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How Animals Saved My Life: Being the Supervet: The perfect gift for animal lovers
It has been 30 years since Noel Fitzpatrick graduated as a veterinary surgeon, and that 22-year-old from Ballyfin, Ireland, is now one of the leading veterinary surgeons in the world. The journey to that point has seen Noel treat thousands of animals - many of whom were thought to be beyond help - animals that have changed his life, and the lives of those around them, for the better.
If the No.1 Sunday Times bestseller Listening to the Animals was about Noel's path to becoming The Supervet, then How Animals Saved My Life is about what it's like to actually be The Supervet. Noel shares the moving and often funny stories of the animals he's treated and the unique 'animal people' he has met along the way. He reflects on the valuable lessons of Integrity, Care, Love and Hope that they have taught him - lessons that have sustained him through the unbelievable highs and crushing lows of a profession where lives are quite literally at stake.
As Noel explores what makes us connect with animals so deeply, we meet Peanut, the world's first cat with two front bionic limbs; eight-year-old therapy dachschund Olive; Odin, a gorgeous five-year-old Dobermann, who would prove to be one of Noel's most challenging cases - and of course his beloved companions Ricochet, the Maine Coon, and Keira, the scruffy Border terrier who is always by his side.
If the No.1 Sunday Times bestseller Listening to the Animals was about Noel's path to becoming The Supervet, then How Animals Saved My Life is about what it's like to actually be The Supervet. Noel shares the moving and often funny stories of the animals he's treated and the unique 'animal people' he has met along the way. He reflects on the valuable lessons of Integrity, Care, Love and Hope that they have taught him - lessons that have sustained him through the unbelievable highs and crushing lows of a profession where lives are quite literally at stake.
As Noel explores what makes us connect with animals so deeply, we meet Peanut, the world's first cat with two front bionic limbs; eight-year-old therapy dachschund Olive; Odin, a gorgeous five-year-old Dobermann, who would prove to be one of Noel's most challenging cases - and of course his beloved companions Ricochet, the Maine Coon, and Keira, the scruffy Border terrier who is always by his side.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2020
202 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 15, 2022
This book gives us an insight into the life of Noel Fitzpatrick a world leading veterinary surgeon. Throughout this book, we get more of an understanding of how Noel connects with animals on a deeper level and his love and caring of all animals that he comes across is extraordinary.
Having watched many episodes of the Supervet I just had to read this book and I’m so pleased I did. This book was so interesting and at times a little sad, but for many animals that come to Noel they are given a second chance because they had been deemed beyond help by others. There was quite a lot of medical information in this book which was hard going at times, but apart from that, it was an extremely well-written memoir which I have no hesitation in highly recommending.
Having watched many episodes of the Supervet I just had to read this book and I’m so pleased I did. This book was so interesting and at times a little sad, but for many animals that come to Noel they are given a second chance because they had been deemed beyond help by others. There was quite a lot of medical information in this book which was hard going at times, but apart from that, it was an extremely well-written memoir which I have no hesitation in highly recommending.
November 27, 2020
Read with my daughter who is a fan of Supervet and very much enjoyed the author’s previous book which I think was more conventionally biographical.
This one had chapters based on qualities (Internalisation, Nowness, Truth and Trust, Empathy, Genuineness, Rightness, Innovation, Tenacity, Youness, Compassion, Appreciation, Respect, Eternalisation) that read like they are from a self-help genre book, and to be honest some of the content matches.
What gives the book its distinctiveness is:
Firstly how the author illustrates his views on each area (both their importance, what they mean, how you strive for them) by examples from his own pioneering (and sometimes controversial with those who either think animals should not be put through operations or that money should not be wasted in them) research and practice in veterinary surgery in the area of bionic limb implants. These typically have three elements – ethical dilemmas (see below), human/animal-interest angles (both of these helping him explore the subject matter) and what can quickly become very complex technical details of the treatment.
Secondly, how the author draws on the qualities he sees in animals – particularly pet cats and dogs, including his own.
Thirdly, with the author’s frequent discussion of his One Medicine approach (https://www.humanimaltrust.org.uk/who...) seeking to bridge the Veterinary Science/Human Medicine gap – which as he points out has taken an additional resonance with COVID.
Fourthly - the way in which the book plays out against the background of a formal malpractice complaint made about him in 2018 (at the book’s start) to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for over-treatment of, and experimentation on animals – these two themes: the treat versus euthanise dilemma and the conundrum between innovation and experimentation are ones he returns to in almost every chapter, often comparison prevailing wisdom and values to the very different standards that apply in treatment of humans)
Fifthly in the author’s openness and vulnerability
Sixthly in how up to date it is – the book’s themes drawing together in a very tangible and incredibly up to date way with a severe accident to his own dog in September 2020 (one month before publication).
Overall a very different and interesting read.
This one had chapters based on qualities (Internalisation, Nowness, Truth and Trust, Empathy, Genuineness, Rightness, Innovation, Tenacity, Youness, Compassion, Appreciation, Respect, Eternalisation) that read like they are from a self-help genre book, and to be honest some of the content matches.
What gives the book its distinctiveness is:
Firstly how the author illustrates his views on each area (both their importance, what they mean, how you strive for them) by examples from his own pioneering (and sometimes controversial with those who either think animals should not be put through operations or that money should not be wasted in them) research and practice in veterinary surgery in the area of bionic limb implants. These typically have three elements – ethical dilemmas (see below), human/animal-interest angles (both of these helping him explore the subject matter) and what can quickly become very complex technical details of the treatment.
Secondly, how the author draws on the qualities he sees in animals – particularly pet cats and dogs, including his own.
Thirdly, with the author’s frequent discussion of his One Medicine approach (https://www.humanimaltrust.org.uk/who...) seeking to bridge the Veterinary Science/Human Medicine gap – which as he points out has taken an additional resonance with COVID.
Fourthly - the way in which the book plays out against the background of a formal malpractice complaint made about him in 2018 (at the book’s start) to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for over-treatment of, and experimentation on animals – these two themes: the treat versus euthanise dilemma and the conundrum between innovation and experimentation are ones he returns to in almost every chapter, often comparison prevailing wisdom and values to the very different standards that apply in treatment of humans)
Fifthly in the author’s openness and vulnerability
Sixthly in how up to date it is – the book’s themes drawing together in a very tangible and incredibly up to date way with a severe accident to his own dog in September 2020 (one month before publication).
Overall a very different and interesting read.
January 2, 2021
This can be a difficult read not only because there is a lot of technical stuff in it but also because it can be difficult to see through the tears. For years experimenting on animals has resulted in new treatments for humans so surely it makes sense to use these results for the good of both humans and animals. I was naive enough or selfish enough not to realise that they still make healthy animals deliberately ill in order to find cures for humans but unbelievably they don't make these cures available to animals. There were things in the book I didn't understand but I will read it again in a little while and hopefully I'll understand more. The idea of sharing the research and doctors and vets working together seems so obvious though. The book also gives an insight into the pressure the vets are under to make the right decision and find the right treatment for their patients over and over every day and the toll it takes on them.
February 8, 2023
Two stars is not a reflection on the author but on the editing, even though it appears there were quite a few involved in the process. I suspect the book was rushed out to hit the Christmas market. I am interested in how people make sense of their lives and the world around them but this was very convoluted and repetitive. It was interspersed with long passages of self justification in the face of an RCVS inquiry, and technical accounts of operations that went over my head. His girlfriend gets minor mentions whereas his pets are his passion. The no doubt excellent 'One Medicine' philosophy becomes a little too preachy and his enlightenment, whilst great for him, is but the essence of all major faiths: putting less emphasis on oneself and more on others, sacrificial giving, forgiveness etc. I do respect all he does and his sensitivity is painful but perhaps another book needs to be more carefully planned out.
March 3, 2021
I honestly just don't know what happened with this book. I've read half way with a view to continuing but now I know why I gave up in the first place.
The book feels like just a continuous ramble of thoughts with no clear direction. I found it so difficult to read, compared to his first book which I absolutely loved.
At worst points the narrative was condescending and exuded privilege. The narrative of "if you work for it you will get it" was so pervasive I found myself despairing and shaking my head numerous times.
So sad to say this was unfinishable for me.
The book feels like just a continuous ramble of thoughts with no clear direction. I found it so difficult to read, compared to his first book which I absolutely loved.
At worst points the narrative was condescending and exuded privilege. The narrative of "if you work for it you will get it" was so pervasive I found myself despairing and shaking my head numerous times.
So sad to say this was unfinishable for me.
March 10, 2021
This was an incredible uplifting read. I will always have the utmost respect for all the team at Fitzpatrick Referrals after saving our very first rescue who was unable to open her jaw.
If you love animals, this book is definitely for you – filled to the brim with sadness, happiness as well as some laugh out loud moments, you will surely enjoy but more importantly this book is filled with a lot of love, righteousness and what is best for our furry pals.
January 7, 2021
I really wanted to like this book as a huge fan of Noel. Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me and I struggled to finish it so gave up. However I do believe a lot of people will get a lot of this book. It is very well written. It can be hard to read in parts but if this is your kind of thing I truly believe you will enjoy it.
July 28, 2022
I love the programme The Supervet and I haven't read his other book. I didn't actually know there was another book until I read this. I came at this book with an open mind because I had no clue what it was about but I sort of expected something of a vaguely autobiographical nature. What I got was a book verging on despair; full of one part arrogance, five parts low self esteem and damage from bullying as a child. I got a self help book and a philosophy book as well as a book on transcendental meditation and buddhism. I got a lecture about the danger of 'over treatment' and how hurt he was that he had been accused of it. (Incidentally as a watcher of Supervet I've quite often thought there was over treatment but then as he points out, it's not quantifiably defined so who knows).
The book made me pretty anxious which is kind of how I feel when I watch Noel. I have said he would be difficult to work for and that hypothesis was confirmed somewhat. I just found myself not knowing what the purpose of the book was other than to make money and as someone who has seen most of the animal cases he talked about on the programme not even that was new. I wasn't aware he knew so many celebrities but I guess that makes sense when you're the best at something and the majority of people would struggle to afford your services.
I hate all that hippy-dippy self help stuff so I found that challenging. I also got a tad annoyed with the philosophy of if you want something you just have to work hard for it and if you didn't get it it was because you didn't work hard enough. Also there was a paragraph about him putting on weight and how he had put the food in his mouth so it was down to him to lose it again (with his personal trainer). Which he did seemingly instantly. It just struck me as a bit simplistic and a little bit patronising but then you all know by now I'm sensitive to weight issues.
I so wanted to like the book. I think Noel is probably neurodivergent and may be on the spectrum from some of his thought processes and his anxieties but the book just read like someone who had taken drugs and then talked for five hours without stopping. I was just happy to finish reading it and I learnt almost nothing I didn't already know about Noel.
The book made me pretty anxious which is kind of how I feel when I watch Noel. I have said he would be difficult to work for and that hypothesis was confirmed somewhat. I just found myself not knowing what the purpose of the book was other than to make money and as someone who has seen most of the animal cases he talked about on the programme not even that was new. I wasn't aware he knew so many celebrities but I guess that makes sense when you're the best at something and the majority of people would struggle to afford your services.
I hate all that hippy-dippy self help stuff so I found that challenging. I also got a tad annoyed with the philosophy of if you want something you just have to work hard for it and if you didn't get it it was because you didn't work hard enough. Also there was a paragraph about him putting on weight and how he had put the food in his mouth so it was down to him to lose it again (with his personal trainer). Which he did seemingly instantly. It just struck me as a bit simplistic and a little bit patronising but then you all know by now I'm sensitive to weight issues.
I so wanted to like the book. I think Noel is probably neurodivergent and may be on the spectrum from some of his thought processes and his anxieties but the book just read like someone who had taken drugs and then talked for five hours without stopping. I was just happy to finish reading it and I learnt almost nothing I didn't already know about Noel.
February 11, 2023
it’s been a long time since i’ve shed this many tears over a book but it was so amazing and solidified my career choice i love animals
December 31, 2020
I’ve never seen the Supervet TV series although it’s now racked up 100+ shows. But I have heard of the supervet himself, Noel Fitzpatrick. This is his second book which comes after ‘Listening to the Animals.’ I have haven’t read that one either but after reading this I may well do so.
This is at times a rambling, in the best possible way, account of his childhood on a farm in Ireland and his burning desire to become a vet, the long years of study and then his passion and vision to help animals with innovative techniques.
But the book begins with a letter from the RCVS or the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons informing him that a complaint has been made about him by 4 other vets about his treatment of a tortoise called Hermes. They had deemed it an experiment, unprofessional cruel, unethical and unjustified. Noel had fitted prosthetic limbs to Hermes who subsequently died. This casts a shadow over the book as does the perfect storm of coronavirus.
The book features several cases of previous patients of the four legged kind - some survive, some don’t – and that must be very hard.
In between I learned a lot about running a successful veterinary surgery and how Noel develops his techniques. I really sensed his love and compassion, not only for the animals but also their owners.
This is brought to the fore when his own dog, Keira, is run over by a speeding delivery van towards the end of the book and he is suddenly on the other side of the examining table as a distraught pet owner. He could be facing the same choice of so many others: surgery or euthanasia?
Noel’s philosophy of life also features in the book which struck a chord with me As the RCVS case takes its toll combined with an accident at home in which he breaks his neck and the complications of COVID you wonder how he managed to keep going.
Noels’ two pets are on the cover ‘a Maine coon cat called RIcochet whose expression clearly says ‘I’m the star around here.’ and Keira the dog who looks excited and happy.
This is a lively book with moments of joy as an animal recovers or a new technique is a success but also of sorrow when a pet cannot be saved or succumbs to old age.
Recommended for animal lovers everywhere.
June 7, 2021
Overall I loved the book, some parts of it did not appeal to me, i.e.details of medical procedures. I was shocked to read that in 2016 approximately 61,000 dogs were used in biomedical experiments. I 100% agree with Noel and hope that his plan for "one medicine" can soon become a reality. Noel should be applauded for his strong, life long desire to meld human and animal health into a single scientific endeavour. His plan of "one medicine" that sets out to help both animal and humans equally without the (current) expense of a healthy animal's life should be the goal of both human and animal medicines.
November 24, 2020
It was the first Noel Fitzpatrick book I have read and didn’t know what to expect. I’m not a vet myself but bought the book as a present for a vet in training.
I enjoyed reading the book and loved hearing about the stories from animals he managed to save. However, I thought there was a lot of fluffy content, celebrity name dropping and repetitions that could have been taken out. With over 400 pages it’s a big, long book, but it’s easy to read, even with all the medical jargon.
I enjoyed reading the book and loved hearing about the stories from animals he managed to save. However, I thought there was a lot of fluffy content, celebrity name dropping and repetitions that could have been taken out. With over 400 pages it’s a big, long book, but it’s easy to read, even with all the medical jargon.
July 10, 2021
A beautiful written account of Noel’s life and career becoming a vet and specialising in such a new aspect of vet science. I loved the idea of “one medicine” which is a common theme in the book - whereby human and animal medicine need to collaborate for the greater good. Loved all the stories (and pictures) of his clients and the families he has helped. But it’s also a book of great thinking and reflection - loved it!
January 1, 2021
I'm still reading this, but from the introduction, I was in tears!
A brilliant read and Noel's love of animals is amazing!
A man after my own heart!
A brilliant read and Noel's love of animals is amazing!
A man after my own heart!
August 17, 2022
I've already read Becoming the Supervet, and found it so interesting to try and understand how Fitzpatrick has reached his current status as a veterinary surgeon. This book is slightly different to the first, in that Fitzpatrick more so focuses on ethical dilemmas and challenges faced in practice. Fitzpatrick has a particularly interesting view of the world, and it was particularly interesting to read about some of his more challenging cases (alongside a slew of personal challenges). I also enjoyed Fitzpatrick's discussion on One Medicine, as this is an interest of mine working in a human healthcare setting.
There was more socio-political discussion throughout this book compared to the first. Whilst this made sense, with the book being set during the COVID pandemic, it was not as much of an interest to me as much as Fitzpatrick's work was. That being said, it was interesting to see the world from his perspective.
There was more socio-political discussion throughout this book compared to the first. Whilst this made sense, with the book being set during the COVID pandemic, it was not as much of an interest to me as much as Fitzpatrick's work was. That being said, it was interesting to see the world from his perspective.
November 17, 2021
Brilliant insight into noels world. Both interesting and an eye opener.
March 9, 2022
I enjoyed some parts of the book but there was a lot technical terms about being a vet and I know he is a vet but I don’t want to be a vet so I don’t need to know that stuff
February 8, 2023
An honest account of the veterinary profession. As a vet I totally empathise with his views and enjoyed this book
August 31, 2021
This made me cry so much. He is a wonderful man
March 13, 2023
I just couldn't finish this.
Chapter title of a vague thing about being good. Genuineness. Truth and Trust. Goodness etc.
Quote from a leader.
10 pages on how animals show this trait more than people, and how his dog and cat show this trait to him every day without judgement. Allude to how COVID affected everyone, and how he broke his neck but don't go into further detail as that is later
10 pages on how veterinarian medicine needs some changes from a governance and ethics perspectives, whilst saying that he is happy to work in the current way. Talk briefly about his misconduct hearing but don't go into any detail.
10 pages on a dog/cat who had an injury and their owner had cancer. Very detailed instructions on the surgery and eventually how the animal recovered.
Chapter done. Rinse and repeat.
It just got soooo samey and boring to read. I just didn't have the will to pick up the next chapter, as I knew it would be just the same as the previous ones. I got 220 pages in (over halfway through) and I saw zero changes from the first chapter onwards.
Chapter title of a vague thing about being good. Genuineness. Truth and Trust. Goodness etc.
Quote from a leader.
10 pages on how animals show this trait more than people, and how his dog and cat show this trait to him every day without judgement. Allude to how COVID affected everyone, and how he broke his neck but don't go into further detail as that is later
10 pages on how veterinarian medicine needs some changes from a governance and ethics perspectives, whilst saying that he is happy to work in the current way. Talk briefly about his misconduct hearing but don't go into any detail.
10 pages on a dog/cat who had an injury and their owner had cancer. Very detailed instructions on the surgery and eventually how the animal recovered.
Chapter done. Rinse and repeat.
It just got soooo samey and boring to read. I just didn't have the will to pick up the next chapter, as I knew it would be just the same as the previous ones. I got 220 pages in (over halfway through) and I saw zero changes from the first chapter onwards.
February 9, 2021
This book is very different from the first, it is essentially a journey of spiritual discovery, acute mental and physical suffering, and eventually healing, is effect this is a book about the complexity of the human condition, finding inner peace and quieting the demons. Parts were very hard to read, some very technical (in particular the description of sessions in transandental meditation and the briefs if Buddhists) but in conclusion a remarkable book by a remarkable man. Noel is truly a completely good man, he wears his heart on his sleeve, I genuinely wish the world was full of people like him, he is truly remarkable and also a very talented writer. This is not a light fluffy read by any means, it is gut wrenching and you will never forget reading it.
September 17, 2021
This was a tough read, especially as his beloved Keira was still alive but died whilst I was reading this. It read more as a self help guide as he's obviously very spiritual and had some dark days himself. There was a lot of technical information about the surgeries which was hard to follow at times. Plus all the stories about euthanasia was tough to read whilst my dog was lying next to me! He's obviously very passionate, talented, incredibly intelligent and forward thinking about science. But some of it was repetitive and unnecessary. A mix of an emotional, interesting and longwinded book.
January 28, 2021
I didn't realise what a harrowing year last year was for Noel.
Someone kindly bought this book for me as a gift, I don't think I've ever cried so much reading a book (except maybe Ginger's death in Black Beauty), but it is a fascinating glimpse into the Supervet's world.
The knocked off star is for the explanations of the operations, which I found a little technical, although other vets and doctors would probably find them fascinating.
Someone kindly bought this book for me as a gift, I don't think I've ever cried so much reading a book (except maybe Ginger's death in Black Beauty), but it is a fascinating glimpse into the Supervet's world.
The knocked off star is for the explanations of the operations, which I found a little technical, although other vets and doctors would probably find them fascinating.
April 29, 2022
Well I'm not sure what to say about this book. From watching Supervet I have slot of respect for Noel Fitzpatrick and in turn was looking forward to reading this book. I didn't enjoy it much at all, there was a lot of focus on a complaint that had been made against his practice and whilst I can understand how much that would upset something, I do not think it should have been the thread running through the book. Very disappointed.
April 4, 2024
The technical jargon and essay-like, preachy style of writing made this book hard going for me. I enjoyed the anecdotes about animals that were treated at the practice but that was all. I feel like this book would have been much better if it had been about a third as long as it is. I only read about three quarters of it and gave up, knowing exactly what the remaining chapters would be like - more of the same.
March 19, 2021
A great book that follows on from Noel's first book. When I was reading, I really felt like I was there because it was about his life in lockdown and I was reading it during lockdown. Anyone who is thinking of becoming a vet I recommend that you read this book.
December 31, 2021
Noel is a really good writer, and this book was really enjoyable to read. It does get quite science heavy, but I like that aspect. I learnt a lot about the veterinary industry, and took a lot from his outlook on life and how to be more grounded when times are tough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2021
Expected a lot more, only read half but the whole thing seemed to just be him moaning about the court case about him. Got boring very quickly, alongside the weird rants about being spiritual.
January 9, 2022
Found this book extremely difficult to read. It was more like a self help book than a book about veterinary medicine which I found extremely disappointing.
December 23, 2022
I really, really wanted to love this book.
I think Noel has made great waves in the veterinary community and did find interest his discussions on one medicine, ethical implications of surgery and treatment and the process of said treatments. He also touches on the mental and emotional toll that being an animal caregiver has, something that I truly connect with as I work with exotic animals myself and have had my own battles with self-worth and worrying each day about doing enough.
Overall though, this was a very waffly, long winded book, that was a real struggle to read. Actually, I DNF’d at 50%, because I was dragging myself through it. This book could of been much more concise and less repetitive. There’s some great messaging in there and some really interesting aspects but because of the writing style, it kind of got sucked into a hole of tediousness. Sadly, a bit of a disappointment to me.
I think Noel has made great waves in the veterinary community and did find interest his discussions on one medicine, ethical implications of surgery and treatment and the process of said treatments. He also touches on the mental and emotional toll that being an animal caregiver has, something that I truly connect with as I work with exotic animals myself and have had my own battles with self-worth and worrying each day about doing enough.
Overall though, this was a very waffly, long winded book, that was a real struggle to read. Actually, I DNF’d at 50%, because I was dragging myself through it. This book could of been much more concise and less repetitive. There’s some great messaging in there and some really interesting aspects but because of the writing style, it kind of got sucked into a hole of tediousness. Sadly, a bit of a disappointment to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews