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Unleashed: A Vet's Memoir of Heartache, Hairballs and Hope
‘Unleashed is filled with empathy, depth and a charming touch of humour at the perfect moments.’ – SYLVESTER CHAUKE
‘An effortlessly comedic and deeply moving tale of a vet finding her feet and purpose. Venniker is that rare guide who’s honest, witty and relatable.’ – ALASTAIR MCALPINE
‘Fascinating, funny and poetically heartbreaking. Who knew the secret life of a vet would be a page-turner?’ – DION CHANG
‘Unleashed is a book that celebrates life.’ – MIKE NICOL**
Unleashed is the hilarious, intensely honest memoir of Caitlin Venniker’s journey from Onderstepoort, the only veterinary training institution in South Africa, into the heart of private practice, with a few stops in the United Kingdom and Middle East along the way.
It’s a story of growing up, juggling owners with high expectations and animals with big opinions, bluffing confidence, quirky colleagues, cows with anger issues and midnight emergencies. It’s about navigating the challenges of dating, using coffee as a crutch, finding humour in dark moments, and the immense joy and grief that come with loving animals.
‘An effortlessly comedic and deeply moving tale of a vet finding her feet and purpose. Venniker is that rare guide who’s honest, witty and relatable.’ – ALASTAIR MCALPINE
‘Fascinating, funny and poetically heartbreaking. Who knew the secret life of a vet would be a page-turner?’ – DION CHANG
‘Unleashed is a book that celebrates life.’ – MIKE NICOL**
Unleashed is the hilarious, intensely honest memoir of Caitlin Venniker’s journey from Onderstepoort, the only veterinary training institution in South Africa, into the heart of private practice, with a few stops in the United Kingdom and Middle East along the way.
It’s a story of growing up, juggling owners with high expectations and animals with big opinions, bluffing confidence, quirky colleagues, cows with anger issues and midnight emergencies. It’s about navigating the challenges of dating, using coffee as a crutch, finding humour in dark moments, and the immense joy and grief that come with loving animals.
322 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 6, 2026
Such a well written memoir that had me laughing out loud in parts and crying in others. Absolutely loved it and can’t wait to hear the author at Franschoek Literary Festival
June 3, 2026
An absolute treasure of a book. I love love loved every page of this book told with such genuine passion for her career and a beautiful sense of humour.
May 25, 2026
I laughed, I cried - this book sent me on an emotional roller coaster.
I know a bit more about South Africa, I had to look up words and in the end animal lovers share a bond that defies borders.
I knew that there is a mental health crisis among veterinarians. Has been for years. Caitlin shines a light on it as well. Too many lost to suicide. I can understand why. There is so much heart break happening day in and day out in her profession. You can‘t save them all and too many people are cruel.
However vets are doing a great job on a daily basis for the love of animals.
I know a bit more about South Africa, I had to look up words and in the end animal lovers share a bond that defies borders.
I knew that there is a mental health crisis among veterinarians. Has been for years. Caitlin shines a light on it as well. Too many lost to suicide. I can understand why. There is so much heart break happening day in and day out in her profession. You can‘t save them all and too many people are cruel.
However vets are doing a great job on a daily basis for the love of animals.
April 19, 2026
I loved this book.
Beautifully written and the author doesn't take herself too seriously whilst still touching on some serious topics and putting it all together with a good dose of humour.
Not many books make you laugh in one chapter then cry in the next.
Beautifully written and the author doesn't take herself too seriously whilst still touching on some serious topics and putting it all together with a good dose of humour.
Not many books make you laugh in one chapter then cry in the next.
April 19, 2026
What an incredible representation of our lives as OP students and vets. Final chapter had me in tears - will absolutely be forcing this book on my family and friends. Thank you Caity!
June 12, 2026
Unleashed is an incredible read, a perfect blend of laughter, sorrow, and hope. I was completely whisked away on a journey I didn’t want to end, and one I genuinely loved every step of.
As a little girl, I swore I’d become a vet, but the universe clearly had different plans. Still, I’ve always carried a deep admiration for those who dedicate their lives to caring for our animals, and this book captured that devotion beautifully.
It’s a story that lingers long after you’ve finished it. One I know I’ll return to again and again. Truly spectacular.
As a little girl, I swore I’d become a vet, but the universe clearly had different plans. Still, I’ve always carried a deep admiration for those who dedicate their lives to caring for our animals, and this book captured that devotion beautifully.
It’s a story that lingers long after you’ve finished it. One I know I’ll return to again and again. Truly spectacular.
June 11, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this relaxed, clear, fun tale. 😉
Caitlin’s writing is unassuming and straightforward. There were lovely snippets of ‘I did not know that’ to keep one interested. Worth your time! 🐱🐶🐴
Caitlin’s writing is unassuming and straightforward. There were lovely snippets of ‘I did not know that’ to keep one interested. Worth your time! 🐱🐶🐴
June 13, 2026
Beautiful, gentle and humorous. Only 1 tissue needed - she writes it all beautifully balanced.
August 3, 2026
Highly recommended read. A hilarious, astute and emotionally observant take on what it means to navigate through life whilst caring for living things. As a vet myself, I found it to be incredibly accurate and moving. I have nothing but praise for this book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews