve so much more. There were obviously plenty of sweet and funny stories too. To Dr. Melinda and all of the veterinarians of the country out there, thank you.

[Courtney Maum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this heart warming, candid, and super inspirational book about a woman veterinarian's journey across the farmlands of rural Virginia. While I don't think the author intended this to be a feminist read necessarily, I found it super feminist and found myself cheering for all the times Dr. McCall put misogynists in their places. While this book is not necessarily for the faint of hearts (you'll learn a lot about prolapsed rectums!) it's written with earnestness, love and passion and will teach you so much about a little-celebrated trade-- one that is dangerous, time-consuming and intensely difficult. Highly recommend!

[Martha Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a new appreciation for veterinarians, especially ones with a heart of gold like Dr. Melinda. This such a great book sharing her struggles, successes and hope for the future. Her dedication to helping farmers and animal owners is inspiring. I couldn’t it put it down until I finished it.

I am so honored to know Dr. Melinda and know that anyone who reads this will feel the passion this woman brings to the profession. It will inspire you to always look for the bright side of a difficult situation and try and stay positive. Thank you for what you also do for the community in Central Virginia and your partnership and leadership with the CART team in dealing with a difficult situation.

[SarahJessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pre-ordered this gem because I saw ppl talking about it on Twitter, before Twitter descended into its current decayed form. I read lots of James Herriot as a kid animal lover, and as an adult animal lover, I hold the beloved veterinarians who have treated my animals in high esteem. If you aren't squeamish about raising animals for food, and you likewise actually enjoy some of the details, you will really enjoy this memoir. I only wish there were a little more of Melinda in it, in addition to the Dr. Melinda. But maybe that can happen in the next book, with the benefits of more time and distance from the events she will write about.

[Laura C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of stories- not sure if they are the best or worst advertisement for large animal vet school, but it does demonstrate that there is no typical day for a veterinarian! These stories are, of course, centered around animals, but speak to family, community, and friendship. The author has a clear passion for her work and describes what it is like to pursue your dream while dealing with obstacles, surprises and hardships. She speaks honestly about the challenges, but also lets us laugh with her at some of her exploits. All in all a fun read and one I very much want to share.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know, you know, and if you don't know? You're in for a wild ride.

For those in agriculture, or rural veterinary medicine, you're going to relate to what's inside, maybe more than you like, but it's fine because you're going to laugh about it, too. If neither of those categories fit you, then be prepared to learn some things that might disturb you, but that you'll also find funny, too. It's a field that takes grit for sure, but you'll get so many good stories out of it like MG proves. It may not be James Herriot, but it's a fantastic read all the same.

[Doretha · Rating 4 out of 5]

God bless her determination. Just like Dr Pol whom I loved to watch. I do feel awful that she had such a hard time making ends meet while working full time. I know being a Vet. Is difficult work especially being a large animal Vet. With as hard as she worked and long hours it just did not feel fair that it was so difficult to pay off her loans and afford housing.
This is one reason why many people are not choosing to pursue Professions that will run up student loan debt and will take a very long time to make ends meet.

[Christie Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book because Will knows the author (she's from his part of the country), but with that having been said, this is a great book full of great animal stories from a large-animal vet, and I would have said that even if Will didn't know the author! There was no part of this book I didn't enjoy. If every animal professional in the world wrote books about their jobs, I would happily read all of them forever.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and educational biographical audio book. McCall is a large animal vet in Louisa County, Virginia. A woman in a male-dominated field, she has mastered the ability to do the work she loves while educating and inspiring others through her expertise, passion, and grit. Dr. Melinda is passionate about agricultural education and loves giving back to her community.

Sort of an American version of "All Creatues Great and Small."

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really enjoyable book. Being a large animal vet gives new meaning to expect the unexpected.
You can't do this job without grit, determination and a sense of humor. With every "misadventure" Melinda proves that she has it all when dealing with animals that have their own agenda, colorful clientele and some sticky situations. Highly Recommend!!