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Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well
“Written with grace and emotional honesty, Sit, Stay, Heal will live with you long after the last page.”— John Grogan, bestselling author of Marley & Me
For more than two decades, esteemed veterinary oncologist Dr. Renee Alsarraf treated cancer in her beloved canine patients. Then, at age fifty-one, she was diagnosed with cancer herself.
Sit, Stay, What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well is Dr. Renee’s unforgettable testament to the extraordinary healing nature of dogs. Every day in her veterinary practice, she bears witness to the undeniable bond between pets and their people. However, while we are busy teaching them to “sit” and “stay,” they have their own, more profound, lessons to impart. In Sit, Stay, Heal, we meet Cosmo, the golden retriever who arrives at Renee’s office just before his fourteenth family vacation to the beach; Daisy, the cocker spaniel, an emotional support dog for a special needs child; and Franny, the bloodhound, a police dog who wasn’t ready to retire from the force. Then there’s Dr. Renee’s own dog Newtie, who falls ill when she needs him most.
Our dogs are wise in ways humans are not. For Dr. Renee, it was her patients—those furry, four-legged, slobbering animals—who seemed to uniquely understand her difficult journey and who showed her the true power of positivity and unconditional love. Full of life lessons and healing metaphors, perfect dogs and their imperfect humans, Sit, Stay, Heal is a captivating, heartwarming story for dog lovers far and wide.
For more than two decades, esteemed veterinary oncologist Dr. Renee Alsarraf treated cancer in her beloved canine patients. Then, at age fifty-one, she was diagnosed with cancer herself.
Sit, Stay, What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well is Dr. Renee’s unforgettable testament to the extraordinary healing nature of dogs. Every day in her veterinary practice, she bears witness to the undeniable bond between pets and their people. However, while we are busy teaching them to “sit” and “stay,” they have their own, more profound, lessons to impart. In Sit, Stay, Heal, we meet Cosmo, the golden retriever who arrives at Renee’s office just before his fourteenth family vacation to the beach; Daisy, the cocker spaniel, an emotional support dog for a special needs child; and Franny, the bloodhound, a police dog who wasn’t ready to retire from the force. Then there’s Dr. Renee’s own dog Newtie, who falls ill when she needs him most.
Our dogs are wise in ways humans are not. For Dr. Renee, it was her patients—those furry, four-legged, slobbering animals—who seemed to uniquely understand her difficult journey and who showed her the true power of positivity and unconditional love. Full of life lessons and healing metaphors, perfect dogs and their imperfect humans, Sit, Stay, Heal is a captivating, heartwarming story for dog lovers far and wide.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022
77 people are currently reading
891 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 13, 2023
A very touching read that had me tearing up at times. Broken into chapters on individual dogs (sometimes more than one dog), we read about those sweet mutts going through cancer and the families that love them dearly. You journey with the vet oncologist/author dealing with this sadness on a daily basis but you also find out that she has cancer too and is dealing with the same issues. I like how she compares the dogs' resilience to her own struggles. The only thing that I found distracting was when it came to the author's own story, she became quite repetitive. Especially about the part of the fear of hair loss. I get that it would've been traumatizing for her but telling us that numerous times got tiring. An endearing read nonetheless.
June 3, 2022
I was thankful to receive a digital ARC, courtesy of NetGalley and HarperOne, yet found myself delaying actually beginning to read it. Combining my love of animals with my great affection for the wonderful veterinarians that have blessed us with their talents and kindness, this book is a natural fit. The fact that this is written by a veterinary oncologist facing her own battle with C made me wonder if it might be too heartbreaking to bear. I was wrong about that last bit.
I read this cover to cover, and found it perfect. Renee Alsarraf has a clear and friendly tone as she relates her year of healing. While in treatment for her own C, she continues her work caring for pets who also have C, and the families who love them. We get to know her family, her team, and significant stories from her clinic. I found it a perfect blend, and truly found the author likable. It’s no wonder that she is surrounded by a huge circle of people who care for her.
Yes there is sadness, but mostly hope and goodness. I highly recommend Sit, Stay, Heal, and would be happy to read anything Dr. Alsarraf writes in the future!
I read this cover to cover, and found it perfect. Renee Alsarraf has a clear and friendly tone as she relates her year of healing. While in treatment for her own C, she continues her work caring for pets who also have C, and the families who love them. We get to know her family, her team, and significant stories from her clinic. I found it a perfect blend, and truly found the author likable. It’s no wonder that she is surrounded by a huge circle of people who care for her.
Yes there is sadness, but mostly hope and goodness. I highly recommend Sit, Stay, Heal, and would be happy to read anything Dr. Alsarraf writes in the future!
October 27, 2022
Gifted to me by a friend who actually knows this vet, I loved this quick little read that is an autobiography of the vet author’s journey with her cancer. She weaves in her story with stories of cancer in her pet patients (she’s a veterinary oncologist).
I received this after the death of my beloved dog from cancer and I found it so comforting and lovely even as it covered sad and happy outcomes. Naturally it was a tearjerker but exactly what I needed and wanted. I am guessing it may be especially poignant for any cancer patient or survivor but am not sure. I am also assuming you need to be a pet lover and fan of veterinarians for this book as that side of me was integral in the way the book moved me.
I am so grateful to have read this book this week.
I received this after the death of my beloved dog from cancer and I found it so comforting and lovely even as it covered sad and happy outcomes. Naturally it was a tearjerker but exactly what I needed and wanted. I am guessing it may be especially poignant for any cancer patient or survivor but am not sure. I am also assuming you need to be a pet lover and fan of veterinarians for this book as that side of me was integral in the way the book moved me.
I am so grateful to have read this book this week.
November 1, 2022
Read it in two days, cried for two days. Recommend it to anyone in veterinary medicine, anyone that’s had/has a pet with cancer or anyone that needs to feel heard when others don’t seem to understand your love for that four-legged family member that you would do just about anything for.
September 12, 2022
Reviewed for NetGalley:
Sit, Stay, Heal is a hopeful and bittersweet memoir of a oncology veterinarian sharing her story of the powerful relationships her patients have with their owners, all while undergoing her diagnosis of cancer.
Having had a dog with cancer in the past, and having seen a oncology veterinarian, the author really did present a positive message that I had not considered before.
Sit, Stay, Heal is a hopeful and bittersweet memoir of a oncology veterinarian sharing her story of the powerful relationships her patients have with their owners, all while undergoing her diagnosis of cancer.
Having had a dog with cancer in the past, and having seen a oncology veterinarian, the author really did present a positive message that I had not considered before.
December 31, 2022
This book is for dog lovers. Shortly after moving to NJ my golden retriever was diagnosed with cancer and we were referred to Dr. Alsarraf for a consultation. It was obvious Dr. Alsarraf was passionate about her profession when she sat on the floor to meet and examine Sadie. She was so caring and treated the humans with kindness too. She deserves all the best in life.
September 1, 2025
do you love dogs? do you want to sob huge, ugly tears? if so, boy do I have a book for you. I liked this book but I would NOT have used the word "heartwarming"; rather, heart-wrenching. I need to go back to thrillers for a bit now 😵💫
February 19, 2023
“We should all work with dogs”
September 10, 2024
Little bit hard at times for my dog mom heart to read but overall I did enjoy it.
September 28, 2023
Tears will be shed. This is definitely tissues required reading.
May 9, 2024
In this memoir Dr. Renee Alsarraf tells the stories of some of her canine oncology patients and their families, while simultaneously telling the story of her own battle with cancer. This book could have been completely depressing but it is not, because the focus is on how modern veterinary medicine is able to extend the time dogs can spend with the people who love them, while maintaining a high quality of life. Anyone who has loved and ultimately lost a dog will enjoy this book.
April 12, 2023
Dr. Alsarraf is a veterinary oncologist. Her training and profession put her in the odd position of knowing way more than most people about cancer in both animals and people. Even as she works with cancer patients and their pet parents every day, she is shocked when she is diagnosed with what she calls “the C word.”
Dr. Alsarraf’s story is quite properly told in the first person. She shares the struggles of some of her patients and compares them with her own battles. Because animals live in a present mindset, they don’t have a fear of the tomorrows of cancer. They have fewer side effects from treatments. For example, they don’t lose their fur. There are many similarities, however, in the unknown outcomes of treatments and the unpredictability of cancer.
I thought this might be a very dark book, but it isn’t. It is inspiring to watch Dr. Alsarraf and her team of assistants work diligently and with care and respect as they treat their patients. Dr. Alsarraf takes time to explain everything to the pet’s human parents and to answer their questions. She never hurries them or makes them feel guilty about their decisions assuring them that there are no right or wrong answers in treatment choice.
There is another situation in this dedicated vet’s life that doubles the emotional impact, but to share it would be a spoiler. I found tears streaming down my face and had to wait a day to finish the book. Sit, Stay, Heal is very well written. The Introduction sets up the reader to journey with the author through her personal battle and shares her philosophies about cancer, pets, and fighting back. Each of the ten chapters that follow focuses on the story of a pet patient, the pet’s family, and her interaction with them all the while enduring her own health struggles. Sit, Stay, Heal is a heart felt book with more smiles than tears for a dog owner.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Dr. Alsarraf’s story is quite properly told in the first person. She shares the struggles of some of her patients and compares them with her own battles. Because animals live in a present mindset, they don’t have a fear of the tomorrows of cancer. They have fewer side effects from treatments. For example, they don’t lose their fur. There are many similarities, however, in the unknown outcomes of treatments and the unpredictability of cancer.
I thought this might be a very dark book, but it isn’t. It is inspiring to watch Dr. Alsarraf and her team of assistants work diligently and with care and respect as they treat their patients. Dr. Alsarraf takes time to explain everything to the pet’s human parents and to answer their questions. She never hurries them or makes them feel guilty about their decisions assuring them that there are no right or wrong answers in treatment choice.
There is another situation in this dedicated vet’s life that doubles the emotional impact, but to share it would be a spoiler. I found tears streaming down my face and had to wait a day to finish the book. Sit, Stay, Heal is very well written. The Introduction sets up the reader to journey with the author through her personal battle and shares her philosophies about cancer, pets, and fighting back. Each of the ten chapters that follow focuses on the story of a pet patient, the pet’s family, and her interaction with them all the while enduring her own health struggles. Sit, Stay, Heal is a heart felt book with more smiles than tears for a dog owner.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 27, 2024
Bring a box of tissues when you read Sit, Stay, Heal by Renee Alsarraf. Alsarraf is a practicing veterinarian oncologist and chronicles her own journey with the big "C" as she works with her own patients with cancer. You have to be a cold-ass person who would rate this book poorly because it is a beautiful journey so eloquently written. Sit, Stay, Heal is like Marley and Me meets Chicken Soup for the Soul. Although it deals with big topics like cancer, grief and loss, it is also beautiful. Alsarraf feels we can learn to be more like our dog friends going through cancer treatments and live in the moment.
The book is divided into sections about dogs she meets in her clinic for treatment. I fell for the story about the beagle, whose owner is also undergoing cancer treatments, and asked her, "Who will die first." Seriously, not a dry eye in the room!
Alsarraf also talks about her experience with her dogs and why she wanted to work with animals. During chemotherapy treatments, she talks about Newton, her senior boxer and companion. As Alsarraf's treatments progress, we learn that Newton also has cancer, and the two receive therapy simultaneously.
We went through an advanced prostate cancer diagnosis with our 14-year-old Puggle a few years ago. We did not opt to provide any additional treatment except at-home palliative comfort care because of his age and the advanced progression of his disease. We had him for another three months after his diagnosis, where he was comfortable and had a good quality of life. We knew when it was time, something every pet owner never wants to go through. Saying goodbye to your fur family member is one of the most challenging things you can ever do. We had to do it twice in three weeks. When our senior male Puggle passed comfortably through euthanasia, we had to say goodbye to his life companion and sister, a senior female Puggle.
I just loved this book; it brought such warmth to my heart.
The book is divided into sections about dogs she meets in her clinic for treatment. I fell for the story about the beagle, whose owner is also undergoing cancer treatments, and asked her, "Who will die first." Seriously, not a dry eye in the room!
Alsarraf also talks about her experience with her dogs and why she wanted to work with animals. During chemotherapy treatments, she talks about Newton, her senior boxer and companion. As Alsarraf's treatments progress, we learn that Newton also has cancer, and the two receive therapy simultaneously.
We went through an advanced prostate cancer diagnosis with our 14-year-old Puggle a few years ago. We did not opt to provide any additional treatment except at-home palliative comfort care because of his age and the advanced progression of his disease. We had him for another three months after his diagnosis, where he was comfortable and had a good quality of life. We knew when it was time, something every pet owner never wants to go through. Saying goodbye to your fur family member is one of the most challenging things you can ever do. We had to do it twice in three weeks. When our senior male Puggle passed comfortably through euthanasia, we had to say goodbye to his life companion and sister, a senior female Puggle.
I just loved this book; it brought such warmth to my heart.
July 6, 2025
"Sit, Stay, Heal ..." de Renee Alsarraf nu este doar o carte despre câini și cancer. Este un subiect care te face să meditezi, să evaluezi elementele precum iubirea, fragilitatea, curajul și speranța din viața ta. Cartea e scrisă cu o sinceritate dezarmantă de un medic veterinar care înfruntă cancerul atât în cabinetul ei, cât și în propriai viață.
Renee Alsarraf împletește poveștile pacienților ei necuvântători cu propria luptă împotriva cancerului, iar ceea ce rezultă este o reflecție profund umană despre cum animalele ne pot învăța să trăim mai bine – cu răbdare, demnitate și prezență. Am zâmbit larg la unele episoade (pentru că, da, câinii știu să te facă să râzi chiar și în cele mai grele momente\zile) și am simțit mai multe noduri în gât atunci când situațiile deveneau tensionate/grave. Totuși, nicio clipă nu m-am simțit copleșită de aceste povești, tonul autoarei este cald, optimist și plin de compasiune.
Este genul de carte pentru cei care iubesc animalele de companie, în special, câinii. Dacă iubești câinii, dacă ai un patruped acasă, e imposibil să nu simți că fiecare pagină\poveste a fost scrisă pentru tine. Sau dacă e să nu o luăm atât de personal, la un moment dat, după o viață lungă și fericită alături de stăpânii săi, viața unui patruped ia sfârșit și atunci această carte te ajută să înțelegi aceste momente mai bine.
Mi-a plăcut lectura.
Renee Alsarraf împletește poveștile pacienților ei necuvântători cu propria luptă împotriva cancerului, iar ceea ce rezultă este o reflecție profund umană despre cum animalele ne pot învăța să trăim mai bine – cu răbdare, demnitate și prezență. Am zâmbit larg la unele episoade (pentru că, da, câinii știu să te facă să râzi chiar și în cele mai grele momente\zile) și am simțit mai multe noduri în gât atunci când situațiile deveneau tensionate/grave. Totuși, nicio clipă nu m-am simțit copleșită de aceste povești, tonul autoarei este cald, optimist și plin de compasiune.
Este genul de carte pentru cei care iubesc animalele de companie, în special, câinii. Dacă iubești câinii, dacă ai un patruped acasă, e imposibil să nu simți că fiecare pagină\poveste a fost scrisă pentru tine. Sau dacă e să nu o luăm atât de personal, la un moment dat, după o viață lungă și fericită alături de stăpânii săi, viața unui patruped ia sfârșit și atunci această carte te ajută să înțelegi aceste momente mai bine.
Mi-a plăcut lectura.
September 16, 2022
A terrific autobiography about a oncology veterinarian who not only takes care of dogs with the big C, but also describes her journey with the big C and how her struggles are different then the dogs she treats. Even though the struggles are different, the stories of the dogs she takes care of are wonderful to read because even though the dogs come in sick, Dr. Alsarraf treats them to the point that they can go home and be happy with their people as long as they are able.
I couldn't put this book down. I found the stories very touching and I felt for the owners who loved their pets so much that they were willing to do whatever it took to save them and also had to be brave to let them go. There is one story that stood out about a client who would take no for an answer, and another that involves a rescue dog that was put into remission and was able to save more lives. Terrific stories.
I know this story maybe a little sad but this book is worth reading, it will make you happy to know that there is somewhere to go when a dog is ill and there are people who are willing do the job to help. I also learned that dogs don't have the same side effects from the treatment that people do and that makes me feel that the treatments are worth trying.
I want to thank HarperOne and NetGalley for this wonderful, heartwarming autobiography about the big C.
I couldn't put this book down. I found the stories very touching and I felt for the owners who loved their pets so much that they were willing to do whatever it took to save them and also had to be brave to let them go. There is one story that stood out about a client who would take no for an answer, and another that involves a rescue dog that was put into remission and was able to save more lives. Terrific stories.
I know this story maybe a little sad but this book is worth reading, it will make you happy to know that there is somewhere to go when a dog is ill and there are people who are willing do the job to help. I also learned that dogs don't have the same side effects from the treatment that people do and that makes me feel that the treatments are worth trying.
I want to thank HarperOne and NetGalley for this wonderful, heartwarming autobiography about the big C.
November 16, 2022
I loved this book!! But let me tell you that I am a veterinarian (have been in practice for 38 years) and my current dog, Shen is in remission having had Lymphoma. So, this book means a lot to me!!
In the book, the writer is a veterinary oncologist and deals on a daily basis with beloved pets and their caregivers delivering news that no one wants to hear, but she also can help and does. She is also dealing with her own diagnosis of cancer and all the treatments and family issues. She also has a dog that develops cancer. But each case and her own dog can pass on lessons on dealing with life.
Yes, it is a sad book, but also it shows what dogs can teach us about living in the moment and taking each day as a gift. It also is a great window into day to day life of veterinarians in how we try to help our patients and their caregivers when we often have to deal with our own life/family issues. It can be very hard to balance sometimes.
I would like to thank the author for this wonderful book and wish her health and happiness. I just took my own dog for her recheck appointment with her oncologist today and am grateful that she is still cancer free.
In the book, the writer is a veterinary oncologist and deals on a daily basis with beloved pets and their caregivers delivering news that no one wants to hear, but she also can help and does. She is also dealing with her own diagnosis of cancer and all the treatments and family issues. She also has a dog that develops cancer. But each case and her own dog can pass on lessons on dealing with life.
Yes, it is a sad book, but also it shows what dogs can teach us about living in the moment and taking each day as a gift. It also is a great window into day to day life of veterinarians in how we try to help our patients and their caregivers when we often have to deal with our own life/family issues. It can be very hard to balance sometimes.
I would like to thank the author for this wonderful book and wish her health and happiness. I just took my own dog for her recheck appointment with her oncologist today and am grateful that she is still cancer free.
September 23, 2022
Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well by Renee Alsarraf made me cry and laugh. I recently lost my 10-year-old shepherd unexpectedly, and this book was sometimes hard to read, but it also brought me comfort in knowing I did well for my doggo. Especially encouraging was the first story of Daisy and the owner asking the vet/author if she did anything wrong to cause her dog to get sick. It was comforting to know that I did everything for my dog and that she lived a very good life.
I so identify with the author's comment that dogs give us unconditional love when the world feels harsh and how we rely on and even lean on our pets. We can learn a lot from our pets who truly live in the present and the deep bonds they create with us.
The stories were very heartfelt, and the story of the author battling her own cancer was poignant.
A very good book and a must-have for anyone who owns a pet. A 5 out of 5 stars.
#SitStayHeal #NetGalley @HarperOneBooks
I so identify with the author's comment that dogs give us unconditional love when the world feels harsh and how we rely on and even lean on our pets. We can learn a lot from our pets who truly live in the present and the deep bonds they create with us.
The stories were very heartfelt, and the story of the author battling her own cancer was poignant.
A very good book and a must-have for anyone who owns a pet. A 5 out of 5 stars.
#SitStayHeal #NetGalley @HarperOneBooks
November 11, 2022
Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well by Renee Alsarraf made me cry and laugh. I recently lost my 10-year-old shepherd unexpectedly, and this book was sometimes hard to read, but it also brought me comfort in knowing I did well for my doggo. Especially encouraging was the first story of Daisy and the owner asking the vet/author if she did anything wrong to cause her dog to get sick. It was comforting to know that I did everything for my dog and that she lived a very good life.
I so identify with the author's comment that dogs give us unconditional love when the world feels harsh and how we rely on and even lean on our pets. We can learn a lot from our pets who truly live in the present and the deep bonds they create with us.
The stories were very heartfelt, and the story of the author battling her own cancer was poignant.
A very good book and a must-have for anyone who owns a pet. A 5 out of 5 stars.
#SitStayHeal #NetGalley @HarperOneBooks
I so identify with the author's comment that dogs give us unconditional love when the world feels harsh and how we rely on and even lean on our pets. We can learn a lot from our pets who truly live in the present and the deep bonds they create with us.
The stories were very heartfelt, and the story of the author battling her own cancer was poignant.
A very good book and a must-have for anyone who owns a pet. A 5 out of 5 stars.
#SitStayHeal #NetGalley @HarperOneBooks
November 6, 2024
I actually got this book from a veterinarian that I work with and I’m so thankful that I got it and read it. As a vet tech, I can empathize with Dr. Alsarraf’s experience as a vet. I have never worked in oncology though, so she taught me a lot about veterinary oncology and how hard and how rewarding it can be. My mom and grandma also went through cancer so I can sympathize with her on how hard that is. She is a very strong woman and veterinarian having to go through cancer AND work with animals with cancer. This book made me laugh and cry and feel so many emotions. I learned so much and I appreciate Dr. Alsarraf for giving her point of view. I definitely recommend this book to any animal lover or anyone going through a rough time. I hope to one day meet Dr. Alsarraf and tell her how much this book meant to me. I will pass this book along to my fellow friends in vet med in hopes that it will touch them the way it did with me.
May 25, 2023
I had the absolute pleasure of attending a Q&A with Dr. Renee, hosted by my company.
I am usually hesitant to read memoirs, as I tend to stick to reading fiction as a form of escapism, but having a personal connection to this book and author I flipped the cover and I am so glad I did.
Being in the animal field myself, it was lovely to read another persons take on veterinary care and end of life decisions, Dr. Renee treats all her patients and their family with such kindness and grace that they must feel like they are a part of her own family. Being a veterinary oncologist and going through treatment for the "C word" herself, Dr. Renee offers an incredibly unique view on how animals and humans go through tough times differently and the crucial lessons that we can learn from our four-legged friends.
The lessons to take away from this book made me look back on my own paths with grief in a new light and I feel very fortunate to have read this book.
I will treasure my now signed copy always :)
I am usually hesitant to read memoirs, as I tend to stick to reading fiction as a form of escapism, but having a personal connection to this book and author I flipped the cover and I am so glad I did.
Being in the animal field myself, it was lovely to read another persons take on veterinary care and end of life decisions, Dr. Renee treats all her patients and their family with such kindness and grace that they must feel like they are a part of her own family. Being a veterinary oncologist and going through treatment for the "C word" herself, Dr. Renee offers an incredibly unique view on how animals and humans go through tough times differently and the crucial lessons that we can learn from our four-legged friends.
The lessons to take away from this book made me look back on my own paths with grief in a new light and I feel very fortunate to have read this book.
I will treasure my now signed copy always :)
July 1, 2023
I liked how it was broken into the mini stories. I liked the dog version of being in the moment. The author talks a lot about her anxiety and how dogs are so happy and present. (She doesn’t treat any Braque Frances 🤣 -Porters worrying might have changed the book)
I might have rated this 4 stars but I didn’t crave it like I wanted to crave a dog book. It made me think differently about treating cancer in dogs. I have always felt it is such a money suck for a few month or maybe a year or two…. When there are so many healthy dogs out there needing homes. I have also never been comfortable with the gamble. But when you only live 7-10 years maybe another good summer is like 10 years for a human. Maybe it’s the time the people need to say good bye?
I might have rated this 4 stars but I didn’t crave it like I wanted to crave a dog book. It made me think differently about treating cancer in dogs. I have always felt it is such a money suck for a few month or maybe a year or two…. When there are so many healthy dogs out there needing homes. I have also never been comfortable with the gamble. But when you only live 7-10 years maybe another good summer is like 10 years for a human. Maybe it’s the time the people need to say good bye?
September 17, 2023
Dr. Renee Alsarraf’s book explores the multiple journeys pet owners take when their beloved companion has cancer. As a veterinarian oncologist, her practice is to centers centers on treatment options for this disease. Her book is poignantly ironic when she,too, contracts cancer. She muses on her response as compared to the reactions of animals. She also, at times, contrasts her care. The book is very inspiring and has many uplifting stories—a unifying element being the devotion between family and pet. There’s also many humorous moments, such as when Dr. Alsarraf realizes, after the fact, that she was treating a mob dog. I loved this book, appreciate the work she does, and will continue to wish her well.
October 23, 2024
This book caught my attention while waiting in line at the library to vote. The image and the spelling of "heal" (in the title) piqued my curiosity. I began reading and was drawn in right away. Despite being almost exclusively an e-book reader, I checked out the book and finished it the same day.
The author is a veterinary oncologist who is diagnosed with cancer at age 51. She talks about her experience with the "C word" (she can't bring herself to spell it out) and, more or less, compares it to the experiences of her dog patients and their families. I'm a dog lover and could relate to quite a few of her experiences. The book was worth reading, despite needing a few tissues to get through it. It really was quite cathartic.
The author is a veterinary oncologist who is diagnosed with cancer at age 51. She talks about her experience with the "C word" (she can't bring herself to spell it out) and, more or less, compares it to the experiences of her dog patients and their families. I'm a dog lover and could relate to quite a few of her experiences. The book was worth reading, despite needing a few tissues to get through it. It really was quite cathartic.
November 3, 2024
Bittersweet book, audiobook narration by the author was refreshing.
In the end In this modern age where cruelty and dog breeding are rampant, really wish the author took a stance and some time to drive another message of "Adopt, don't shop" with this book, sigh!
This book was out and out about dogs, about her canine oncology patients and their wonderful journey with their respective families. And about her journey with cancer and her dogs too.
But somehow felt a slight hint of Speciesism, didn't expect this going into the book written by an oncology veterinarian.
In the end In this modern age where cruelty and dog breeding are rampant, really wish the author took a stance and some time to drive another message of "Adopt, don't shop" with this book, sigh!
This book was out and out about dogs, about her canine oncology patients and their wonderful journey with their respective families. And about her journey with cancer and her dogs too.
But somehow felt a slight hint of Speciesism, didn't expect this going into the book written by an oncology veterinarian.
April 11, 2023
This book will take you on an emotional journey.
Dr. Alsarraf is a veterinary oncologist helping her clients to the best they can for their pets. When she gets diagnosed with cancer it changes her, and this is her story.
She not only discusses the good and bad outcomes for her clients as she deals with her own cancer treatment, she also has to deal with the diagnosis and treatment of her own beloved Boxer, Newton.
I loved and hated this book, I loved the inspiring stories, but I also cried several times as well. Dr Alsarraf is an exceptional writer and a wonderful story teller. If you love animals, this book will be one to read.
Dr. Alsarraf is a veterinary oncologist helping her clients to the best they can for their pets. When she gets diagnosed with cancer it changes her, and this is her story.
She not only discusses the good and bad outcomes for her clients as she deals with her own cancer treatment, she also has to deal with the diagnosis and treatment of her own beloved Boxer, Newton.
I loved and hated this book, I loved the inspiring stories, but I also cried several times as well. Dr Alsarraf is an exceptional writer and a wonderful story teller. If you love animals, this book will be one to read.
November 6, 2023
This book will make you cry. I cried for a few days straight and every single time that I thought I was done crying and looked over at my pup and thought about him not being here, I cried some more. The stories were very touching. Just seeing what these pups that were diagnosed with cancer went through, what their families went through, and also what the vet oncologists/technicians go through. They have to go through this all day, every day and how difficult it is for them. It's difficult to see your own pet go through something but these technicians become attached to your pup too. Be prepared to cry during this book.
August 20, 2025
Excellent book. “In some instances, a relationship with a pet may be the only circumstance in which a person feels completely comfortable and loved. There is no shame with an animal, no reason to put on a front. Our four-legged companions accept us as we are, and understand much more than we generally give them credit for.”
This was just what I needed - an easy light read that makes you stop and appreciate the small things in life. It’s a lesson on no matter the struggle, live and enjoy the present. Dogs do it daily, so why can’t humans?
This was just what I needed - an easy light read that makes you stop and appreciate the small things in life. It’s a lesson on no matter the struggle, live and enjoy the present. Dogs do it daily, so why can’t humans?
November 26, 2022
A bittersweet memoir that really tugs at your heartstrings and makes you want to hug your fur friends a bit tighter tonight. Alsarraf does a beautiful job providing an honest yet hopeful message about sickness and loss and showcasing the deep and meaningful companionship that dogs and humans share.
I didn’t love Alsarraf as the audiobook narrator though and would recommend it in print instead.
TW: human and animal cancer, animal euthanasia
I didn’t love Alsarraf as the audiobook narrator though and would recommend it in print instead.
TW: human and animal cancer, animal euthanasia
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2023
This was such a moving book about pets and people and how similar dealing with illness like cancer can parallel between both. The author shared a lot about her personal life and encounters and I found this to be an inspiring story, although at times difficult to read. The message is clear that the bond between people and their pets is a strong one that can overcome a lot but also can offer hope to those who may be struggling. I definitely teared up a lot during this one.
December 20, 2022
Love the cover. Love the writing. Love the dogs and their families. However, the content is not as much focused on the canine family and what we can learn like the title and the blurb promise.
The content is more of the author’s day to day perceptions of what is being done at work as a routine and what is felt when we come across someone who’s diagnosed with cancer.
A good book nevertheless.
The content is more of the author’s day to day perceptions of what is being done at work as a routine and what is felt when we come across someone who’s diagnosed with cancer.
A good book nevertheless.
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