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How to Examine a Wolverine: More Tales from the Accidental Veterinarian
Crammed with useful info, funny recollections, heartfelt anecdotes, and lots of cute furry creatures, a collection for all animal lovers! This collection of over 60 stories and essays, drawn from Dr. Schott's 30 years in small animal practice, covers an astonishing breadth of experiences, emotions, and species. Schott has tales of creatures ranging from tiny honeybees to massive Burmese pythons, although the emphasis is on dogs and cats and the interesting, often quirky, people who love them. He also doles out advice on current topics such as CBD oil, raw diets, and COVID-19, as well as the mysteries of catnip, dog flatulence, and duck erectile dysfunction. Schott's candor gives the reader a behind-the-scenes look at a profession that is much admired but often misunderstood. What is it really like to be a veterinarian? More to the point, what is it really like to be a veterinarian when confused pet parents call at 2:00 a.m.? Or when your patient bolts for the road? Or when you're asked to spay a dog on a resort's kitchen table? Readers will also learn how to make a sheep sit on its bum and, yes, how to examine a wolverine.
9 pages, Audiobook
Published December 15, 2021
20 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Philipp Schott
11 books148 followersPhilipp was born in Germany in 1965. A year later his family emigrated to Canada. Philipp grew up in Saskatoon, regularly returning to Germany to visit. He studied biology the University of Saskatchewan before switching to veterinary medicine. After graduation he moved to Winnipeg with his classmate and future wife, Lorraine. Except for a year taken to backpack around the world, Philipp has been in the same Winnipeg small animal practice since 1990.
His writing began with a travel blog and then a veterinary blog. His first book, "The Accidental Veterinarian", a collection of non-fiction stories from his practice, was published by ECW Press in 2019. It became a Canadian bestseller and was translated into five languages. "The Willow Wren" (ECW Press 2021) is his first novel. "How To Examine a Wolverine", a sequel to "The Accidental Veterinarian" was published in 2021, and the second sequel, "The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten" came out in 2023.
Philipp has also been writing cozy-ish mysteries featuring Dr. Peter Bannerman, veterinarian and amateur detective, ! So far there has been "Fifty-Four Pigs" (2022), "Six Ostriches" (2023), and "Eleven Huskies" (2024). "Three Bengal Kittens" should be out soon...
He and Lorraine live in a creaky old house on the river with two children and several pets. Although the clinic, writing, and his family keep him busy, he spends as much time outdoors as he can. He's a particular fan of long-distance walking, having completed the West Highland Way, the Hadrian's Wall Path, the Laugavegur, and the Inca Trail, among others. The pandemic has turned him to virtual walks, with the latest project being a 2300 km trek from The Shire to Mordor. He's learning how sturdy those hobbits really were.
His writing began with a travel blog and then a veterinary blog. His first book, "The Accidental Veterinarian", a collection of non-fiction stories from his practice, was published by ECW Press in 2019. It became a Canadian bestseller and was translated into five languages. "The Willow Wren" (ECW Press 2021) is his first novel. "How To Examine a Wolverine", a sequel to "The Accidental Veterinarian" was published in 2021, and the second sequel, "The Battle Cry of the Siamese Kitten" came out in 2023.
Philipp has also been writing cozy-ish mysteries featuring Dr. Peter Bannerman, veterinarian and amateur detective, ! So far there has been "Fifty-Four Pigs" (2022), "Six Ostriches" (2023), and "Eleven Huskies" (2024). "Three Bengal Kittens" should be out soon...
He and Lorraine live in a creaky old house on the river with two children and several pets. Although the clinic, writing, and his family keep him busy, he spends as much time outdoors as he can. He's a particular fan of long-distance walking, having completed the West Highland Way, the Hadrian's Wall Path, the Laugavegur, and the Inca Trail, among others. The pandemic has turned him to virtual walks, with the latest project being a 2300 km trek from The Shire to Mordor. He's learning how sturdy those hobbits really were.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
December 19, 2021
I love stories about animals, so it's no wonder that I enjoyed this book. Anecdotes, snippets of facts, how to's on various subjects and a look into the everyday in a veterinarian's life. Sections on dogs, cats, and the exotics such as hedgehogs, snakes, lion cubs, ferrets and more, all told in a humorous manner. Of course there is sadness too, which every pet owner knows.. I love the way he writes, self deprecating at times, but humble as well. Like in many fields, there is always more to learn.
A terrific book for animal lovers.
A terrific book for animal lovers.
May 30, 2021
At last….a book that addresses one of life’s burning questions. Just how does one examine a wolverine? Wonder no more, friends. Dr. Philipp Schott, an experienced veterinarian in Winnipeg, Manitoba tackles this & other thorny issues that have come his way during a long career.
It’s a slim volume that is broken into 4 section: dogs, cats, vets & other beasts (wolverines!!). Each is essentially a collection of short essays, making it the perfect bedside-table book. You can pick it up & read a story that will inform, make you laugh or ponder the profound bonds that exist between parents & their furry kids. But fair warning, it can also make you cringe (just google “kidney worm”…go ahead, I dare you)
Schott is a great story teller. There are plenty of amusing anecdotes to keep you entertained but there’s also a lot of good information about different breeds, how to pick your pet & common medical conditions associated with each. The author mixes this with comments about the profession, pet peeves, common misconceptions & the practicalities of running a small animal practice. Sort of a hairier, bitier version of This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor.
Whether it’s celebrating a new life or saying goodbye to a much loved companion, his genuine love & respect for all creatures shines through. This is a man doing exactly what he was meant to. Luckily for us he kept notes along the way.
It’s a light, enjoyable read that entertains & informs. Best of all, you will leave fully prepared for your next wolverine encounter.
P.S.: Another thing I learned is if you ever find yourself in need of an assassin, consider hiring a beaver. You’re welcome.
It’s a slim volume that is broken into 4 section: dogs, cats, vets & other beasts (wolverines!!). Each is essentially a collection of short essays, making it the perfect bedside-table book. You can pick it up & read a story that will inform, make you laugh or ponder the profound bonds that exist between parents & their furry kids. But fair warning, it can also make you cringe (just google “kidney worm”…go ahead, I dare you)
Schott is a great story teller. There are plenty of amusing anecdotes to keep you entertained but there’s also a lot of good information about different breeds, how to pick your pet & common medical conditions associated with each. The author mixes this with comments about the profession, pet peeves, common misconceptions & the practicalities of running a small animal practice. Sort of a hairier, bitier version of This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor.
Whether it’s celebrating a new life or saying goodbye to a much loved companion, his genuine love & respect for all creatures shines through. This is a man doing exactly what he was meant to. Luckily for us he kept notes along the way.
It’s a light, enjoyable read that entertains & informs. Best of all, you will leave fully prepared for your next wolverine encounter.
P.S.: Another thing I learned is if you ever find yourself in need of an assassin, consider hiring a beaver. You’re welcome.
Currently reading
March 14, 2023This is even better than the author's first book The Accidental Veterinarian: Tales from a Pet Practice. It's much more serious for a start, but also is leavened with Phillip's own story as a family man, business owner and vet, and how all these different hats are affected by each other. It seems there may be many more 'Accidental Veterinarian' books too, as he says,
Veterinary medicine really is a story engine. to be sure, there is a lot we do as veterinarians that is routine and profoundly uninteresting, but given the collision of people and animals and love and money and life and death and chaos and beauty, it is a rare day that goes by that does not feed the story engine.Leave out 'and animals' (for those without pets) and it applies to all our lives. We just have to appreciate that these daily happenings are the stories of our lives.
October 4, 2021
My thanks to ECW Press and NetGalley for a review copy of the book.
How to Examine a Wolverine is the memoirs/reminiscences of German-born, Canadian veterinary doctor, Dr Philipp Schott (this is his second book, the first being The Accidental Vet). In its various short chapters, Dr Schott relates different experiences from his over three-decade long practice and training. The book is divided into four sections—dogs, cats, vets, and other beasts. In these, Dr Schott covers a range of issues, from experiences with specific patients and illnesses to practical aspects such as feeding and care for our pets, some issues in veterinary care and services, his own experiences from the days of his training and early practice, and also some of the more unusual patients he has treated.
From a too-curious dog who was bitten by a beaver, to similarly inquisitive dogs who end up often with porcupine quills (which actually have antiseptic properties), impacts of feeding fads, the issues and temperament (very sweet) of flat-faced dogs or brachycephalics, cats’ hunting habits and cats as patients, false alarms and nail-cutting (or rather, claw-trimming) woes, to more heart rending instances of pets who are diagnosed with more serious conditions, or having to take that difficult last decision, Dr Schott talks about it all. Alongside, he also tells us of his experiences with some of the more uncommon patients he had treated including the wolverine of the title (scanned but not examined; though we are not cheated, and he does tell us how one would go about examining a wolverine, if one had to), and Albert the Burmese python, his largest patient (who needed four people to carry him in). We also learn of his experiences getting into and training in vet school, and also a prank he played on his staff involving his daughter’s real-looking toy cat and a not-so-innocuous placard they attached to its ‘cage’. And he also gives us a step-by-step guide to surgery for dummies (‘simple’ though it is, one does need a licence).
Written in a simple and enjoyable style, full of humour, each of the anecdotes he tells or issues he brings up are interesting and enjoyable to read. I especially loved that he covered such a range of subjects in his stories, not only introducing us to some interesting animals (his own pets among them), but also covering various more practical aspects from every-day pet care to more serious aspects (including the hardest of them all for all us pet parents—euthanasia). Another important aspect he touches upon is the corporatisation of veterinary care which while it has its benefits, also has its downsides which can be a cause for concern (something one is witnessing perhaps in more corporate involvement in human health care as well).
Among my favourite stories in the book was that of Major Harry Colebourn of the Royal Canadian Veterinary Corps who rescued a black bear cub in Ontario, whom he named Winnie. Winnie became their regimental mascot and later was sent to London Zoo where she became the inspiration for a very famous bear (I’m sure you know who)! I also loved meeting many of his more unusual patients (though I probably wouldn’t want to handle Albert the python myself). [On his observation of it being ‘right and proper’ for human health and life to be valued over animal life, I found myself disagreeing because I genuinely feel that because we are taught this, we treat other life with much less respect than it deserves—every life needs to be respected and valued—I know this isn’t such a simple or straightforward issue and there is much to be addressed but still …]
A lovely, quick and enjoyable read, perfect for any animal lover!
How to Examine a Wolverine is the memoirs/reminiscences of German-born, Canadian veterinary doctor, Dr Philipp Schott (this is his second book, the first being The Accidental Vet). In its various short chapters, Dr Schott relates different experiences from his over three-decade long practice and training. The book is divided into four sections—dogs, cats, vets, and other beasts. In these, Dr Schott covers a range of issues, from experiences with specific patients and illnesses to practical aspects such as feeding and care for our pets, some issues in veterinary care and services, his own experiences from the days of his training and early practice, and also some of the more unusual patients he has treated.
From a too-curious dog who was bitten by a beaver, to similarly inquisitive dogs who end up often with porcupine quills (which actually have antiseptic properties), impacts of feeding fads, the issues and temperament (very sweet) of flat-faced dogs or brachycephalics, cats’ hunting habits and cats as patients, false alarms and nail-cutting (or rather, claw-trimming) woes, to more heart rending instances of pets who are diagnosed with more serious conditions, or having to take that difficult last decision, Dr Schott talks about it all. Alongside, he also tells us of his experiences with some of the more uncommon patients he had treated including the wolverine of the title (scanned but not examined; though we are not cheated, and he does tell us how one would go about examining a wolverine, if one had to), and Albert the Burmese python, his largest patient (who needed four people to carry him in). We also learn of his experiences getting into and training in vet school, and also a prank he played on his staff involving his daughter’s real-looking toy cat and a not-so-innocuous placard they attached to its ‘cage’. And he also gives us a step-by-step guide to surgery for dummies (‘simple’ though it is, one does need a licence).
Written in a simple and enjoyable style, full of humour, each of the anecdotes he tells or issues he brings up are interesting and enjoyable to read. I especially loved that he covered such a range of subjects in his stories, not only introducing us to some interesting animals (his own pets among them), but also covering various more practical aspects from every-day pet care to more serious aspects (including the hardest of them all for all us pet parents—euthanasia). Another important aspect he touches upon is the corporatisation of veterinary care which while it has its benefits, also has its downsides which can be a cause for concern (something one is witnessing perhaps in more corporate involvement in human health care as well).
Among my favourite stories in the book was that of Major Harry Colebourn of the Royal Canadian Veterinary Corps who rescued a black bear cub in Ontario, whom he named Winnie. Winnie became their regimental mascot and later was sent to London Zoo where she became the inspiration for a very famous bear (I’m sure you know who)! I also loved meeting many of his more unusual patients (though I probably wouldn’t want to handle Albert the python myself). [On his observation of it being ‘right and proper’ for human health and life to be valued over animal life, I found myself disagreeing because I genuinely feel that because we are taught this, we treat other life with much less respect than it deserves—every life needs to be respected and valued—I know this isn’t such a simple or straightforward issue and there is much to be addressed but still …]
A lovely, quick and enjoyable read, perfect for any animal lover!
December 12, 2021
As someone who works in the vet industry, I got a kick out of this book. I love the glimpse behind the curtain of veterinary clinics and all the crazy stories that happen there. If you’re animal lover, this book is for you. I’ll definitely be going back and reading his first book now!
December 12, 2021
This is not really a “how to” book. You will not exit with the knowledge and confidence needed to examine a wolverine. In fact, if you leave with anything pertaining to wolverines, it will hopefully be the maintained wisdom that you should keep a safe distance from them.
Phillipp Schott certainly doesn’t seduce the reader into believing they will get a book full of only charming, humorous stories. He hits you with a tearjerker right from the start. Most of the essays, however, aren’t quite as sad, although always heartwarming.
Sometimes the things that comfort you aren’t what you expect to bring you solace. When I began this audiobook, I had three living ferrets. Before getting terribly far, one of those ferrets, Delilah - her body plagued with a cruel cancer - laid down for a nap and didn’t wake up. I was not sure I’d be able to continue with essays focused on furry beasts who didn’t always make it out okay on the other end. But after a few days passed, I found I missed these stories and, not only that, craved those precious moments when pet owners looked to Dr. Schott to make their furry family members better. Somehow, even in its saddest moments, this book made me feel better, maybe because it reminded me that I was not alone in an enormous love that leads to agonizing loss.
I loved the way Schott told his stories. I found his humor enjoyable and his compassion endearing. I was also very impressed with the narrator. Had I not already known that Phillipp Schott was not the one narrating, I would have thought it was him, as Geet Arora’s tone was pitch perfect. One might think these stories were his own.
If you’re an animal lover, this book is definitely for you. You will laugh, cry, and develop an appreciation for all creatures, great and small, even if they might eat you. You know. Like a wolverine.
I am immensely grateful to ECW Press Audio for my audio review copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Phillipp Schott certainly doesn’t seduce the reader into believing they will get a book full of only charming, humorous stories. He hits you with a tearjerker right from the start. Most of the essays, however, aren’t quite as sad, although always heartwarming.
Sometimes the things that comfort you aren’t what you expect to bring you solace. When I began this audiobook, I had three living ferrets. Before getting terribly far, one of those ferrets, Delilah - her body plagued with a cruel cancer - laid down for a nap and didn’t wake up. I was not sure I’d be able to continue with essays focused on furry beasts who didn’t always make it out okay on the other end. But after a few days passed, I found I missed these stories and, not only that, craved those precious moments when pet owners looked to Dr. Schott to make their furry family members better. Somehow, even in its saddest moments, this book made me feel better, maybe because it reminded me that I was not alone in an enormous love that leads to agonizing loss.
I loved the way Schott told his stories. I found his humor enjoyable and his compassion endearing. I was also very impressed with the narrator. Had I not already known that Phillipp Schott was not the one narrating, I would have thought it was him, as Geet Arora’s tone was pitch perfect. One might think these stories were his own.
If you’re an animal lover, this book is definitely for you. You will laugh, cry, and develop an appreciation for all creatures, great and small, even if they might eat you. You know. Like a wolverine.
I am immensely grateful to ECW Press Audio for my audio review copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 21, 2021
4.5★s
How To Examine A Wolverine is the second non-fiction book by Canadian veterinarian and author, Philipp Schott. That’s certainly a catchy title, and the cover picture also speaks volumes: this is a book by a vet about animals and, of course, their owners. It comes in the format of essays with intriguing titles like Dogs Getting High, How To Make A Sheep Sit and Surgery for Dummies.
Schott divides his book into four sections: dogs, cats, vets and other beasts, and includes anecdotes about patients he has seen over his thirty-year career. He shares successes (which often amount to asking the right questions) and admits to failures, including when succumbing to flattery taught him an expensive lesson; there are happy endings and sad ones, but he does issue warnings for squeamish readers when necessary.
Regarding dogs, there are encounters with skunks, porcupines and beavers, amputations, barking, flatulence, nail clipping, balding dogs, stoned dogs and escapes.
Cats take him into the territory of catnip, ageing, barfing and furballs, poisoning, obtaining blood samples from uncooperative pets, and euthanising companion animals.
Vets leads him to expound on the practices of some of his colleagues, corporate monopolies, the gender distribution of the profession, his early graduate experiences, costs and charges, and a myriad of aspects of veterinary practice.
Other beasts delves into the variety of unusual animals treated at his practice: ducks, bees, hamsters, lion cubs, poisonous fish, ferrets, rescue squirrels, a wolverine, and the challenge of doing an ultrasound on a very long python.
There are amusing illustrations by Brian Gable and Schott manages to include a great deal of information in easily-assimilated form, as well as lots of good advice. He throws in a few dad jokes, but you will also learn some interesting tidbits (porcupine quills are coated in antibiotic; beavers can kill a human being) and yes, he does explain how to examine a wolverine, but if you want to know that, read the book.
Even when he mounts his soapbox on something about which he feels strongly, such as flat-faced breeds, boutique dog foods, raw diets, or fad foods and treatments, he’s never preachy; rather his explanations are redolent with expertise and common sense. The tone is conversational and this makes the book very readable. You don’t have to be a pet owner to enjoy this informative, entertaining and frequently laugh-out-loud funny book.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and ECW Press.
How To Examine A Wolverine is the second non-fiction book by Canadian veterinarian and author, Philipp Schott. That’s certainly a catchy title, and the cover picture also speaks volumes: this is a book by a vet about animals and, of course, their owners. It comes in the format of essays with intriguing titles like Dogs Getting High, How To Make A Sheep Sit and Surgery for Dummies.
Schott divides his book into four sections: dogs, cats, vets and other beasts, and includes anecdotes about patients he has seen over his thirty-year career. He shares successes (which often amount to asking the right questions) and admits to failures, including when succumbing to flattery taught him an expensive lesson; there are happy endings and sad ones, but he does issue warnings for squeamish readers when necessary.
Regarding dogs, there are encounters with skunks, porcupines and beavers, amputations, barking, flatulence, nail clipping, balding dogs, stoned dogs and escapes.
Cats take him into the territory of catnip, ageing, barfing and furballs, poisoning, obtaining blood samples from uncooperative pets, and euthanising companion animals.
Vets leads him to expound on the practices of some of his colleagues, corporate monopolies, the gender distribution of the profession, his early graduate experiences, costs and charges, and a myriad of aspects of veterinary practice.
Other beasts delves into the variety of unusual animals treated at his practice: ducks, bees, hamsters, lion cubs, poisonous fish, ferrets, rescue squirrels, a wolverine, and the challenge of doing an ultrasound on a very long python.
There are amusing illustrations by Brian Gable and Schott manages to include a great deal of information in easily-assimilated form, as well as lots of good advice. He throws in a few dad jokes, but you will also learn some interesting tidbits (porcupine quills are coated in antibiotic; beavers can kill a human being) and yes, he does explain how to examine a wolverine, but if you want to know that, read the book.
Even when he mounts his soapbox on something about which he feels strongly, such as flat-faced breeds, boutique dog foods, raw diets, or fad foods and treatments, he’s never preachy; rather his explanations are redolent with expertise and common sense. The tone is conversational and this makes the book very readable. You don’t have to be a pet owner to enjoy this informative, entertaining and frequently laugh-out-loud funny book.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and ECW Press.
June 2, 2021
Thank you to ECW Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review "How to Examine a Wolverine" by Philipp Schott, DVM. Publish Date - September 28, 2021
This was a quick read full of anecdotes about dogs, cats, ducks, and yes, even a wolverine. Dr. Schott worked as a small animal vet in Manitoba for 30 years. This is his second book about his patients, their owners and the life of a veterinarian. Many of the anecdotes are poignant; many are downright hilarious. If you love animals, you will enjoy this book.
This was a quick read full of anecdotes about dogs, cats, ducks, and yes, even a wolverine. Dr. Schott worked as a small animal vet in Manitoba for 30 years. This is his second book about his patients, their owners and the life of a veterinarian. Many of the anecdotes are poignant; many are downright hilarious. If you love animals, you will enjoy this book.
July 15, 2025
3.5/5
I had hoped this would be full of more *new to me* info and facts but it really wasn’t. I enjoyed the listen nonetheless.
I had hoped this would be full of more *new to me* info and facts but it really wasn’t. I enjoyed the listen nonetheless.
January 20, 2022
I received an ARC of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review.
I'm one of those people who likes to listen to audiobooks/podcasts/Youtube videos when I'm doing chores, getting ready for the day, or mowing my lawn to name a few examples. And there's a specific genre of book that I find is well suited to these tasks, nonfiction books about random things. People tend to ask me why do I know so much random trivia, and books like How to Examine a Wolverine are perfect examples of how this has come to be.
How to Examine a Wolverine is the 2nd book of essays Dr. Philipp Schott DVM has written about his 30+ year career in veterinary medicine. I haven't read the first book, but this is one of those types of books where you can read them in whichever order and you won't be missing any information needed. Some essays like the one where Schott gives you a checklist of specific symptoms that if your dog/cat exhibits is a legitimate emergency are very useful and informative. Other essays are funny or educational or sad. I'm still in shock that a regular person is legally allowed to own a 200 lbs. Burmese Python. Like where do you even house it in your home? Some essays are better than others, which is typical. I enjoyed the listening experience as Schott has essays about treating dogs, cats, snakes, wolverines, ducks, and hedgehogs to name a few of the animals covered in the book. I'm a huge animal lover and it's fascinating to get a look behind the curtain of their treatment and care. I also thoroughly enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook, Geet Arora.
I recommend this book for anyone who wants a laidback book of essays regarding being a vet in this day and age. 4 out of 5 stars.
I'm one of those people who likes to listen to audiobooks/podcasts/Youtube videos when I'm doing chores, getting ready for the day, or mowing my lawn to name a few examples. And there's a specific genre of book that I find is well suited to these tasks, nonfiction books about random things. People tend to ask me why do I know so much random trivia, and books like How to Examine a Wolverine are perfect examples of how this has come to be.
How to Examine a Wolverine is the 2nd book of essays Dr. Philipp Schott DVM has written about his 30+ year career in veterinary medicine. I haven't read the first book, but this is one of those types of books where you can read them in whichever order and you won't be missing any information needed. Some essays like the one where Schott gives you a checklist of specific symptoms that if your dog/cat exhibits is a legitimate emergency are very useful and informative. Other essays are funny or educational or sad. I'm still in shock that a regular person is legally allowed to own a 200 lbs. Burmese Python. Like where do you even house it in your home? Some essays are better than others, which is typical. I enjoyed the listening experience as Schott has essays about treating dogs, cats, snakes, wolverines, ducks, and hedgehogs to name a few of the animals covered in the book. I'm a huge animal lover and it's fascinating to get a look behind the curtain of their treatment and care. I also thoroughly enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook, Geet Arora.
I recommend this book for anyone who wants a laidback book of essays regarding being a vet in this day and age. 4 out of 5 stars.
December 31, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and ECW Audio for the ARC of this!
This was so interesting and sweet. I read the comparable, I think, This is Going to Hurt (by a human OB), and while the premise intrigued me, the doctor’s personality and judgments of his patients put me off. Not true here, it seemed as though this veterinarian cares deeply for his animal patients, but also has plenty of empathy for their human families. There were an interesting assortment of cases/illnesses as well as some variety in animal - though dogs and cats made up an expected significant portion. I hadn’t realized this is a sequel, and I plan to read the first one, but I don’t think you need to have to follow this one. There are some references to pet names/cases, that I knew I had missed, but all in all this felt informative and easy to read.
This was so interesting and sweet. I read the comparable, I think, This is Going to Hurt (by a human OB), and while the premise intrigued me, the doctor’s personality and judgments of his patients put me off. Not true here, it seemed as though this veterinarian cares deeply for his animal patients, but also has plenty of empathy for their human families. There were an interesting assortment of cases/illnesses as well as some variety in animal - though dogs and cats made up an expected significant portion. I hadn’t realized this is a sequel, and I plan to read the first one, but I don’t think you need to have to follow this one. There are some references to pet names/cases, that I knew I had missed, but all in all this felt informative and easy to read.
January 5, 2022
This book was just what I needed to start out the year & actually very similar to my first book of last year (This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay)! This combined bits of knowledge about issues commonly seen in dogs, cats and other pets but also some funny tales of specific visits Dr. Schott didn't forget. I really enjoyed the writing style of combining some scientific information in with explanations and how these were seen in pets. And of course enjoyed the stories of the more exotic animals that were seen for ultrasounds at the clinic - like a wolverine from the local zoo!
Thank you to Netgalley, ECW Press Audio and the author for a free audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Netgalley, ECW Press Audio and the author for a free audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
July 22, 2025
Although this was not what I was expecting, it was entertaining at times.
February 15, 2022
I saw this book/audiobook a few times on the blogosphere, and when I saw a chance to listen to it, I picked it up.
I am not an animal person per se. I prefer them at a distance, even as I appreciate their intelligence and emotions. I happened to read the entire James Herriot Collection late in high school and loved them enough to think that a passing interest in animals would still endear me to this kind of a book.
This collection of essays turned out to be quite different from what I expected (given my limited experience with veterinary books). It took me a couple of chapters to get over the initial disappointment that each tale is short and comes with the required background information, be it personal or related to the animal, in particular, preceding it. I settled in to enjoy the variety that I was introduced to.
This is the second volume of such essays written by a veterinarian in Canada. The different stories and types of animals all work well together to provide a very diverting set of accounts. At this point, I must mention that I loved it as an audiobook and might not have appreciated so much information without the narrative style. The narrator did an excellent job of bringing the author's emotions to life. I could have imagined that the author himself was talking about his memories! The small twists in some of the events made me chuckle. It has a lot happening, and it is not the kind of book I could read in single sittings. It had to be absorbed a little at a time. This meant it took longer than I expected to work my way through it. I am not sure one would have to be an ardent animal lover to best appreciate this work. Anyone with a mild curiosity about the professions and the work involved could get something interesting from it.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own listening experience.
I am not an animal person per se. I prefer them at a distance, even as I appreciate their intelligence and emotions. I happened to read the entire James Herriot Collection late in high school and loved them enough to think that a passing interest in animals would still endear me to this kind of a book.
This collection of essays turned out to be quite different from what I expected (given my limited experience with veterinary books). It took me a couple of chapters to get over the initial disappointment that each tale is short and comes with the required background information, be it personal or related to the animal, in particular, preceding it. I settled in to enjoy the variety that I was introduced to.
This is the second volume of such essays written by a veterinarian in Canada. The different stories and types of animals all work well together to provide a very diverting set of accounts. At this point, I must mention that I loved it as an audiobook and might not have appreciated so much information without the narrative style. The narrator did an excellent job of bringing the author's emotions to life. I could have imagined that the author himself was talking about his memories! The small twists in some of the events made me chuckle. It has a lot happening, and it is not the kind of book I could read in single sittings. It had to be absorbed a little at a time. This meant it took longer than I expected to work my way through it. I am not sure one would have to be an ardent animal lover to best appreciate this work. Anyone with a mild curiosity about the professions and the work involved could get something interesting from it.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own listening experience.
September 13, 2021
This is the follow up to the author successful first book relating to his practice and profession of running a veterinarian office in Canada. There are various stories about the many cats and dogs brought in for a variety of ailments along with some not so common patients like high dollar ducks, a mouse and squirrels and of course from the title a wolverine. They even have unique patients due to the fact of having an ultrasound machine. Along with the various patient issues the author discuss various issues or things that you maybe able to use or observe with your pets. There are also stories about the profession. Over all this is a good read more so if you are an animal lover. Thank you to Netgalley and ECW Press for an ARC for a fair and honest review.
November 6, 2022
This book is a collection of short pieces, each only a few pages long, chronicling the experiences of a veterinarian. They are uplifting, sad, funny, heartwarming, and also informative, with lots of advice about animals or just interesting factoids, giving me some new vocabulary like "zoonoses" and "flatology" (Look that one up!). Whether it is talking about removing a live 3-meter-long worm from a live dog or chasing an escaped Pekinese across traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway, it is never dull!
As a result of the organization the book is easy to pick up and put down when you need a break from whatever else is stressing you. However, you may find that once you pick it up it's too much fun to put back down.
As a result of the organization the book is easy to pick up and put down when you need a break from whatever else is stressing you. However, you may find that once you pick it up it's too much fun to put back down.
January 11, 2022
And Dr. Schott has done it again! In all fairness, I have to give this five stars because it's often touching, often funny, informative, humane--and well-written, too. Dr. Schott's dry humor and feeling for his patients are a delight. Besides, he praises All Creatures Great and Small to the skies! So he's generous and fair-minded along with all his other virtues as a writer.
The short version of this review: If you loved The Accidental Veterinarian, you will love this book. I did, and do.
The short version of this review: If you loved The Accidental Veterinarian, you will love this book. I did, and do.
December 28, 2021
Just as good as his first book! Great collection of stories of being a small animal vet. I laughed out loud, I cried. This is a great book for any animal lover.
Thanks to ECW Press Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to ECW Press Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
May 29, 2021
I read Phillip Schott’s last book a couple of years ago, and enjoyed it very much. The publisher reached out to me directly to ask if I wanted to read his new book, which I assume is with the assumption that I would provide another good review. And indeed, I plan to. So, some might assume that I am giving this book a favorable review because I didn’t pay for it; however, I believe that it is simply that I am a sucker for stories about veterinary practice.
Just as with his last book, I found How to Examine a Wolverine charming and a quick read. He has a wonderful conversational style to his writing, that includes quite a bit of humor. He reminds me a bit of Bill Bryson in this way. The stories he tells in this book are interesting, entertaining and provided some insight into how actually being a veterinarian differs from what we might have pictured when we were in kindergarten.
However, the one caveat I have with this book is the same I had with his last one. That is that the brevity of his stories left me feeling dissatisfied. As he says, being a veterinarian means working with people who just happen to have animals they care about. And I felt as if I was missing out on some of the longer-lasting, more in-depth stories that he might be able to tell. It would be wonderful if he would have one or two longer lasting stories that he could continue in separate chapters throughout the book. For example, he tells the story of the Kobayashi family, and he describes them as long time clients with great senses of humor. The story he actually includes in this book is about his experience with one of their dogs, but I would have loved to read multiple chapters about their visits with their other dogs over the course of the book, with the included chapter (with both tragedy and redemption) as the finale to their story.
That said, on the whole, I did really enjoy this read, and would be happy others as he writes them. Although, I can not thank him for the Welcome Back Kotter ear worm that I am experiencing right now!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an advanced reading copy
Just as with his last book, I found How to Examine a Wolverine charming and a quick read. He has a wonderful conversational style to his writing, that includes quite a bit of humor. He reminds me a bit of Bill Bryson in this way. The stories he tells in this book are interesting, entertaining and provided some insight into how actually being a veterinarian differs from what we might have pictured when we were in kindergarten.
However, the one caveat I have with this book is the same I had with his last one. That is that the brevity of his stories left me feeling dissatisfied. As he says, being a veterinarian means working with people who just happen to have animals they care about. And I felt as if I was missing out on some of the longer-lasting, more in-depth stories that he might be able to tell. It would be wonderful if he would have one or two longer lasting stories that he could continue in separate chapters throughout the book. For example, he tells the story of the Kobayashi family, and he describes them as long time clients with great senses of humor. The story he actually includes in this book is about his experience with one of their dogs, but I would have loved to read multiple chapters about their visits with their other dogs over the course of the book, with the included chapter (with both tragedy and redemption) as the finale to their story.
That said, on the whole, I did really enjoy this read, and would be happy others as he writes them. Although, I can not thank him for the Welcome Back Kotter ear worm that I am experiencing right now!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an advanced reading copy
June 13, 2021
Debating between 4 and 5 stars, but I feel like I've learned a few things so I'm going to go with 5 stars.
What did I learn ...
- there is a secret to examining wolverines (although not surprising).
- Mars Company is heavily invested in VCA, multiple dog foods, doggie boarding and daycare facilities.
- some people really love their mice, ferrets, dogs, cats and hamsters ... and 250 lb pythons
- it never occurred to me that it might take 4 people to bring a python into a veterinarian office and how difficult it might be to do an ultrasound if the beast decided it wanted to investigate the office.
- its challenging to rid a clinic of mice without harming them.
- some people have some really great names for their pets (with the exception of hedgehogs)
- I'm smiling as I write this, so I'm glad I'm going with 5 stars.
This book is very similar to Philipp Schott's first book, an Accidental Veterinarian. After reading The Willow Wren (awesome!) by Philipp Schott I thought I'd give his non-fiction books a try. They are a collection of essays based on his experience as a veterinarian.
I live in the country and our neighbor is a veterinarian. The first time I took my dog to her clinic someone in the waiting room had a duck. (more smiles). I really enjoyed the essays.
Thank you to NetGalley and Philipp Schott for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of How to Examine a Wolverine and also to the publisher ECW Press Paperback. Publication date is 28 Sept 2021.
What did I learn ...
- there is a secret to examining wolverines (although not surprising).
- Mars Company is heavily invested in VCA, multiple dog foods, doggie boarding and daycare facilities.
- some people really love their mice, ferrets, dogs, cats and hamsters ... and 250 lb pythons
- it never occurred to me that it might take 4 people to bring a python into a veterinarian office and how difficult it might be to do an ultrasound if the beast decided it wanted to investigate the office.
- its challenging to rid a clinic of mice without harming them.
- some people have some really great names for their pets (with the exception of hedgehogs)
- I'm smiling as I write this, so I'm glad I'm going with 5 stars.
This book is very similar to Philipp Schott's first book, an Accidental Veterinarian. After reading The Willow Wren (awesome!) by Philipp Schott I thought I'd give his non-fiction books a try. They are a collection of essays based on his experience as a veterinarian.
I live in the country and our neighbor is a veterinarian. The first time I took my dog to her clinic someone in the waiting room had a duck. (more smiles). I really enjoyed the essays.
Thank you to NetGalley and Philipp Schott for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of How to Examine a Wolverine and also to the publisher ECW Press Paperback. Publication date is 28 Sept 2021.
June 10, 2021
I like reading books about animals and that's why this one caught my eye.
Dr. Schott is a veterinarian in Winnipeg, MB. He has advanced training in diagnostic ultrasound and for the last fifteen years has had the largest ultrasound referral practice in Manitoba. His other special interests in practice are cardiology, oncology and internal medicine. He has also been the chair of the provincial Peer Review Committee (professional discipline) for a number of years. Dr. Schott was named Manitoba Veterinarian of the Year in 2009 and was presented the Award of Merit by the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association in 2015.
After reading all his qualifications, you would think that the writing in this book would be stilted and super professional. Actually it was quite the opposite ... I enjoyed his writing style as it was amusing and casual, sometimes a bit too sarcastic. As a head's up, there are a couple swear words. When he did get technical or not for the faint of heart, he gave a head's up and tried to make it as interesting and fun as possible.
The chapters are:
* Dogs
* Cats
* Vets
* Other beast
The book is full of stories of his experiences, some sad, most funny, of being a vet and treating cats and dogs and even a duck, a python and a wolverine. He also describes the serious side of being a vet like euthanasia of pets, etc. It was entertaining to read the stories about the animals he's helped but it was also interesting to get the scoop on what it's like to be a vet.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/06...
Dr. Schott is a veterinarian in Winnipeg, MB. He has advanced training in diagnostic ultrasound and for the last fifteen years has had the largest ultrasound referral practice in Manitoba. His other special interests in practice are cardiology, oncology and internal medicine. He has also been the chair of the provincial Peer Review Committee (professional discipline) for a number of years. Dr. Schott was named Manitoba Veterinarian of the Year in 2009 and was presented the Award of Merit by the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association in 2015.
After reading all his qualifications, you would think that the writing in this book would be stilted and super professional. Actually it was quite the opposite ... I enjoyed his writing style as it was amusing and casual, sometimes a bit too sarcastic. As a head's up, there are a couple swear words. When he did get technical or not for the faint of heart, he gave a head's up and tried to make it as interesting and fun as possible.
The chapters are:
* Dogs
* Cats
* Vets
* Other beast
The book is full of stories of his experiences, some sad, most funny, of being a vet and treating cats and dogs and even a duck, a python and a wolverine. He also describes the serious side of being a vet like euthanasia of pets, etc. It was entertaining to read the stories about the animals he's helped but it was also interesting to get the scoop on what it's like to be a vet.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/06...
May 17, 2021
I enjoyed this collection of short essays about veterinary care by Dr. Philipp Schott. They are filled with humor and gave me an insight into the daily life of a small animal veterinarian. As a pet owner, I identified with many of the essays, having experienced exactly the same thing or something very similar, with one of my fur babies over the years.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
July 3, 2021
I loved this book. The writing is clever and some of it downright funny. I’ve never had pets, but this book was still relevant to me because it’s about people. Philipp Schott is a great writer and he captivated me the whole way through the book. He’s one of those writers, where, when the book is finished, I feel like I lost a friend. The individual stories are short, so I fell into the trap, as I frequently do, of just one more story. It’s never only one more story. I didn’t read Schott’s first book, but because of the nature of the book, I didn’t feel like there were any blanks. The illustrations in the book were very cute so kudos to Brian Gable. I also loved the front cover, so a shout-out to David A. Gee. This book is well worth reading. Thank you to Netgalley and ECW Press for the advance reader copy.
August 17, 2025
for the love of animals
Read
September 9, 2025It was an interesting collection of stories from a Winnipeg vet.
June 14, 2021
This is entertaining and informative and often humorous book about a Canadian veterinarians’ experiences with pets and pet owners. Pet owners may learn something from reading this that could save them money and/or save them a trip to the vet! Written in a light-heartened way even when dealing with dire situations. The author shares a lot of information in short-easy chapters. Who knew veterinary medicine could be made so engaging.
August 6, 2021
This book was fantastic! It was funny, some stories a little sad, some uplifting and some inspiring. Perfect for any pet lover, I also learned a little along the way. So grateful to have been sent an arc. This one is a must read.
June 17, 2021
Thank you for the EArc NetGalley and ECW Press. When I was a kid I’d always wanted to be a veterinarian but I quickly realized I was way too emotionally attached to all domestic animals I encountered and so I dabbled in wildlife rehabilitation, this book has the best of both worlds. If you’ve ever loved a fur baby this book will make you laugh and pull at your heartstrings. I really enjoyed the way he shared his memories with us and gave us a better understanding of what goes on in your vets mind.
July 28, 2021
This collection of stories from a veterinarian are interesting (and sometimes pretty funny). You not only gain insight into animal behavior, but into human behavior, as well. While mostly focused on the author's experiences with cats and dogs, there are some bits in here about other animals. Good, quick, enjoyable read.
February 6, 2022
Anesthetize the wolverine and be in awe over their magnificence.
This essay collection waits a long time before answering the title question, but I can't say I was bored by the time we got to it. For me, this was the perfect book to read at the end of really stressful days, even though overall the book wasn't as funny as I had thought when I picked it up. The opening essay is even a sad one, introducing a canine patient who's misdiagnosed and doesn't make it. Still, it was entertaining to read and convinced me to go back and pick up the author's previous essay collection.
While at times this collection of advice, stories, and anecdotes appeared to not go anywhere, I believe the author managed to wrap it up with a neat bow at the end by inserting several comments and stories focused on love: love for our nonverbal companions and other animals. A poignant commentary at the end about the power of empathy for nonhuman creatures and how it makes us better at loving each other as well. An entertaining read from an expert with a sense of humor that occasionally failed to start, but most of the time ignited a spark.
PS: the wolverine was named Huey, after Hugh Jackman, of course 😉
PPS: I'm definitely going to be using the phrase "my brain was making dead battery sounds" from now on. Who would've thought that a night shift at the animal clinic could become so hectic at 3 in the morning?
This essay collection waits a long time before answering the title question, but I can't say I was bored by the time we got to it. For me, this was the perfect book to read at the end of really stressful days, even though overall the book wasn't as funny as I had thought when I picked it up. The opening essay is even a sad one, introducing a canine patient who's misdiagnosed and doesn't make it. Still, it was entertaining to read and convinced me to go back and pick up the author's previous essay collection.
While at times this collection of advice, stories, and anecdotes appeared to not go anywhere, I believe the author managed to wrap it up with a neat bow at the end by inserting several comments and stories focused on love: love for our nonverbal companions and other animals. A poignant commentary at the end about the power of empathy for nonhuman creatures and how it makes us better at loving each other as well. An entertaining read from an expert with a sense of humor that occasionally failed to start, but most of the time ignited a spark.
PS: the wolverine was named Huey, after Hugh Jackman, of course 😉
PPS: I'm definitely going to be using the phrase "my brain was making dead battery sounds" from now on. Who would've thought that a night shift at the animal clinic could become so hectic at 3 in the morning?
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