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Bite Me: Tell-All Tales of an Emergency Veterinarian
A reality based, uncensored look at the world of modern veterinary medicine. Follow one veterinarian's story through the course of her career and experience the dramas, the traumas and the comedies that regularly take place in a veterinary emergency room. Become privy to some of the authors most humorous, shocking and hackle-raising encounters with animals and overhear some of the more memorable conversations that she has had with owners throughout her years of practice. Follow her through her foreign travels and learn how modern veterinary medicine far exceeds the medical care that is available in these third world countries.
Bite Me gives a rare insider's view of the frustrations, the joys and the heartbreak that veterinarians experience on a daily basis and exposes the reasons why the veterinary profession is currently facing some dire and frightening challenges. From page to page you will find yourself laughing, crying, angry, shocked, laughing again, and then eager to know more.
Bite Me is a must-read for any pet owner, any person aspiring to be a veterinarian, any veterinary student, and any person who has an interest in the welfare of both animals and people.
Bite Me gives a rare insider's view of the frustrations, the joys and the heartbreak that veterinarians experience on a daily basis and exposes the reasons why the veterinary profession is currently facing some dire and frightening challenges. From page to page you will find yourself laughing, crying, angry, shocked, laughing again, and then eager to know more.
Bite Me is a must-read for any pet owner, any person aspiring to be a veterinarian, any veterinary student, and any person who has an interest in the welfare of both animals and people.
- GenresAnimalsNonfictionNature
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2015
258 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 16, 2020
I love reading animal books, especially true medical stories. This book was truly HORRIBLE and I barely got through it. The author (veterinarian) came across as extremely angry, very annoyed, constantly ticked off, incredibly short of patience and showed very little compassion. She seemed to think HER book was the ONLY one that told the true story of what goes on behind the walls of an ER animal hospital. I would never allow her to treat my animals. She may be qualified medically but her attitude was pathetic.
June 24, 2020
Insightful reading
There is no substitute for reality and this book pulls back the curtain to what human pet owners likely don’t think about as often as they should. We often get caught up in our own drama and have no idea of what is needed because we don’t have the knowledge or training or experience of a vet. This book may not change everyone’s next Emergency visit experience, but it should. Knowledge is power and this pet owner has been empowered to a better understanding because of reading this. It is incumbent on the owner to understand all of the ramifications and responsibilities because proper care starts at home, whether financial, preventive or aftercare. Read this book and understand.
There is no substitute for reality and this book pulls back the curtain to what human pet owners likely don’t think about as often as they should. We often get caught up in our own drama and have no idea of what is needed because we don’t have the knowledge or training or experience of a vet. This book may not change everyone’s next Emergency visit experience, but it should. Knowledge is power and this pet owner has been empowered to a better understanding because of reading this. It is incumbent on the owner to understand all of the ramifications and responsibilities because proper care starts at home, whether financial, preventive or aftercare. Read this book and understand.
February 20, 2021
Fun read! It reminded me SO MUCH of what Jackie talks about, so it must be very authentic 😊 (although unfortunately this also made it a bit less exciting/new for me to read). The many short anecdotes were enjoyable and I agreed with her reflections on how pet suffering is nothing compared to the situation for some poverty-stricken people. There were quite a few small spelling or grammar errors which annoyed me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2018
Anyone who loves animals and people will enjoy reading this book. Vets are a special kind of person and Dr. Lefkowitz is a great writer in addition to her skills as a veterinarian. I believe treating animals can be a humbling experience, when dealing with a patient who can't tell you whats wrong, and all the many types of "parents" you come across while trying to treat them. This book shares the good and the bad of this field, but is mostly heartwarming and relate-able. A great read.
June 26, 2016
This is the hands down best vet written book I've read. It gives a real look at an ER vets typical day- both good and bad. Nothing is sugar coated here. Some of the stories make you want to smack the pet parents and others make you wish you could hug them.
I've been in the pet industry for 18 years. I've worked with both vets and vet techs. Not a lot- but enough to not be surprised by the callousness of some pet parents and by the miracles expected of others. The author does a good job of sharing her frustrations without ranting. She also covers the difficulty of reconciling the money we in the US spend on care for our pets when in other parts of the world people can't get medical care for their kids.
In short anyone who's ever taken a pet to the vet should read this. Or anyone thinking about working with animals! It's just as informative as it is entertaining! (Especially Doris! There's a dog I'd love to meet.)
Thank you for writing this Dr. Lefkowitz!!!
I've been in the pet industry for 18 years. I've worked with both vets and vet techs. Not a lot- but enough to not be surprised by the callousness of some pet parents and by the miracles expected of others. The author does a good job of sharing her frustrations without ranting. She also covers the difficulty of reconciling the money we in the US spend on care for our pets when in other parts of the world people can't get medical care for their kids.
In short anyone who's ever taken a pet to the vet should read this. Or anyone thinking about working with animals! It's just as informative as it is entertaining! (Especially Doris! There's a dog I'd love to meet.)
Thank you for writing this Dr. Lefkowitz!!!
November 8, 2018
So good!
As a licensed veterinary technician, I empathized with so many things in this book that the author/veterinarian experienced. I enjoyed reading about the many different cases, and laughed or groaned accordingly with the many different experiences with the patients’ owners. Veterinary professionals deal with A LOT and I found that I very much agreed with the sentiment that maybe we care just a little too much sometimes. The suicide rate is extremely high in the profession and it was refreshing to see an author confront that topic.
In short, I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in getting more insight into what really goes on behind those “employees only” doors.
As a licensed veterinary technician, I empathized with so many things in this book that the author/veterinarian experienced. I enjoyed reading about the many different cases, and laughed or groaned accordingly with the many different experiences with the patients’ owners. Veterinary professionals deal with A LOT and I found that I very much agreed with the sentiment that maybe we care just a little too much sometimes. The suicide rate is extremely high in the profession and it was refreshing to see an author confront that topic.
In short, I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in getting more insight into what really goes on behind those “employees only” doors.
July 6, 2021
Informative but …,
Neither too personal nor too distant, this memoir walks a middle road between condescension and self-pity. We are treated to some interesting details of veterinary practice, aside from the usual cow, sheep, horse, pig, puppy, kitten birthing tales, however gripping they may be. But the holy wails of the only sensitive saints on-earth contrast loudly with the practical professional approach to vet practice they’re bewailing.
Neither too personal nor too distant, this memoir walks a middle road between condescension and self-pity. We are treated to some interesting details of veterinary practice, aside from the usual cow, sheep, horse, pig, puppy, kitten birthing tales, however gripping they may be. But the holy wails of the only sensitive saints on-earth contrast loudly with the practical professional approach to vet practice they’re bewailing.
January 1, 2017
eye opener
this book is a must read for anybody interested in what it really is like to be an emergency vet. the stories are also interesting for anybody, whether or not they are pet owners.
this book is a must read for anybody interested in what it really is like to be an emergency vet. the stories are also interesting for anybody, whether or not they are pet owners.
June 12, 2023
Bite Me is a very nice little self-published book by an emergency veterinarian who paints very interesting stories about her work with animals and people. She does such a great job in chapter one with describing a "Night of Traumas" that I almost stopped reading because one of her stories hit too close to home, and it made me sick! My little puggle puppy was attacked by a German Shepherd, and we found ourselves being SO LUCKY that she escaped with only a minor laceration to the head. But in this book, the author describes a dog who yes had a laceration above the eye (cougar attack) but it extended across the skull and the skin peeled from the skull, flipping backwards to the tail. It truly made me realise what could have happened to my little baby. The entire first chapter reads like a wild roller coaster ride, and she does a fine job capturing the reader's attention. And the remainder of the book is lovely.
I do have a few pieces of criticism regarding this updated 2018 print. On page 84, she describes a difficult situation with a friend's dog. She writes, "At that moment I hated my job. I wanted nothing more than to give it all up and work at McDonalds where my biggest concern would be how many sauces to hand out with the chicken nuggets." When I read this declaration, I immediately wanted to throw the book into the trash. How dare someone assume what is the emotional state of anyone else. Whether you're a veterinarian counseling a friend about surgery or euthanasia... or a McDonalds worker distributing sauces, you cannot assume that one person experiences more stress than the other. Despite my anger at her insulting statement, I continued reading.
On pages 107 and 108, she described traveling through the Himalayan Mountains and referenced a book entitled "Shangri-La." This book title citation is incorrect. The actual book is entitled "Lost Horizon," written by James Hilton in 1933 and produced as a film starring the great Ronald Colman in 1937. It is a book about a utopic land named Shangri-La which is located in the Himalayan Mountains.
On page 111, she describes defending her personal belongings from baboons and compares it to "a bad scene from the movie, 'Planet of the Apes.'" I am so sorry but a film starring the sexy Charlton Heston dressed solely in a loincloth as he rides bareback across the shores of the Atlantic Ocean can never be considered a bad film!! Also it is a great film about taking care of the planet.
On page 123, she cites the great Winston Churchill as having suffered from depression. I am a great reader of British history, and each account that I've studied over the years refers to his sadness as "the black dog," always pointing out that it was not depression but rather sadness. From where did she get her information on Churchill and the other prominent members of history that she claims to have suffered from depression?
On page 249, she again renders an insulting comment, this time about ranchers. She writes, "Ranchers and owners are often wiser than we give them credit for." Not only did she end that sentence with a preposition as she does many times throughout the book, but she also assumes some level of superiority over the humans who embody the profession of ranching, just as she did with the McDonalds worker previously mentioned.
All through the book, words are misspelled, and the printed chapter titles on the right pages do not, in many areas, match what is the actual title of the chapter.
All in all, the book was interesting to read. Thank you to the author!
I do have a few pieces of criticism regarding this updated 2018 print. On page 84, she describes a difficult situation with a friend's dog. She writes, "At that moment I hated my job. I wanted nothing more than to give it all up and work at McDonalds where my biggest concern would be how many sauces to hand out with the chicken nuggets." When I read this declaration, I immediately wanted to throw the book into the trash. How dare someone assume what is the emotional state of anyone else. Whether you're a veterinarian counseling a friend about surgery or euthanasia... or a McDonalds worker distributing sauces, you cannot assume that one person experiences more stress than the other. Despite my anger at her insulting statement, I continued reading.
On pages 107 and 108, she described traveling through the Himalayan Mountains and referenced a book entitled "Shangri-La." This book title citation is incorrect. The actual book is entitled "Lost Horizon," written by James Hilton in 1933 and produced as a film starring the great Ronald Colman in 1937. It is a book about a utopic land named Shangri-La which is located in the Himalayan Mountains.
On page 111, she describes defending her personal belongings from baboons and compares it to "a bad scene from the movie, 'Planet of the Apes.'" I am so sorry but a film starring the sexy Charlton Heston dressed solely in a loincloth as he rides bareback across the shores of the Atlantic Ocean can never be considered a bad film!! Also it is a great film about taking care of the planet.
On page 123, she cites the great Winston Churchill as having suffered from depression. I am a great reader of British history, and each account that I've studied over the years refers to his sadness as "the black dog," always pointing out that it was not depression but rather sadness. From where did she get her information on Churchill and the other prominent members of history that she claims to have suffered from depression?
On page 249, she again renders an insulting comment, this time about ranchers. She writes, "Ranchers and owners are often wiser than we give them credit for." Not only did she end that sentence with a preposition as she does many times throughout the book, but she also assumes some level of superiority over the humans who embody the profession of ranching, just as she did with the McDonalds worker previously mentioned.
All through the book, words are misspelled, and the printed chapter titles on the right pages do not, in many areas, match what is the actual title of the chapter.
All in all, the book was interesting to read. Thank you to the author!
Read
October 16, 2022I bought this book hoping to get a peek into what it's like to be a veterinarian, and it delivered in full. Not only do you get thorough insight into the daily practicalities of working at an animal hospital, the author also lets you in on her own thoughts and feelings about her work, as well as a collection of quotes from her colleagues about the challenges and the joys of the profession. The book is funny, moving, engaging, and thought-provoking throughout. There were also a few stories about the author's meetings with animals in her travels and her home life, which I really enjoyed because they helped to both paint a picture of what kind of person she is, and how her various experiences with animals have shaped her perspective. Normally I don't like it when authors start talking about their private life, since it often feels irrelevant to the topic - but here it worked beautifully to enlighten the reader even more about what being a vet entails and why someone might choose it.
The only thing I was left wondering about at the end was whether her experience is pretty universal in Western countries or is more specifically American. Some of the factors that make her job particularly gruelling - extremely long workdays, constantly being on call, frequently switching between day and night work, crippling student debt, low wages - sound very similar to general observations I've seen elsewhere about the American job market being much worse than, say, the Scandinavian one. From the book, I can't tell if it's a US thing or a vet thing that the job comes with severe physical and mental health risks. Not that it would be reasonable to expect the author to know - her only experience doing vet work outside America was in an impoverished African village where things were much, much worse. I guess I'll need to go looking for accounts from my part of the world and see how they compare to answer my question.
Anyway, to sum up: Lefkowitz really has something to say. Not just about vet work - through her anecdotes and observations she also shines a more general light on animals, people, and life as such. I feel this book would be relevant for anyone to read - not just those interested in becoming vets, but anyone who cares about animals or their fellow human beings at all.
The only thing I was left wondering about at the end was whether her experience is pretty universal in Western countries or is more specifically American. Some of the factors that make her job particularly gruelling - extremely long workdays, constantly being on call, frequently switching between day and night work, crippling student debt, low wages - sound very similar to general observations I've seen elsewhere about the American job market being much worse than, say, the Scandinavian one. From the book, I can't tell if it's a US thing or a vet thing that the job comes with severe physical and mental health risks. Not that it would be reasonable to expect the author to know - her only experience doing vet work outside America was in an impoverished African village where things were much, much worse. I guess I'll need to go looking for accounts from my part of the world and see how they compare to answer my question.
Anyway, to sum up: Lefkowitz really has something to say. Not just about vet work - through her anecdotes and observations she also shines a more general light on animals, people, and life as such. I feel this book would be relevant for anyone to read - not just those interested in becoming vets, but anyone who cares about animals or their fellow human beings at all.
December 6, 2024
This book was very eye opening. I was one of the little kids she mentions in the book that thinks they want to be a vet when they grow up. Things didn’t turn out that way, but I always thought that was what I really should’ve done. Now I’m not so sure. She raised several points that never occurred to me. Of course, some of the gross stuff, kinda goes without saying. And I could’ve done without the brief chapter of weird animal penises and sex acts.
But I digress. I think the biggest point she makes about vets, is that you might just want to deal with animals, but the truth is that you have to be a people person. You have to deal with the owner of every critter that comes through the door. You have to deal with coworkers and administrative stuff. And worst of all, you have to let someone leave with a suffering animal because they refuse to pay for treatment. That would just totally gut me.
I learned a lot too that I’ve never heard, like how non THC gummy bears, just the regular candy, is super toxic to dogs and why. Along with a multitude of other little factoids.
I have a newfound respect for vets and everything they deal with, and I already had immense respect and appreciation for them. Excellent reading for anyone that has a pet, wants a pet, or thinks they want to be a veterinarian.
But I digress. I think the biggest point she makes about vets, is that you might just want to deal with animals, but the truth is that you have to be a people person. You have to deal with the owner of every critter that comes through the door. You have to deal with coworkers and administrative stuff. And worst of all, you have to let someone leave with a suffering animal because they refuse to pay for treatment. That would just totally gut me.
I learned a lot too that I’ve never heard, like how non THC gummy bears, just the regular candy, is super toxic to dogs and why. Along with a multitude of other little factoids.
I have a newfound respect for vets and everything they deal with, and I already had immense respect and appreciation for them. Excellent reading for anyone that has a pet, wants a pet, or thinks they want to be a veterinarian.
December 7, 2023
Support your local veterinarian
Dr. Lefkowitz uses anecdotes from her experience in emergency and family vet care to provide an enlightening perspective of animal care from the caregiver’s viewpoint. Some anecdotes are humorous or touching, others surprising or disturbing. However all serve to show what veterinarians deal with as they provide care for both pets and their humans. After reading this book I understand better the stresses and rewards involved with being a veterinarian. I would recommend this book because it is both entertaining and informative.
Dr. Lefkowitz uses anecdotes from her experience in emergency and family vet care to provide an enlightening perspective of animal care from the caregiver’s viewpoint. Some anecdotes are humorous or touching, others surprising or disturbing. However all serve to show what veterinarians deal with as they provide care for both pets and their humans. After reading this book I understand better the stresses and rewards involved with being a veterinarian. I would recommend this book because it is both entertaining and informative.
April 5, 2025
There were enjoyable stories and insights into the veterinary profession in this book, but the tone of the author often did not sit right with me. At times she came across as judgy, arrogant, and condescending. While I appreciate that it must be difficult to deal with suffering animals and demanding owners on a daily basis, I would imagine, as with human medicine, that comes part and parcel with the profession.
November 16, 2025
I thought this book was very enlightening. As a young girl, always thought it would be such a neat career, but as I aged and got more realistic, I realized that I couldn’t deal with the ups and downs in the animal world. I have empathy for this vet and all vets that have been in my life And treated all my wonderful pets. Next visit I have for my dog. I’m going to tell my veterinarian how much I appreciate her and all she has done for us in the past.
February 21, 2019
Interesting and fast paced
Well written, this book tells the brutal facts of being a veterinarian. At times humorous, shocking, heartwarming, it helps us understand and empathize with these hardworking individuals who deserve our respect. The next time I visit the vet, I'm going with a boxful of chocolates.
Well written, this book tells the brutal facts of being a veterinarian. At times humorous, shocking, heartwarming, it helps us understand and empathize with these hardworking individuals who deserve our respect. The next time I visit the vet, I'm going with a boxful of chocolates.
November 27, 2020
The pet doc
I have been fascinated with these books since I read All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. This one gave me another look into the veterinary world. It is sad to know that so many vets are suicidal. The emotional cost was not something I had ever considered. Hats off to these wonderful people.
I have been fascinated with these books since I read All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. This one gave me another look into the veterinary world. It is sad to know that so many vets are suicidal. The emotional cost was not something I had ever considered. Hats off to these wonderful people.
February 11, 2021
No thanks. I liked the concept and was rather excited to start, but as soon as you start reading it, it felt, I dunno. Clunky? Like it wasn't smooth. To me, 2.5 stars. 1- star, Clunky. 1.5- Punctuation and grammar. Would NOT recommend to anyone who doesn't like hearing bout gore and is animal sensitive.
March 27, 2021
Every pet owner should read this book
As someone who has worked in a vet clinic,has family members who are vets and a pet owner,I highly recommend this book,to understand what it is really like to be in that field. The author puts you beside her as she works,with all the joy and pain. I read this book in one setting because I could not put down.
As someone who has worked in a vet clinic,has family members who are vets and a pet owner,I highly recommend this book,to understand what it is really like to be in that field. The author puts you beside her as she works,with all the joy and pain. I read this book in one setting because I could not put down.
November 12, 2024
Entertaining and touching
This book is a quick read, but not always easy. As an animal lover and pet owner, some stories are difficult to read. Not the words, the story within the words. This is a good read for every pet owner. See things from your veterinarians point of view. And hopefully, from your pets also.
This book is a quick read, but not always easy. As an animal lover and pet owner, some stories are difficult to read. Not the words, the story within the words. This is a good read for every pet owner. See things from your veterinarians point of view. And hopefully, from your pets also.
August 22, 2020
Great read.
Very well written. Confronting and honest. Thank you for sharing your story. Highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a story that is factual, animal related but real.
Very well written. Confronting and honest. Thank you for sharing your story. Highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a story that is factual, animal related but real.
March 2, 2021
Must read for anyone who wants to be a veterinarian
It is well written and honest. The stories about animals and owners are interesting. I didn't know there was so many suicides among this profession. I am glad they formed a self help group.
It is well written and honest. The stories about animals and owners are interesting. I didn't know there was so many suicides among this profession. I am glad they formed a self help group.
May 14, 2021
I like this book a lot and really connected to the biology class that I was taking. When it was talking about conservation camps in Africa and how they affect a species really amazed me. I would definitely recommend this book if you want to be a vet or biologists.
June 2, 2021
Ok book
Interesting but not All Creatures Great and Small. I can appreciate the difficulties associated with the career choice. I love animals and would feel helpless if couldn’t help.
Interesting but not All Creatures Great and Small. I can appreciate the difficulties associated with the career choice. I love animals and would feel helpless if couldn’t help.
January 29, 2025
Bravo to Dr Laura!
Very well written and a fascinating look into the life of an emergency vet. I truly had a hard time putting it down. I generally am drawn to books that contain plenty of dialogue, but I made an exception for this particular book. I was sorry to see it end!
Very well written and a fascinating look into the life of an emergency vet. I truly had a hard time putting it down. I generally am drawn to books that contain plenty of dialogue, but I made an exception for this particular book. I was sorry to see it end!
July 31, 2017
Not bad but not as a relaxing and uplifting read as most of the well known vet books.
August 13, 2018
Good read
Well written and sometimes funny and sometimes sad. As an animal lover and owner it was very relatable. Love the title!
Well written and sometimes funny and sometimes sad. As an animal lover and owner it was very relatable. Love the title!
October 9, 2018
A different point of view and something to think about for pet lovers - also prospective veterinarians.
September 3, 2019
Honesty open
I wish I had Laura as my vet.She writes eloquently of the worries, frustration, and joy of handling animals and people.
I wish I had Laura as my vet.She writes eloquently of the worries, frustration, and joy of handling animals and people.
February 18, 2020
Very helpful
Thoughtful and well written book. I am a pastor, and speak with many who have lost a pet, both congregants and vets.This book has helped me better understand both..
Thoughtful and well written book. I am a pastor, and speak with many who have lost a pet, both congregants and vets.This book has helped me better understand both..
June 28, 2021
Just OK
Lots of stuff that didn’t need saying.i think the author is kinda a big fan of herself....really got tired of it towards the end.
Lots of stuff that didn’t need saying.i think the author is kinda a big fan of herself....really got tired of it towards the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews