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Prospect House #3
Pets Aplenty
Join novice vet, Paul Mitchell, in a further six months of hilarious escapades he experiences while working at Prospect House Veterinary Hospital. He's confronted by a ravenous pig while sunbathing naked in a cornfield. He locks jaws with a caiman with scale rot and battles with Doug, a vicious miniature donkey that's always sinking his teeth into him. It ends with a Christmas pet blessing which erupts into pandemonium as frightened pets and owners scatter through the pews. Throughout his adventures, Paul is loyally supported by the team at the hospital - in particular Beryl, the elderly one-eyed receptionist, and, Lucy the junior nurse - together with whom he shares this merry-go-round of mayhem. It's a gripping, fast page-turner that's guaranteed to keep animal lovers entranced. Praise for Malcolm Welshman ‘... paints a vivid picture of many fascinating characters.' Jim Wight, son of James Herriot ‘... brings a smile to your face.' Sir Terry Wogan ‘Your story is a corker.' Richard Madeley ‘... hilarious stories straight from a vet's pen will keep you chuckling.' Stella Whitelaw
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2014
11 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 3, 2018
Highly entertaining!
Pets Aplenty is Book 3 in Malcolm D. Welshman’s series “Pets in a Pickle”. Although it’s the first – though certainly not the last – that I have purchased, the author’s easy, friendly style immediately drew me into his amusing world despite my not having read Books 1 and 2. So it’s not absolutely essential to read “Pets in a Pickle” in strict order.
Welshman masters all the skills that make a fine story-teller. The “I” of “Pets Aplenty” is Paul, a young vet for whom the reader has immediate empathy. He has recently lost the two loves of his life, his sweetheart (the junior veterinarian nurse) and his pet dog, so the reader already feels his loss and loneliness. Since he is very much the junior veterinarian in the practice, Paul is put upon by both the receptionist and the senior nurse who see to it that he gets the least desirable and most challenging cases to attend to.
Of course, it’s the astounding array of diverse animals suffering from bizarre ailments and their equally curious owners, whose stories provide the humour in this volume – and there are lots of laugh-out-loud incidents.
Welshman is a fine story teller. He captures the essence of the whimsical and the hilarious in just a few telling paragraphs then segues adroitly into the next amusing anecdote without missing a beat.
His character drawings are masterfully concise and evocative. You feel that his veterinarian practice is made up of the most unique set of people possible -- from his senior partners and their staff, to the clients whose diversity and peculiarities are only outdone by those of their pets.
Welshman weaves all the intriguing incidents of a young, small-animal vet’s life together by means of Paul’s more private search for personal happiness though success constantly appears to escape him.
You will close this book with a smile on your face and a feeling that this little stage we fret and strut upon is indeed a worthy and satisfying place to be.
Pets Aplenty is Book 3 in Malcolm D. Welshman’s series “Pets in a Pickle”. Although it’s the first – though certainly not the last – that I have purchased, the author’s easy, friendly style immediately drew me into his amusing world despite my not having read Books 1 and 2. So it’s not absolutely essential to read “Pets in a Pickle” in strict order.
Welshman masters all the skills that make a fine story-teller. The “I” of “Pets Aplenty” is Paul, a young vet for whom the reader has immediate empathy. He has recently lost the two loves of his life, his sweetheart (the junior veterinarian nurse) and his pet dog, so the reader already feels his loss and loneliness. Since he is very much the junior veterinarian in the practice, Paul is put upon by both the receptionist and the senior nurse who see to it that he gets the least desirable and most challenging cases to attend to.
Of course, it’s the astounding array of diverse animals suffering from bizarre ailments and their equally curious owners, whose stories provide the humour in this volume – and there are lots of laugh-out-loud incidents.
Welshman is a fine story teller. He captures the essence of the whimsical and the hilarious in just a few telling paragraphs then segues adroitly into the next amusing anecdote without missing a beat.
His character drawings are masterfully concise and evocative. You feel that his veterinarian practice is made up of the most unique set of people possible -- from his senior partners and their staff, to the clients whose diversity and peculiarities are only outdone by those of their pets.
Welshman weaves all the intriguing incidents of a young, small-animal vet’s life together by means of Paul’s more private search for personal happiness though success constantly appears to escape him.
You will close this book with a smile on your face and a feeling that this little stage we fret and strut upon is indeed a worthy and satisfying place to be.
October 7, 2014
Pets Aplenty is the third book by Malcolm Welshman (the first being Pets in a Pickle and Pets on Parade, the second). I hadn’t read either of these before I started Pets Aplenty but it didn’t matter at all – this can easily be read as a standalone.
Having been a huge fan of the James Herriot books in my teenage years, I always enjoy reading about animals and their escapades and this book was very enjoyable indeed. From the very first chapter where Paul has been coerced by his colleagues to dress up as a huge rabbit in the name of fundraising and hop around the local shopping precinct whilst being photographed by the local paper, I was hooked.
There are many entertaining and humorous tales to enjoy – as well as some sad ones. Paul Mitchell may be a young vet still finding his feet but he is a very likeable character and deals with his patients, even the most difficult ones, with respect and humour – we meet Jimmy, the transgender confused parrot; Miss Piggy, the Houdini of the porcine world, Emily the springer spaniel (who stole my heart – when you read her story you will see why). Having read the story of the escaped python, I’m so glad I that don’t live next door to a vet who takes his work home!
Paul’s colleague at Prospect House, the veterinary surgery, have their own distinct characters – from beady eyed Beryl the receptionist who rules with a sharp tongue, to Lucy, the young nurse from Paul’s past. They each play a part in this story and it’s the human interactions, as well as the animal ones, that make for such an enjoyable read.
Pets Aplenty is very entertaining and has been written with warmth and humour. It may not be suitable for younger children (there are some adult themes) but if you’re looking for a well written, witty read (with plenty of puns) then I’m sure you would enjoy this.
Having been a huge fan of the James Herriot books in my teenage years, I always enjoy reading about animals and their escapades and this book was very enjoyable indeed. From the very first chapter where Paul has been coerced by his colleagues to dress up as a huge rabbit in the name of fundraising and hop around the local shopping precinct whilst being photographed by the local paper, I was hooked.
There are many entertaining and humorous tales to enjoy – as well as some sad ones. Paul Mitchell may be a young vet still finding his feet but he is a very likeable character and deals with his patients, even the most difficult ones, with respect and humour – we meet Jimmy, the transgender confused parrot; Miss Piggy, the Houdini of the porcine world, Emily the springer spaniel (who stole my heart – when you read her story you will see why). Having read the story of the escaped python, I’m so glad I that don’t live next door to a vet who takes his work home!
Paul’s colleague at Prospect House, the veterinary surgery, have their own distinct characters – from beady eyed Beryl the receptionist who rules with a sharp tongue, to Lucy, the young nurse from Paul’s past. They each play a part in this story and it’s the human interactions, as well as the animal ones, that make for such an enjoyable read.
Pets Aplenty is very entertaining and has been written with warmth and humour. It may not be suitable for younger children (there are some adult themes) but if you’re looking for a well written, witty read (with plenty of puns) then I’m sure you would enjoy this.
September 5, 2014
Anyone lucky enough to have a pet knows they become not just part of the family – but are the family. Is it any wonder how we fret when they need the care of a professional – a vet?
Doctors, so we are led to believe, have a bedside manner – but what of that vet?
With so many nails to clip and sexual urges to curtail, it might all become a tad mundane for these particular professionals in their white coats. But fear not! At Malcolm D Welshmen’s Prospect House practice, the vets are as soft as their patients’ owners.
Pets Aplenty follows the exploits of young vet, Paul Mitchell, as he gets to grips with birds of prey, escaped pigs and sundry fowl. Paul’s a very likeable chap. The action is seen through his nervous eyes – but it’s clear he has all the makings of a dependable and reassuring vet.
Sometimes books of this kind – where the animals are the stars – can be a tad too sentimental, but Welshman’s plot creates realistic scenarios and very believable emotions. Paul is acutely aware of how his clients regard their animals – he’s lost his own pets and knows how awful it can be. And that’s what I found most touching – we learn an awful lot about the nature of vets, as much as we do about the animals they care for.
Inevitably there’s plenty of humour – what’s not funny about an escaped snake and a naked neighbour? But it’s gently humorous, cleverly woven through the routine of a vet in practice.
If I were lucky enough to share my life with another dog, I’d want Paul Mitchell at its bedside!
Doctors, so we are led to believe, have a bedside manner – but what of that vet?
With so many nails to clip and sexual urges to curtail, it might all become a tad mundane for these particular professionals in their white coats. But fear not! At Malcolm D Welshmen’s Prospect House practice, the vets are as soft as their patients’ owners.
Pets Aplenty follows the exploits of young vet, Paul Mitchell, as he gets to grips with birds of prey, escaped pigs and sundry fowl. Paul’s a very likeable chap. The action is seen through his nervous eyes – but it’s clear he has all the makings of a dependable and reassuring vet.
Sometimes books of this kind – where the animals are the stars – can be a tad too sentimental, but Welshman’s plot creates realistic scenarios and very believable emotions. Paul is acutely aware of how his clients regard their animals – he’s lost his own pets and knows how awful it can be. And that’s what I found most touching – we learn an awful lot about the nature of vets, as much as we do about the animals they care for.
Inevitably there’s plenty of humour – what’s not funny about an escaped snake and a naked neighbour? But it’s gently humorous, cleverly woven through the routine of a vet in practice.
If I were lucky enough to share my life with another dog, I’d want Paul Mitchell at its bedside!
May 14, 2022
Pets Aplenty by Malcolm D Welshman is an absolutely wonderful account of the life of a novice vet. It is the third book in the Pets In A Pickle series but can be read as a stand-alone.
This was a delightfully entertaining book that literally had me laughing out loud. I made my way through the book snorting and sniggering throughout at the antics of the animals!
The action all sprang to life under the masterful pen of Malcolm Welshman. I adored the droll inner voice when dealing with a badger; and the Jack Russell with the bad case of wind was absolutely hilarious! The serious young boy rehearsing for the nativity play also appealed to my sense of humor.
The whole book was an assault on my senses as I ‘walked’ through fields, farmyards and vets’ practices being completely entertained.
Pets Aplenty is a really fun read that I just could not put down. I have every intention of hunting out and reading the other books in this series.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
This was a delightfully entertaining book that literally had me laughing out loud. I made my way through the book snorting and sniggering throughout at the antics of the animals!
The action all sprang to life under the masterful pen of Malcolm Welshman. I adored the droll inner voice when dealing with a badger; and the Jack Russell with the bad case of wind was absolutely hilarious! The serious young boy rehearsing for the nativity play also appealed to my sense of humor.
The whole book was an assault on my senses as I ‘walked’ through fields, farmyards and vets’ practices being completely entertained.
Pets Aplenty is a really fun read that I just could not put down. I have every intention of hunting out and reading the other books in this series.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2018
Love Malcomb's wit, humor, heart touching way with words as he shares about his life as a young veterinarian in England. I'v laughed, cried, and just enjoyed this, my 3rd book of his. Next book I am reading is also by Malcomb Welshman. So tally ho!
November 12, 2017
😄 brilliant series.
Thoroughly enjoyed the whole three books. Would highly recommend reading them. So very true to life. Laughed the whole way through.
Thoroughly enjoyed the whole three books. Would highly recommend reading them. So very true to life. Laughed the whole way through.
March 17, 2023
As ever a fun and interesting tale of a young vet's life. Some very funny stories and some dreadful puns. Very enjoyable
October 6, 2014
Stories about the escapades of vets and their assorted animals always have the ability to make me smile and Pets Aplenty is no exception. There is much in the story to keep you amused and occasionally to laugh out loud. The adventures of novice vet, Paul Mitchell, as he spends six entertaining months working at Prospect House veterinary hospital kept me turning the pages.
The author, a retired vet, is obviously writing about what he knows and loves and this certainly comes across in the knowledgeable way he describe the experiences and situations which occur at Prospect House. It’s not all about the animals though, and there are some nice interludes between the humans in the story, which helps to keep the balance of the story just about right.
Pets Aplenty is now the third book in the series of veterinary stories and will certainly appeal to those fans of the stories who may have followed the exploits of Paul Mitchell from the beginning, however, it’s not essential to have read the books in order. So, if you like stories about animal exploits told in a light and easy manner then Pets Aplenty would be a nice read to curl up with on a rainy afternoon.
The author, a retired vet, is obviously writing about what he knows and loves and this certainly comes across in the knowledgeable way he describe the experiences and situations which occur at Prospect House. It’s not all about the animals though, and there are some nice interludes between the humans in the story, which helps to keep the balance of the story just about right.
Pets Aplenty is now the third book in the series of veterinary stories and will certainly appeal to those fans of the stories who may have followed the exploits of Paul Mitchell from the beginning, however, it’s not essential to have read the books in order. So, if you like stories about animal exploits told in a light and easy manner then Pets Aplenty would be a nice read to curl up with on a rainy afternoon.
January 17, 2015
Let me first say I am dog lover, and I also like animals in general, so long as they don’t hurt you. This is part of series I think, and will inevitably draw comparisons with James Herriot. But I can’t rate this book highly enough. It’s the story of Paul Mitchell, a novice vet at the Prospect House practice, and his dealings with various animals including a python, the transgender parrot, Emily the springer spaniel, the crocodile, and many others.
Like Herriot, the author deals with the sad cases as well as the humorous moments. There are some very funny parts, and some sad moments too, much of which I could relate to, having owned several dogs over the years. What comes across to me, is that most pet owners develop a strong attachment to their pets, as do the vets.
I shall definitely be reading more of these books, there are as good if not better than the Herriot books, in that they deal with adult issues as well as animal issues. It would a great TV series in succession to the Herriot books.
Like Herriot, the author deals with the sad cases as well as the humorous moments. There are some very funny parts, and some sad moments too, much of which I could relate to, having owned several dogs over the years. What comes across to me, is that most pet owners develop a strong attachment to their pets, as do the vets.
I shall definitely be reading more of these books, there are as good if not better than the Herriot books, in that they deal with adult issues as well as animal issues. It would a great TV series in succession to the Herriot books.
February 26, 2015
Pets Aplenty is an enjoyable romp through the hayfields of novice vet Paul Mitchell’s rural veterinary practice. I’ve never read any of James Herriot’s books, but I’d imagine there’d be less sauce and more angst than in Malcolm Welshman’s book. The tone is light, humorous and positively clanging with puns. There are plenty of details of veterinary medicine in the book, which as a medic, I found reassuringly similar to what I learnt in (human) medical school – with the exception of having to dissect a horse preserved in formalin, of course. A good autumn read.
October 15, 2014
Read this review, and more, here: http://readingforsanity.blogspot.com/...
November 28, 2015
Anyone who has or ever had pets will love this book, it easy easy reading and will have you laughing. You can tell the many situations are true experiences.
July 8, 2015
Definitely a feel-good book and a must-read! Lots of stories combined at the end, thank you Malcolm.
March 4, 2018
Was ok, but not the best vet book I have read. The author goes on about his personal life too much for my liking, but some interesting animal tales all the same.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews