Drinking from the Trough: A Veterinarian’s Memoir was an adorable, fun, heartwarming read from start to finish. When I was little I wanted to be a vet – I grew up on a farm, with all different types of animals including a cow, horse, many sheep and goats, a constant stream of dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, hundreds of chickens and several little critters, including guinea pigs, gerbils, fish, ferrets, mice and bunnies! Best, Childhood, Ever. But I learned QUICKLY that as big as my heart was for animals – I didn’t think I could handle the sadness that a vet endures. THAT takes a special kind of person.
Mary Carlson is that person. Although she started in childhood education and phys. ed. with no plans to be a vet, she ended up moving to Colorado to live at her late favorite uncles ranch, fell in love with a vet student and many pets later, ended up in vet school herself. We follow Mary’s journey though schooling, family, pets (MANY of them!) and although the storyline isn’t 100% linear, the flow is smooth, and the stories are endearing.
I found myself tearing up a lot during this book. There is a lot of illness and death (that IS why you would go see a vet for the most part!) both human and animal – but it’s informative, and inspiring and you feel for Mary and these critters at every turn, in her and their lives. I loved the stories of her animal family, including my favorites, ‘Wonder-Husky’ Tipper, ‘best-cat-ever’ Pruney, and some pretty amazing horses, Marcie and Scooter. I felt like I knew them all, and kinda wished I did! Animals have such a special place in all our hearts and I loved reading every minute about the crazy and zany adventure Mary had with all her pets, as well as the patients at vet school and her own cat clinic.
If you love animals (and if you don’t, I’m not sure we can be friends!) you will ADORE this book. I love that their are people out there like Mary who will do everything is takes to help animals and I’m so glad that she got to tell her story!
- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: She Writes Press (August 28, 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1631524313
- ISBN-13: 978-1631524318
BOOKAPOTAMUS 
I’m a bit of a mess today because I took my elderly cat to the vet and she has few things going on (after just losing my other cat in May), and this book sounds like exactly the kind of read I would enjoy when the timing is right. I loved your review and know exactly what you mean about it taking a special kind of person to be a vet. I thought I wanted to do it but I could not take it…It is SO EASY to love animals and to see them in pain, it’s just too much. Anyway, I love the pictures of your cute fur baby. ♥️
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Aww I know exactly how that is. I’ve said goodbye to so many of my best friends and it never gets easier (I feel like it gets HARDER!) My cat is elderly as well (16) and has diabetes, I know it’s just a matter of time, but it doesn’t feel right when making any decisions when the patient can’t tell you how they are feeling! Good thing there are people out there who love them as much as we do but can care for them in pain as well! And thanks! He’s a handful, but he’s cute, so we, of course, adore him 🙂
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Thank you for your kind words. ❤ My boy I lost in May had diabetes and was 16 and for seven years treated very well with insulin. He passed away from a virus that suppressed his immune system unrelated to the diabetes, but the diabetes also affected his immune system of course. I am sure you are enjoying every day with sweet boy and all your fur babies. 💗
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Thank you for your kind words. ❤ My boy I lost in May had diabetes and was 16 and for seven years treated very well with insulin. He passed away from a virus that suppressed his immune system unrelated to the diabetes, but the diabetes also affected his immune system of course. I am sure you are enjoying every day with sweet boy and all your fur babies. 💗
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Aw.. it sounds like you gave him a great life! Lots of kitty hugs to your girl at home now!!
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