What do you think?
Rate this book
The Vet 1: my wild and wonderful friends
Fresh out of university Luke joins a mixed practice in Dorset, run by the stern but benevolent Mr Spotswode and is quickly thrust into the real world of veterinary medicine: truculent farmers, out-of-hours-surgery, nasty biting squirrels, operating on frog's eyeballs and some of the harsher facts of farming life like dealing with an outbreak of foot and mouth and subsequent slaughter. Luke's dream is to set up on his own and find his place in the world. These things, however, are never quite straightforward. Across the course of this memoir, the young vet not only learns much about his trade, but about his own character - and develops a group of close friends - both animal and human - who will stay with his across his career. The most important of these is Cordelia - the woman of his dreams - his quest to win her heart is a marathon!
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2011
37 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Luke Gamble
10 books4 followersLuke qualified from Bristol University in 1999 and undertook a post graduate scholarship in large animal medicine and surgery at Cambridge University. ALthough primarily a mixed practice vet and based in his New Forest surgery, Pilgrims Veterinary Practice, he is also the founder of the international animal charity Worldwide Veterinary Service (www.wvs.org.uk). His voluntary work with WVS takes him all over the world, helping animals in extreme situations in places where there are no veterinary resources, and was the subject of two TV series on Sky 1. Luke also runs a pet travel company called PetAir UK.
Luke is a black belt in karate, an ironman triathlete and has run 152miles across the Sahara to raise money for his charity in the gruelling marathon des sables. In 2010, Luke was voted by the profession to be the recipient of the BSAVA Alf Wight Memorial Award (James Herriot Award). This is given to one vet in the UK annually for outstanding contributions in the field of animal welfare.
Luke is married to Cordelia (also a vet) and lives in the New Forest with their two children (soon to be three!), a ridgeback and a bossy rescue cat called Charlie.
Luke is a black belt in karate, an ironman triathlete and has run 152miles across the Sahara to raise money for his charity in the gruelling marathon des sables. In 2010, Luke was voted by the profession to be the recipient of the BSAVA Alf Wight Memorial Award (James Herriot Award). This is given to one vet in the UK annually for outstanding contributions in the field of animal welfare.
Luke is married to Cordelia (also a vet) and lives in the New Forest with their two children (soon to be three!), a ridgeback and a bossy rescue cat called Charlie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 18, 2019
“I love being a vet. I knew I wanted to become one from about the age of ten and never looked back or doubted my choice of career. It’s a privilege to look after people’s pets, to earn the trust of the animals – and there is a huge satisfaction in championing those without a voice.”
Luke Gamble
Luke Gamble, the author of this book tells the “story of his tumultuous first year” in a mixed practice in the West Country.
Straight of out college, Luke is thrust into the real world. Life is not easy; he has so much to learn and so much to do.
The author is extraordinarily energetic. In addition to his regular job in the practice, he would also start an emergency service; his vacations were international trips to help poor animals. He would also run 152 miles across the Sahara to raise money for an animal charity and impress his future wife.
During his tenure, the author would help a wide variety of pets; deal with different types of characters, both nice and unsavory. There are some hilarious events in the book.
The book is very well written and though it is usually shelved as humor, certain parts were poignant and even tragic.
The author wanted to help and help animals, but the Foot and Mouth outbreak in the UK would force him to cull animals. Duty trumped his natural instincts and it took a heavy emotional toll. But, nothing could dampen his spirits and he would go on helping the animals to the best of his abilities.
Overall, a wonderful book. I loved it, and despite the tragic events it was a comfort read for me. The tone of the narrative of is friendly and smooth, and you wouldn't even realize how time would fly by. Highly recommended!
Luke Gamble
Luke Gamble, the author of this book tells the “story of his tumultuous first year” in a mixed practice in the West Country.
Straight of out college, Luke is thrust into the real world. Life is not easy; he has so much to learn and so much to do.
The author is extraordinarily energetic. In addition to his regular job in the practice, he would also start an emergency service; his vacations were international trips to help poor animals. He would also run 152 miles across the Sahara to raise money for an animal charity and impress his future wife.
During his tenure, the author would help a wide variety of pets; deal with different types of characters, both nice and unsavory. There are some hilarious events in the book.
The book is very well written and though it is usually shelved as humor, certain parts were poignant and even tragic.
The author wanted to help and help animals, but the Foot and Mouth outbreak in the UK would force him to cull animals. Duty trumped his natural instincts and it took a heavy emotional toll. But, nothing could dampen his spirits and he would go on helping the animals to the best of his abilities.
Overall, a wonderful book. I loved it, and despite the tragic events it was a comfort read for me. The tone of the narrative of is friendly and smooth, and you wouldn't even realize how time would fly by. Highly recommended!
June 20, 2014
Veterinář a spol. je nádherná knížka, která mě chytla už od první stránky :)
Miluju zvířátka, takže tahle knížka pro mě byla jasnou volbou. Jsou tu scény, u kterých se budete smát, ale i scény, ze kterých budete smutní. Já si knížku užila celou a i když jsem někdy neměla daleko k slzám (zvlášť, když jsem četla pasáž o psím útulku v Řecku), tak vím, že si knížku někdy přečtu ještě jednou- hrozně moc ráda! :-)
Takže za mě jedině doporučení, mimochodem Luke je opravdu báječná postava a zrovna ho bych hrozně ráda potkala i v reálu (což je velmi nepravděpodobné, takže aspoň budu s radostí číst všechny jeho knihy :))
Kdybyste chtěli, můžete se kouknout i na mou videorecenzi: http://knihankov.blogspot.cz/2014/06/...
Miluju zvířátka, takže tahle knížka pro mě byla jasnou volbou. Jsou tu scény, u kterých se budete smát, ale i scény, ze kterých budete smutní. Já si knížku užila celou a i když jsem někdy neměla daleko k slzám (zvlášť, když jsem četla pasáž o psím útulku v Řecku), tak vím, že si knížku někdy přečtu ještě jednou- hrozně moc ráda! :-)
Takže za mě jedině doporučení, mimochodem Luke je opravdu báječná postava a zrovna ho bych hrozně ráda potkala i v reálu (což je velmi nepravděpodobné, takže aspoň budu s radostí číst všechny jeho knihy :))
Kdybyste chtěli, můžete se kouknout i na mou videorecenzi: http://knihankov.blogspot.cz/2014/06/...
May 15, 2016
Zvěrolékař a spol. je určitě kouzelná knížka. Nabízí se sice srovnání s knihami Jamese Herriota, které se mi líbily více, ale každý z těchto autorů píše na trochu odlišné téma. Jiná doba, jiné problémy...
May 17, 2022
Ocena: 4
Wrażenia: Weterynarze zawsze mają ciekawe historie do opowiedzenia!
Dla kogo: Sam autor przyznaje że inspirował się Harriettem, jeśli znacie i kochacie jego książki (i zwierzaki), to bierzcie.
Wrażenia: Weterynarze zawsze mają ciekawe historie do opowiedzenia!
Dla kogo: Sam autor przyznaje że inspirował się Harriettem, jeśli znacie i kochacie jego książki (i zwierzaki), to bierzcie.
August 11, 2020
I found this book in one of many tbr piles and as it was hardback thought I'd read it next to get more space and I wasn't disappointed.
I've always been a fan of the James Herriot novels and as this was focused on the real life experiences of modern day vet Luke Gamble it was a really enjoyable read. Luke has patched together different episodes of his life into this novel and there were genuine laugh out loud moments of some of his antics....even more funny when you consider them to be real.
Love the fact that the woman he tries to woo is now his wife in real life and lovely to learn more about his world wildlife vet service.
I've always been a fan of the James Herriot novels and as this was focused on the real life experiences of modern day vet Luke Gamble it was a really enjoyable read. Luke has patched together different episodes of his life into this novel and there were genuine laugh out loud moments of some of his antics....even more funny when you consider them to be real.
Love the fact that the woman he tries to woo is now his wife in real life and lovely to learn more about his world wildlife vet service.
February 1, 2020
Jako, że świat medycyny weterynaryjnej jest mi bardzo bliski, ta książka bardzo przypadła mi do gustu. Wielokrotnie uśmiechnęłam się pod nosem, pożerając kolejne strony. Jedna książka potrafi również wzruszyć i zmusić do przemyśleń na wiele zwierzęcych tematów. Jak dla mnie jedyną wadą tej książki jest dość nieudolne tłumaczenie na język polski ( Jak czytałam o "ropie w stopie u konia" to aż parsknęłam śmiechem) Polecam te książkę każdemu przyszłemu lekarzowi weterynarii, jak i każdemu miłośnikowi zwierząt.
January 18, 2025
Stunning is the best way to describe this true tale of exploits by Luke Gamble, a gifted vet who surely lives up to his name. Whether a pseudonym or not, (I’m not sure), but check out the synonyms in Word Hippo for his last name: adventure, uncertainty, risky action, leap in the dark, leap of faith and see for yourself if they fit.
An emergency after hours service, daytime vet job, setting up a global animal care charity, a week long race across the Sahara Desert: these things make sleep and a social life a challenge.
It would not surprise me if ancestry.com or the like someday reports that this man is related to James Herriot.
A modern day James Herriot.
An emergency after hours service, daytime vet job, setting up a global animal care charity, a week long race across the Sahara Desert: these things make sleep and a social life a challenge.
It would not surprise me if ancestry.com or the like someday reports that this man is related to James Herriot.
A modern day James Herriot.
August 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I expect some of it was played up for drama and humour, and I would have liked more of the work back in the UK rather than neutering dogs in various countries around the world, but a very easy and enjoyable read.
March 19, 2018
I dropped in and out of this book as I was reading several others at the same time.
I liked it though, it is well written and has a nice friendly style with the emphasis on the people and animals without too much professional jargon.
A good read as a holiday book light hearted and upbeat.
I liked it though, it is well written and has a nice friendly style with the emphasis on the people and animals without too much professional jargon.
A good read as a holiday book light hearted and upbeat.
September 24, 2018
If you don't mind reading about animals dying this is the book for you. It kinda dragged in the middle after the foot and mouth disease part, but overall it was an okay book.
December 9, 2022
Great read. Very interesting.
February 18, 2015
Lurvley and heart-warming
August 8, 2016
Brilliant James Herriot for the nighties with all the emotions of animal life
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews