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Lucky Dog: How Being a Veterinarian Saved My Life
What happens when a veterinary surgical oncologist (laymen’s term: cancer surgery doctor) thinks she has cancer herself? Enter Sarah Boston: a vet who suspects a suspicious growth in her neck is thyroid cancer. From the moment she uses her husband’s portable ultrasound machine to investigate her lump — he’s a vet, too — it’s clear Lucky Dog is not your typical cancer memoir. She takes us on a hysterical and thought-provoking journey through the human healthcare system from the perspective of an animal doctor. Weaving funny and poignant stories of dogs she’s treated along the way, this is an insightful memoir about what the human medical world can learn from the way we treat our canine counterparts. Lucky Dog teaches us to trust our instincts, be our own advocates, and laugh while we’re doing it.
312 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2014
27 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 7, 2014
There are no words for how much I love this book. It made me laugh out loud, it made me cry, it made me think and reflect. It made me nostalgic for my first clinic job by reminding me of the senseless task of washing and autoclaving syringes. It made me nostalgic for my time at Guelph. Reading thia book gave me all of the feels.
I am recommending this book to everyone - if you are a veterinarian, if you work in veterinary medicine, if you are a pet owner, or a Canadian who has dealt with our health care system, of if you are someone who has had cancer touch your life... then there will be a moment in this book that will resonate with you.
If you are all of these things, then you will have a hard time putting this book down and possibly neglect your household chores for a couple days. Just a heads up.
I am recommending this book to everyone - if you are a veterinarian, if you work in veterinary medicine, if you are a pet owner, or a Canadian who has dealt with our health care system, of if you are someone who has had cancer touch your life... then there will be a moment in this book that will resonate with you.
If you are all of these things, then you will have a hard time putting this book down and possibly neglect your household chores for a couple days. Just a heads up.
November 5, 2022
First off I would like to say "Jesus in a white coat" you are not Dr. Sarah. I don't usually read autobiography but excited when I saw this in the library as my Coding instructor had mentioned it in conversation (she had just started reading it at the time) I found Dr. Sarah to have a huge ego, she is quite full of herself and I find it interesting that everyone on her circle has seemed to have had an awful to terrible experience with the human health care system. I have worked in a Toronto hospital for over 20 years and have never heard of the hoops that she and especially Lulu had to jump through. I have seen people go into the ER leave with a ultrasound and blood work to return to the ER the next day for results to leaving with a specialist appointment in hand to having surgery to interventions within the month.
At the start of the novel she complains that the human health care system should be more like the animal system. Need I remind you Dr. Sarah that here in Canada you do not "pay" for healthcare the same way you pay for a vet. You are at the mercy of understaffed health care workers and the tax payers dollar. Good thing you moved to Florida and you can now pay out of pocket for the precious commodity however need I remind you that America's most vulnerable are at a disadvantage and that only the top 15 percent of Americans can "afford" healthcare. Canadian's are fortunate believe it or not, no one seems to truly understand that healthcare costs the government and therefore the tax payers. But at least the single mother who's child has Lyme's disease would be treated in Canada and not overlooked because mom does not have enough dollars.
At the start of the novel she complains that the human health care system should be more like the animal system. Need I remind you Dr. Sarah that here in Canada you do not "pay" for healthcare the same way you pay for a vet. You are at the mercy of understaffed health care workers and the tax payers dollar. Good thing you moved to Florida and you can now pay out of pocket for the precious commodity however need I remind you that America's most vulnerable are at a disadvantage and that only the top 15 percent of Americans can "afford" healthcare. Canadian's are fortunate believe it or not, no one seems to truly understand that healthcare costs the government and therefore the tax payers. But at least the single mother who's child has Lyme's disease would be treated in Canada and not overlooked because mom does not have enough dollars.
July 1, 2015
This book was just plain awful. I'm still not sure why I read the whole thing, other than it was an easy read. All Sarah does is complain: about her doctor, about the Canadian medical system, about people that have a different life than she does, about how she knows better than the doctors. It becomes really irritating. But if you imagine her saying how she knows best in a really sarcastic voice, it makes it tolerable.
I was hoping this would be a nice book about dogs. I was very wrong.
I was hoping this would be a nice book about dogs. I was very wrong.
December 30, 2015
Hard one to rate. The story kept me interested and I guess I enjoyed reading the book. But man oh man I was not a fan of the author. She made herself seem like she was very arrogant, full of herself, and selfish. And as someone well versed in the human medical practice I wasn't pleased that she pretty much dissed every single physician she was in contact with. One example, " I don't feel that physicians take the same amount of time to explain to their patients what is happening as I do for my clients." Well excuse us human physicians for all being such horrible people. Really Dr. Boston you feel that you are so much better than physicians and that all physicians are that bad?? Come on. Also, after complaining through the whole book about the Canadian medical system, the one time she gets something to happen early (moving up of her 2nd surgery), all she does is complain! I could not believe it when I read this. Anyways, I must say it was nice to read that someone actually likes the American medical system I guess. I did enjoy the stories about the wonderful dogs she took care of.
November 29, 2016
This isn't going to be an uplifting, full of hope book about cancer. Having cancer sucks, but I think having cancer and knowing exactly what it was doing to you would be even worse. Dealing with the pressures and constraints of the Canadian medical teams seems even more drastic; but having dealt with doctors that either don't believe your symptoms, reassure you with 'probably' or completely ignore you I have a tiny understanding of what this must have felt like, minus the whole cancer can kill you scenario.
I also really responded to the dry, sarcastic tone this book is written in; perhaps because my own tone is dry and bitter at most times also. The front describes it as humorous; perhaps, but it is more a dark humor, not a laugh out loud kind. I felt like there was nothing Sarah wouldn't confront, from bowel movement to openly assessing her care and regime before and after surgery. This is a very honest book.
With the cute dog and smiling woman on the cover, perhaps I went in expecting a lighter toned novel, but I enjoyed what I got. It was refreshing and real and was a stark reminder of the evil of cancer. Four stars.
I also really responded to the dry, sarcastic tone this book is written in; perhaps because my own tone is dry and bitter at most times also. The front describes it as humorous; perhaps, but it is more a dark humor, not a laugh out loud kind. I felt like there was nothing Sarah wouldn't confront, from bowel movement to openly assessing her care and regime before and after surgery. This is a very honest book.
With the cute dog and smiling woman on the cover, perhaps I went in expecting a lighter toned novel, but I enjoyed what I got. It was refreshing and real and was a stark reminder of the evil of cancer. Four stars.
January 12, 2016
The back cover says, "A hilarious and heartwarming memoir about what our most beloved pets can teach us about health care and ourselves." That's what I expected to read but as others have reviewed, not what we got. It is, indeed, a memoir about a vet's own experience with her cancer and the Ontario health care system. I appreciate that her own medical knowledge made her a great advocate for her own treatment, and her assertion that privately-paid health care in Florida (for people) and everywhere for pets can deliver faster health care service, but that's not why I decided to read the book. I wasn't so interested in her cancer care narrative. I enjoyed the stories about pets and their people.
October 6, 2015
As my sister had the same thyroid cancer 4 years ago, I was interested in this book. The author is funny at times. She describes well the frustration of waiting for diagnosis and treatment. On the one hand, my sister's cancer was discovered early by a intuitive general physician. On the other hand, when the cancer was growing again in her neck lymph nodes, all of her doctors said it was 'nothing' until she insisted that she have an ultrasound. The author has great compassion for animals and I enjoyed her writing style.
April 30, 2018
The story of an oncology surgeon/vet who is diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Since she was in Canada, her treatment was agonizingly slow. Ironically she treated dogs for the same cancer and their turn around was in days rather than months.
July 11, 2014
Although I did not personally like the way the author portrayed herself in this autobiography (I am also a veterinarian, and let's just say she's a very stereotypical surgeon), I do think she did a great job explaining some of the challenges associated with socialized medicine here in Canada, particularly with cancer treatment (although in all fairness, some of the inadequacies in her particular case was more because of the actual doctors and nurses she dealt with, as opposed to shortcomings in the system itself, and I have many friends and family that have had expedited care and wonderful physicians and nurses). I do agree that in the US, the rich and people with good insurance plans do tend to get much more rapid care and often have more therapies and drugs available to them, but I believe a good part of that is because there are so many people that can't afford to get even the most basic of care, that the demand is so much lower. And I strongly believe that our socialized medicine has contributed to a vast misunderstanding here in Canada of what the cost of health care is, both for ourselves and our pets. It always frustrates me to here how many people go to their doctors and even the emergency room for common cold viruses, and how greatly our emergency rooms are often plugged up with "emergencies" that could be seen by their own physician or a walk-in clinic (many of which are open extended hours), simply because it may be more convenient, yet actually costs the government a greatly higher fee. Because most people do not understand these true costs of health care, we veterinarians are seen as money-grubbing and heartless, because we need to pay our bills. Dr. Boston does touch on this quite regularly through the book. And the many stories of her patients and her own pets intermixed with her own story are very touching; not only because it reminds me of my own patients, but also because I just lost my own beloved cat (seen in my profile picture) to intestinal cancer despite aggressive therapy. Overall, I do think this book is worth the read.
May 26, 2017
This is a surprisingly chatty and quick-paced read about a Canadian veterinarian's frustrating experiences with the Canadian Health Care system. Dr. Sarah Boston, a veterinary oncologist-surgeon, essentially diagnosed her own thyroid cancer but had one heck of a time getting specialists to do the same. The book covers Boston's cancer journey, comparing and contrasting it with the experiences of the companion-animal cancer patients she sees, treats, and operates on. In general, companion animals--at least those whose owners have the financial wherewithal--fare better. Boston's book is also a reflection on mortality--her own and pets'.
While I can usually read about the medical challenges of humans without becoming too upset, any suffering of animals mostly makes me want to look away. Boston's light exuberant tone helped me get through the parts of the text that discuss the health challenges of dogs and cats.
Boston's book also provides some interesting information for pet owners. A number of cancers in our canine and feline friends actually are treatable through surgery and chemotherapy. Cancer, she indicates, is not always a death sentence, and many animals do actually fare remarkably well.
Included in Lucky Dog are some general comparisons of the Canadian and American medical systems, as Dr. Boston is now working in Florida, having left the University of Guelph in Ontario.
This is an interesting hybrid memoir--part cancer journey memoir, part collection of anecdotes about pets and their cancer journeys.
It's worth reading.
While I can usually read about the medical challenges of humans without becoming too upset, any suffering of animals mostly makes me want to look away. Boston's light exuberant tone helped me get through the parts of the text that discuss the health challenges of dogs and cats.
Boston's book also provides some interesting information for pet owners. A number of cancers in our canine and feline friends actually are treatable through surgery and chemotherapy. Cancer, she indicates, is not always a death sentence, and many animals do actually fare remarkably well.
Included in Lucky Dog are some general comparisons of the Canadian and American medical systems, as Dr. Boston is now working in Florida, having left the University of Guelph in Ontario.
This is an interesting hybrid memoir--part cancer journey memoir, part collection of anecdotes about pets and their cancer journeys.
It's worth reading.
May 22, 2015
I have to admit, when I first started reading this book, the author's tone and attitude annoyed me at times. I wondered if I was going to enjoy this book enough to want to continue reading it. I am glad I did.
The author's issues in getting the treatment she needed was unbelievable. What made it more ironic is the fact that if she was one of her veterinary patients, she would seem to receive better service and care in a shorter time frame.
I loved the stories of animals she had treated and was shocked that she seemed to receive better health care in the US, than what she did in her native Canada. Not what I expected to read.
In the end this was a really enjoyable book. I recommend it
The author's issues in getting the treatment she needed was unbelievable. What made it more ironic is the fact that if she was one of her veterinary patients, she would seem to receive better service and care in a shorter time frame.
I loved the stories of animals she had treated and was shocked that she seemed to receive better health care in the US, than what she did in her native Canada. Not what I expected to read.
In the end this was a really enjoyable book. I recommend it
June 29, 2016
Although we do not live in Canada I believe our Medicare system was modelled on the Canadian system. It certainly mirrors those difficulties highlighted in this book. Where in the private system any comment or criticism is most likely welcomed (if not corrected) in the 'social' system is is usually met with a defensive attitude and no change. I agree hospital staff could learn a great deal from the patient and owner care provided by a good veterinarian.
April 8, 2015
I found the veterinarian sections very interesting, being a person who might question giving a pet cancer treatment. I did find the author's experiences sad, but not representative of many people's cancer journeys. I hope that all her trash talking made her feel better - time to move on and hope there are no law suits. Sounds like the US is a much better fit for her.
August 9, 2015
This book definitely lives up to the description on the back cover: "it's clear this will not be your typical cancer memoir". Refreshingly honest, open, enlightening, hilarious, life-affirming, and heartwarming without being overly sentimental. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting. Loved it.
October 17, 2016
I really wanted to like this book. I normally love dog books, fiction or otherwise. I simply couldn't like the author. I found her to be frustrating. Maybe it's just me, but I really struggled to empathize with her. The takeaway for me is that you really have to do your research and be your own advocate when navigating the Canadian health care system.
July 18, 2014
I was excited to read this as my sister used to work with Dr. Boston and she raved about this book. Although I'm not in the field, I loved it too - hilarious, informative, heart breaking and honest...very well done!
October 25, 2014
The book jacket says it's hilarious - no. There are moments of humor. It was worth reading for one woman's perspective on a) the experience of having a cancer that is relatively treatable and b) the Canadian health care system. I finished it but would not recommend it.
July 2, 2016
An honest voice regarding cancer, our relationship to it as a society, medical care, and veterinary care. Very readable. Entertaining and thought provoking.
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November 5, 2019
I loved this book. I didn’t find the author to have a huge ego or complain a lot (as mentioned in other reviews). I found her to be brutally honest and in touch with reality, especially what takes places in the medical field. She knows her stuff and tells it like it is.
October 5, 2014
Veterinarians treat their cancer patients better and with more compassion than human doctors treat theirs.
September 5, 2014
Gainesville veterinarian. Interesting study of the Canadian health care system as well as the differences in how our own doctors could sometimes learn something from our pets' doctors.
October 14, 2014
Wonderful touching story. Laughed and cried equally.
October 10, 2021
Interesting - really enjoyed the look inside a specialist vet’s practice. I thought the author was trying to make a subtle point that having to use the Canadian health system was similar to the choices a pet owner with limited means might have. Dr. Boston had an absolutely horrible experience with the Canadian health care system as she battled not just her cancer but the Canadian system to get the treatment she needed and wanted.
She had a GP not up on the latest research, entitled and dismissive specialists, rude and grim receptionists, and (I can hardly believe this, knowing as many nurses as I do) mean and nasty nurses. I mean, I can understand one nurse being cranky at the end of a long shift, but she had several who were just out and out nasty and horrible - and one that seemed to try to deliberately thwart her treatment.
I’ve only been in the health system for big things a few times and I’ve never had anything like the totally grim experiences Dr. Boston recounts. But, I’ve heard from others who have.
Reflecting upon this book I found it a bit surprising that Dr. Boston didn’t take her treatment directly to the US. Initially I thought her financial resources wouldn’t stretch to the US system, but in the end she did end up in America (but with health insurance from the employer). However, given how poorly she was treated in Canada, I’m surprised - like many of the owners of her patients - she didn’t move heave and earth to get good treatment along with a good outcome.
She had a GP not up on the latest research, entitled and dismissive specialists, rude and grim receptionists, and (I can hardly believe this, knowing as many nurses as I do) mean and nasty nurses. I mean, I can understand one nurse being cranky at the end of a long shift, but she had several who were just out and out nasty and horrible - and one that seemed to try to deliberately thwart her treatment.
I’ve only been in the health system for big things a few times and I’ve never had anything like the totally grim experiences Dr. Boston recounts. But, I’ve heard from others who have.
Reflecting upon this book I found it a bit surprising that Dr. Boston didn’t take her treatment directly to the US. Initially I thought her financial resources wouldn’t stretch to the US system, but in the end she did end up in America (but with health insurance from the employer). However, given how poorly she was treated in Canada, I’m surprised - like many of the owners of her patients - she didn’t move heave and earth to get good treatment along with a good outcome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2024
I think this is the one and only book by the author. It tells the true tale of a vet who treats dogs with cancer and one day discovers that she a mass in her neck. Given her experience with cancer in dogs, she is immediately sure that it has the potential to be cancer and it is.
The autobiography shows an interesting comparison to the process that she would go through with dogs versus what happened to her as a human cancer patient. Luckily, she is a good advocate for herself and knows the questions to ask and what next steps she should push for.
Through her words, I found the author to be likeable, funny, and honest. Her account of what happened is very relatable. She talks about the emotions she felt, the roller coast of not knowing and then knowing, going through surgery, and the good and bad doctors that she had to deal with. At the end of the book, she has successfully gone through treatment and is a cancer survivor.
I liked this book.
The autobiography shows an interesting comparison to the process that she would go through with dogs versus what happened to her as a human cancer patient. Luckily, she is a good advocate for herself and knows the questions to ask and what next steps she should push for.
Through her words, I found the author to be likeable, funny, and honest. Her account of what happened is very relatable. She talks about the emotions she felt, the roller coast of not knowing and then knowing, going through surgery, and the good and bad doctors that she had to deal with. At the end of the book, she has successfully gone through treatment and is a cancer survivor.
I liked this book.
September 22, 2019
A dog story, a cancer story,, a meditation, all in one!
I don't remember how I first found this book, but the title grabbed me first. Then, I did love dogs, their veterinarians, Canadians, and I too am a cancer survivor (we always manage to work that in...). I loved everything about it: the inside stories of treating dogs with cancer, the truly horrible experience of cancer treatment, even with the best possible outcome, but most of all the fact that the author made it through with her sense of humor and her priorities intact. This book brought me joy. It really did.
I don't remember how I first found this book, but the title grabbed me first. Then, I did love dogs, their veterinarians, Canadians, and I too am a cancer survivor (we always manage to work that in...). I loved everything about it: the inside stories of treating dogs with cancer, the truly horrible experience of cancer treatment, even with the best possible outcome, but most of all the fact that the author made it through with her sense of humor and her priorities intact. This book brought me joy. It really did.
May 23, 2023
It’s weird rating memoirs. This book made me sad because of all the bad things that can happen to a pet, but I also wanted to read more about the pets. I honestly didn’t care for the arrogant author, who literally called herself Jesus in a white coat. Puhlease…
August 6, 2025
The book contrasts the medical care the author received for a lump on her neck with the much superior care that she renders to dogs with the same issue. An interesting critique of the Canadian healthcare system, but it wasn't what I expected and didn't really work for me.
July 15, 2017
Really enjoyed. Being a dog person, enjoyed her sense of humor and how she related dog stories.
March 3, 2020
This book had some insightful observations but I found it was mostly a lot of complaining about the Canadian healthcare system.
January 20, 2022
As a veterinary specialist (but not surgeon) this book was a very good read. It’s not likely for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews