Tales of a Pet Vet: Stories from the Clinic and House Calls

by Dawn Filos, Jennifer McCool (Narrator)

In stories tailor-made for pet lovers, a seasoned veterinarian shares her good, bad, and messy days on the job—and highlights the undeniable magic of the human-animal bond.

Dr. Dawn Filos has always had a passion for animals—and with a lot of hard work and perseverance, she turned that passion into a career. Here, with emotional honesty, Dr. Dawn shares her colorful, memorable journey from nervous novice to seasoned, self-assured doctor. This modern-day James Herriot ultimately finds her niche as a house-call vet, where she creates a way to practice on her own terms with the privilege of unique, intimate access into the homes and lives of her beloved patients and their human families.

Sometimes heartwarming, sometimes sad, and often hilarious, Tales of a Pet Vet will resonate deeply with pet lovers everywhere.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Animals, Biography Memoir, Dogs

9 pages, Audiobook

Published October 8, 2024

About the author

Dr. Dawn Filos grew up in New Jersey in a family of eccentric animal lovers, preparing her for a lifelong career spent with like-minded pet people. She was a veterinarian in Pennsylvania for over thirty years. After retiring, she realized a decades-long dream to add “pet portraitist” to her list of talents; she also blogs at drdawnthepetvet.com. She now splits her time between Scottsdale, Arizona, and East Hampton, New York, where she pursues her art and enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and spending time at the beach.

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In stories tailor-made for pet lovers, a seasoned veterinarian shares her good, bad, and messy days on the job—and highlights the undeniable magic of the human-animal bond.

TITLE: TALES OF A PET VET
AUTHOR: Dr Dawn Filos
PUB DATE: 10.08.2024

Dr. Dawn Filos has always had a passion for animals—and with a lot of hard work and perseverance, she turned that passion into a career. Here, with emotional honesty, Dr. Dawn shares her colorful, memorable journey from nervous novice to seasoned, self-assured doctor.

THOUGHTS:

Dr Dawn Filos and her more than thirty years experience shares her incredible, unique, and extraordinary stories of her life as a house call vet, the fur babies, and their pet parents. As a nurse working in the emergency department, I love seeing the similarities - expect to never know what your day will be like, and guarantee that there will always be something new to learn.

Dr Filos not only shares her experience in a very easy to understand and light hearted way, but how she incorporates important topics for pet parents such as the pet emergencies, the use and safety of western vs alternative medicine, pet trusts, process of euthanasia, and for anyone that may want to consider being a vet as a career.

Overall, this is such an amazing book that had heart, humor, and house calls! I learned so much as a pet parent - this book is invaluable. It also makes for a perfect gift for any pet parent.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Dr. Dawn Filos wrote Tales of a Pet Vet, a nonfiction book. It is her debut novel. It’s a collection of real-life stories from her thirty plus year career as a pet veterinarian. I enjoyed reading about her unique and remarkable experiences as a house-call vet as well as her life.

The book shows her love of all animals. It was delightful to read her experiences and understand what she went through in her own words. She is a natural storyteller.

Overall, this is a wonderful novel full of heart, some sadness, and humor! As a pet parent, I learned a lot, and this book is really invaluable! I definitely suggest it to anybody who owns a pet or has ever loved one. You will not regret it!

Thank you to the author Dr. Dawn Filos and Get Red PR for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Camelia Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

A vet recounts her stories as a vet. Dr. Dawn Filos is an American veterinarian doctor who treats small pets, mostly cats and dogs, instead of large animals such as horses and cows. I read James Herriot’s All Creatures Great And Small a few years ago and loved it. This book is quick read, enjoyable enough, but it could have been so much better. She has great materials but the book is structured poorly and the writing bland.

[Hannah Mullan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tales of a Pet Vet: Stories from the Clinic and House Calls by Dr. Dawn Filos was such an enriching read, and I’m so grateful for it. Animals have always been the true love of my life, and this book gave me an insider’s view of a profession I’ve often wondered about. I’ve sometimes imagined what my life would have looked like if I had pursued veterinary science, but reading about Dr. Filos’ experiences reaffirmed how challenging this path can be. While I deeply admire the skill set and dedication vets have, I don’t envy the difficult duties they must perform, such as euthanasia. I cry just seeing a stray cat on the side of the road—I can’t imagine handling that kind of responsibility daily.

This book has inspired me to explore how I can contribute to helping animals in my community, whether that’s assisting at shelters, joining a trap-and-release program, or working with local reunion crews to reunite lost pets with their families.

When I saw this book on the shelf at Swamp Fox, I immediately knew I needed to read it. It didn’t sit on my TBR for more than a few minutes before I dove in. At first, I limited myself to two chapters a day, but I quickly fell in love with Dr. Filos’ relatable tone, her humor, and her sensitivity toward both her animal patients and their human families. This book reminded me that being a vet involves caring for people just as much as animals.

Dr. Filos takes readers through her journey, starting with her childhood love of animals, the grueling challenges of vet school and internships, and her early career in clinics. I found her stories as a house-call vet particularly fascinating—funny, annoying, and heartbreaking moments all mixed together. I even teared up a couple of times while reading.

One chapter that stuck with me focused on senior citizens as pet parents. It was equal parts sweet and tragic, and I learned about pet trusts—plans to care for pets if their owners pass away. While I was hoping to find a story about feline epilepsy (my 9-year-old cat, Mouse, was recently diagnosed), I still walked away with so much knowledge.

This book opened my eyes to a wide range of topics, from alternative medicines and surgeries to the care of small animals and exotics. It also touched on the legal aspects of pet ownership and the incredible lengths people go to for their beloved pets. Above all, it offered insight into the deep bond between humans and animals—a connection that can inspire acts of extraordinary love and dedication.

I want to read more books like this. It’s not exactly a memoir but rather a deep dive into the ins and outs of being a treasured vet. I’m planning to explore Dr. Filos’ blog and socials, and I might even reach out to her for recommendations.

5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Haly Hoards Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Filos reached the perfect balance of humor, empathy, and sorrow in the telling of her career as a veterinarian, from student to experienced professional. Her too brief stories are all shared from her heart. I appreciated the information Dr. Filos gave for support groups to grieving pet parents. I am also very appreciative of the chapter on holistic pet care treatment.
This would be the perfect book to gift to a teen who is thinking about becoming a veterinarian.
I thank the author, publisher and Goodreads for the advance copy.

[Deirdre Megan Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. 4.5 stars. A wild ride following the journey Dr Dawn Folis takes on becoming a vet. So many incredible stories and animals treated. A joy all around!

[Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hilarious 10/10

[Apriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been trying to write a review for this book for days and for the life of me can’t think of anything useful or insightful to say. It was fine. A perfectly fine book. Would I have read it if I hadn’t won a copy? Probably not. Am I sorry I read it? No. It was a fine way to spend a few hours.

I can say I did hate the writing style - I see no need to end each chapter by telling me what the next chapter is going to be about. I can figure it out on my own thanks. Also I had expected the book to be more comprehensive. Filos gives a little background on herself and some of her other jobs but mainly focuses on the Covid years and how that made being a mobile vet more challenging. I wanted more. But is fine.

____________________________________________________


I won a digital copy of the book through Goodreads giveaways.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨
🐶🐾🐱Tales of a Pet Vet:  Stories from the Clinic and House Calls 🐱🐾🐶

Synopsis: 
Dr. Dawn Filos takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey through her career as a veterinarian.  Dr. Dawn shares her colorful, memorable journey from nervous novice to seasoned, self-assured doctor. She ultimately finds her niche as a house-call vet, where she creates a way to practice on her own terms with the privilege of unique, intimate access into the homes and lives of her beloved patients and their human families.

My thoughts: 
🤔 I very much enjoyed reading about Dr. Dawn’s experiences.  I was intrigued, entertained, and even learned a few things.  Dr. Dawn tells it like it is - the good, the bad, the messy, and the hilarious!    
🤔 I liked that the last line of each chapter provided a nice bridge into the next chapter.  I was always excited to read what Dr. Dawn was going to share next!  There were so many incredible animal stories!  
🤔 This book is so much more than a collection of animal stories. It is a tribute to the veterinary profession.  I’ve always had a high level of respect for veterinarians, but this book really opened my eyes to the dedication, personal sacrifice, and emotional resilience it takes to be a vet.  

Who is going to love it?  Those who love…
❤ Memoirs!
❤️ Reality Pet Vet Shows like The Incredible Dr. Pol, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet, and Heartland Docs!
❤️ Giving Gifts to Pet Parents!

📢 I can’t wait for you to get your hands on this one, and you don’t have to wait long!  It releases this Tuesday, October 8!  

🥰 Thank you to @getreadprbooks, @shewritespress, and @dr.dawn_petvet for this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review!  

[Linda Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an Advance Reader Copy of this engrossing memoir. I was charmed, fascinated, and entertained as I read Dr. Dawn’s tales of her journey from novice clinic vet to her own style of practice as a wise and dedicated house call vet. Her loving treatment of her animal patients and sensitive respect for their pet parents shines through all the stories and anecdotes. She explains scientific terms in lay language from her extensive research, gifting her readers with clear explanations of her practice style and decisions. I looked forward to what I would learn and enjoy in each next story and was always rewarded with humor even amid some heartbreak. Highly recommended, Dr. Dawn’s memoir warrants reading and rereading.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @getredprbooks @dr.dawn_petvet & @shewritespress for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The author's conversational writing style made me feel as if we were chatting over coffee. This book explores the career of a pet vet, highlighting the tough days, challenging moments, emotional pet parents, and quirky owners. Along the way, I gathered some valuable pet care tips. This book is a delightful read for all pet lovers and aspiring veterinarians.

[Kamron Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been working full time in a small town veterinary clinic for the past 3 years. When I was asked about this book, I knew I had to get my hands on it.
Reading Dr. Dawn's recollection of many stories throughout her career as a veterinarian had me giggling and sobbing.
It was such an adventure reading about all the different patients and clients she had the opportunity to work with.

[Joanna Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow small animal vet, I found this non-fiction account of Dr. Dawn’s experiences as a veterinarian thoroughly enjoyable. As a pet-lover, I found it even more fascinating! Fun, enjoyable read with lots of information, emotion, plenty of laughs and as well as a few tears. Her love of her patients and her field comes through loud and clear!

[Faith Mauro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book or anyone who has ever had an animal they loved.
I loved it. I learned, laughed, and cried a little. I will never see my vet the same again.

[Michelle D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read that sheds light into the day to day of a veterinary. I liked that each chapter focuses on a different topic.

[Christina McComiskie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book for any animal lover or pet owner. I enjoyed reading about Dr Dawn's incredible career as a vet.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book did not meet my initial expectations. I thought that there would be more in depth stories and more triumphant stories. While the stories form a realistic view of veterinary life, they seemed to be predominantly focused on the negative aspects without being equally balanced by the joyful moments.

I also felt that I never got a real sense of who Dr Dawn was a vet.

Positives of this book. Through her stories Dr Dawn shares a lot of valuable advice. Like explaining why you should never use clippers or scissors on your cat...cats have very thin skin...this should always be done by a professional. If your animal is sick or in distress the need to go to the emergency vet if it's the weekend and not to wait until Monday. Along with many other cautionary tales. As well as good advice on being a good pet parent.

She also shares valuable resources on planning a pet trust and dealing with euthanasia and grief.

I think the book is worth reading for pet parents for the information. But do not expect James Herriott like tales! The book is written in a mix of short stories equivalent to a "news bite" with slightly longer stories when the stories are making a point about care and are not just there for entertainment value.

Having worked at 2 different veterinary practices while in school. I highly recommend this to any young person considering studying veterinary medicine. As it might help them get a more realistic view of being a veterinarian.

I recommend this to any pet owner, especially if they live with a cat or dog. There is a great deal of information and it might help you better understand the challenges your veterinarian faces. Based on this I gave the book 4 stars. Based on my enjoyment of the book I would have given it 3 stars.

As I read it, I felt the book fell into 3 distinct sections. The first section of the book was a mix of factoids and read like a too long magazine article. It was all about how we view pets differently than we used to, how this has transformed the pet industry, our culture and how much much money is spent on pets. As a pet parent myself it was all information I knew or could have googled and had nothing to do with her medical practice. I nearly DNFed based on the first hour being completely unrelated to the title of the book. I listened to this in audio which had no chapter headings which made it more difficult to skip ahead.

I persevered and the second section was still more frustrating than enjoyable. The stories that I think were meant to be funny. Came across as gossipy, embarrassing and sometimes horrifying.

The third section was filled with more somber tales, reflected a bit more the positives of being a veterinarian. Although still predominantly focused on negative aspects and tales.

Do I regret reading it, I do not. But next time a book is likened to James Herriott. I will likely skip it and reread James Herriott instead.

[Sandra Schnakenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Tales of a Pet Vet," Dr. Dawn Filos invites readers on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey through her life and career as a veterinarian. With an endearing blend of humility and humor, Filos opens up about her journey to becoming a veterinarian, sharing humorous and unforgettable stories that will keep you reading.
The narrative is rich with colorful anecdotes and heartfelt moments that paint a vivid picture of what it means to be a house-call vet. Dr. Dawn's decision to practice on her own terms allows her to form unique bonds with both her animal patients and their human families. These intimate glimpses into the lives of her clients add depth and warmth to her stories.

From the heartwarming tales of saved lives to the sorrowful farewells, Dr. Dawn doesn't shy away from sharing the full spectrum of her experiences, including insights on pet owners. Her honest and candid storytelling style makes each chapter feel like a personal conversation, filled with the kind of genuine emotion that pet lovers will find deeply resonant.

But it’s not all tears and tissues; Dr. Dawn’s wit and comedic timing bring plenty of laughter as well. Whether it’s a mischievous cat causing chaos or an eccentric pet owner with a bizarre request, the humorous escapades are sure to entertain.

"Tales of a Pet Vet" is more than just a collection of veterinary stories; it’s a tribute to the resilience, dedication, and compassion required in the profession. Dr. Dawn Filos has crafted a narrative that is as educational as it is entertaining, and her love for animals shines through on every page.

For anyone who has ever loved a pet, or simply enjoys a well-told tale, this book is a must-read. It’s a poignant reminder of the profound impact that pets have on our lives and the extraordinary lengths some will go to care for them.

[Kerry Ledbetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admittedly do not consider myself a pet lover, except for my beloved dog Charlie. I know plenty of people who are crazy about animals, but I am just not one of them. That said, I honestly could not put this book down!

Dr Dawn begins telling tales of her early childhood and how she grew up in a household of animal lovers, so much so that one of her pets growing up was a monkey. Yes! You read that correctly! A pet monkey! The stories she tells about that time in her life are so crazy that you just shake your head as you read along at the hilarity of it all.

A love of animals instilled early on spurred Dr Dawn's desire to become a vet. She discusses the process she went through to become a vet (schooling, which interestingly enough was challenging for her to enroll in, as New Jersey did not have any accredited veterinary schools at that time). After going to vet school out of state and then doing her clinical work (which included her losing a thoroughbred horse), she finally became a licensed vet.

Dr Dawn openly discusses her mishaps and missteps early on in her career (and is not afraid to admit to them later in her career as well). While she focused her career on family pets, she had wild experiences with big animals, farm animals, and exotic animals, too (a snake with pneumonia!). What a fascinating career she has had!

After all the crazy behind-the-scenes of her house calls, she provides several informational chapters on pet food and types of leashes to use (not retractable!), pet insurance, Western and alternative medicine, and euthanasia.

This is truly a phenomenal book that captures your attention yet is a reference as well. I so highly recommend you go out and get it yourself.

[Ali | flippin_and_sippin_mn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tales of a Pet Vet
Dr. Dawn Filos
Pub: 10/8
4.5☆

Where are all of my pet lover friends at? This book is for us. 🐾

Dr. Dawn Filos has always had a passion for animals—and with a lot of hard work and perseverance, she turned that passion into a career. Here, with emotional honesty, Dr. Dawn shares her colorful, memorable journey from nervous novice to seasoned, self-assured doctor. This modern-day James Herriot ultimately finds her niche as a house-call vet, where she creates a way to practice on her own terms with the privilege of unique, intimate access into the homes and lives of her beloved patients and their human families.

Sometimes heartwarming, sometimes sad, and often hilarious, Tales of a Pet Vet will resonate deeply with pet lovers everywhere.

My Thoughts:
My love for animals started at a very young age. I once made my mom pull to the side of a highway because we hit a butterfly. 😆 As a pet lover and owner, I am adored this book. Dr. Dawn’s tales; the good, the bad, and everything in-between are humorous, heartwarming and yes heartbreaking but all in all so enjoyable to read. I purposely took my time with this book because reading it just made me (and Pepper) happy. It’s fun and also comical that I can relate to a lot of these pet owners. The things we will do for our fur babies. Am I right!? I’d love to have a vet who makes house calls, especially if it were Dr. Dawn.

Mark your calendars, Tales of a Pet Vet is out in the world on 10/8. Thank you so much Dr. Dawn and Get Red PR for the #gifted copy.

[Kim Boca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a new favorite book! I loved everything about this book. Truly.
Dr. Dawn shares her journey, from a child raised in an animal loving family to finally achieving her goal as a veterinarian. She is humble at times, never sparing us from her most embarrassing experiences and failures, while on route to becoming an experienced vet. She clearly loves what she does, and her patients. And, as she shares, her pet's families. How heartwarming to hear her perspective on all things veterinary. How she sobbed during euthanasias, how she laid awake at night worrying about her senior clients, and how clearly she loved them as well as their pets.
But, in no way is this a sad book. In fact, it is hilarious much of the time. Written in a way that you eel like you are having a conversation with Dr. Dawn, you come out with knowledge that helps you understand the medical background that supports the stories. Anyone who has ever had or loved a pet will enjoy these stories, regardless of their background.
I am planning on buying several for friends and family, for holiday and birthday gifts. And especially, or my friends in the position of replacing a pet and considering a pet trust. Also, or those in the heartbreaking position of saying goodbye to a beloved four legged family member. The euthanasia chapter is simply perfect and priceless or those in that position, and will help them come to terms with the decision and the specifics like no other resource I have ever read.
A wonderful, valuable, entertaining resource for anyone who loves pets. Get this book.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book club read this book and everyone really enjoyed it! Several members are animal lovers and one member has 2 daughters who are veterinarians actually! She passed the book along to them after reading it herself. We all enjoyed the heartfelt stories of animals that Dr. Filos has cared for over the years. We were especially amazed at the dedication that Dr. Filos seems to have for for her work, especially as a traveling pet vet.

At first some of the members were a little worried that it might be sad, and might portray some of the animals being very sick and dying, and while there were some tender moments, there were some really funny and enjoyable stories as well, so it was a good balance. Overall, everyone seemed to really enjoy it.

The best thing that happened while discussing this book is that everyone really went down memory lane thinking about and discussing their own pets. Everyone had a tale to tell about their favorite pet, or how they got the pet they currently have. Emotions were pretty high and everyone was teary when discussing these pets that are essentially family members. It made us all realize what an important job the pet vets have in taking care of them for us. And how lucky those clients are to have Dr. Filos! It turned out to be such a great book club meeting!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I have never used a traveling vet, both of my rescue cats (that’s Daisy in the picture) were adopted from a rescue associated with one. I have great respect for vets. They are treating patients that can’t tell them what’s wrong.

I enjoyed reading about Dr. Dawn’s experiences. From vet school to starting a traveling vet practice. The funny, the observations, the bizarre and even the sad, she’s had many experiences to relay in her over 30 year career.

The variety of animals she’s treated amazed me. I chuckled at some of the stats including that 50% of pet owners talk to their pets. My thoughts were just 50%? 😂

I appreciate hearing how she plays hide and seek when visiting some pets. They are the master of escape. That would be the case here.

She tells it as it is. The great catches and saves to the heartbreaking appointments, I could picture all the pets she described. It’s obvious she became a vet to make a difference. Her love of all things animals jumps off the pages. And the stories of their humans at times were just as entertaining. To step into the homes and loves of so many people.

I was entertained and I learned a thing or two. If you’ve ever owned or loved a pet, you’ll see your vet in a whole new light.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book club, The Ranch Readers in Colorado, received signed paperback copies of "Tales of a Pet Vet--Stories From The Clinic and House Calls" by author Dr. Dawn Filos from the #GalleyMatch program at The Book Club Cookbook website. We read and reviewed the book at our April book club meeting this week. As we live on a ranch and all of us have been pet owners, we enjoyed this nonfiction memoir of Dr. Dawn's experiences in veterinary school and her career as a vet in clinics, private practice in her office, and performing house calls. Her experiences and stories made us laugh and cry, and gave us a greater appreciation for veterinary care. We appreciated her suggestions about setting up a "Pet Trust," as that is one subject we never thought about, and we were also fascinated by her chapter on "Western and Alternative Medicine," as we all appreciated learning about treatments we never knew about. If you have a pet, desire a pet, or have had a pet in the past, you will appreciate reading Dr. Dawn's memoir and learning more about the life of a veterinarian and modern veterinary care!

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and as an animal lover, I was so pleased to read it!

Rarely does one get the inside scoop of the daily life of a veterinarian, and this book is full of stories and vignettes about things going wrong (and right) while taking care of animals. Some of the stories were heart breaking (such as the lack of care towards reptiles purchased at pet stores), and others were funny (though I do think the author tried a little too hard with her humor at times.) It is also full of useful information that all owners of animal companions should know (e.g. bequests/pet trusts and resources for pet loss/bereavement). The book took a surprising turn when it started talking about alternative treatments for pets, and I was pleasantly surprised to see Reiki for animals mentioned. It was a fun (and long) read and I feel very grateful to have won it in the Goodreads giveaway, since I may not have found out about it otherwise.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a pet owner...dog, cat, horse, fish, iguana, etc., then you will want to read this book. Dr. Filos has an ease about her that just makes me instant like her and could read her numerous tales of her many, many patients for a long time.

Ease is something that Dawn did not have when she first started out in school. There is that encounter with the horse. Also, RIP to her children's pet fishes.

I enjoyed getting to meet the various animals. There are some funny stories like the cats that got into the catnip, or the owner who was like the "Avon" saleswoman of bras, and then there is the story of the dog who got a little too overexcited. This story I can relate to as I had a similar experience with my one dog when he was younger and trying to help him through it!

As I said at the beginning, if you are a pet lover, you will want to read this book.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining and educational book by Dr. Dawn the pet vet. We get some humorous stories about pet parents and their beloved pets and some sad ones about sick animals that need to be put down. She also offers some helpful advice about creating a pet trust so that your animals will be taken care of if you should pass away first, one that many of her elderly pet parents were grateful for, and she suggests several books that help in dealing with the grief after the death of a pet. While I am not a pet parent myself, I appreciated the stories and anecdotes about her house visits and the variety of people and pets that she met. I'm not sure that the comparison to James Herriot is quite apropos as he definitely weaved more of his personal story into his books but it is a good book in its own right.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are an animal lover or if you have ever dreamed of becoming a veterinarian this is a book for you. Dr Dawn Filos shares the truth about being a pet vet, with over 30 years of experience she has experienced just about everything a vet could. From her early years in veterinarian school to her practice as a mobile vet, readers will enjoy the journey. The book will make you laugh at the antics of the pets and their owners. There are also times that I cringed with the messiness and icky things that are part of Dr. Dawn’s daily practice.This book touched my heart and at times brought me to tears. I recommend this book for all the pet lovers, you will recognize the love, messiness, and heartbreak that is part of owning a pet.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must-read for every pet owner and animal lover. Dr. Dawn shares entertaining stories and her wisdom from over thirty years as a veterinarian. She even transitioned to a vet who makes house calls.

I loved that Dr. Dawn was so honest and genuine, not afraid to share some of her fears, scariest moments, and low moments—these were also learning moments. But she has so many more stories that are heartwarming, uplifting, and even hilarious. She tells all of it in an easy, nonclinical manner.

Through her work with animals and the stories she shares, it is evident the incredible bonds and connections animals and humans can form - something I have always believed.

Thank you @getredprbooks @shewritespress and @dr.dawn_petvet for a gifted book.

[Ashley Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful memoir of a career as a veterinarian, combined with some advice/thoughts for pet owners to consider, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The many stories about her experiences, written with humor and empathy and a dash of street smarts, make Dr. Filos an approachable, fun narrator. While I couldn’t bring myself to read the chapter on euthanasias, the other chapters are informative and interesting. I am also grateful for the chapter on establishing provisions for your pet in the event you pass away before they do, as I have always wondered about this and will be referencing this chapter someday. Overall I recommend this book and hope it brings joy to others as well!

I received this book as a free giveaway on Goodreads.