Arriving in 1970s’ London as a fresh-faced Canadian, Bruce Fogle assumed that because he knew the language, he would understand the English. As a graduate of the world’s best veterinary school, he also thought his profession would come naturally to him. He quickly learned not to make assumptions… Bruce began his career at the prestigious Woodrow & Singleton surgery in the heart of the Knightsbridge. Frequented by Britain’s most distinguished pet owners, from Duchesses and Sultans to Paul McCartney and Elizabeth Taylor, it also cared for the exotic inhabitants of the Harrods’ ‘Zoo Department.’ Over the next few years, an arc of clients would cross Bruce’s table, from cats and dogs to alligators, pumas and even a capuchin monkey. Each adventure taught Bruce far more than any textbook ever could, while skillful veterinary nurses provided the greatest lessons of all. Call the Vet is a wonderfully rich and warmly funny memoir. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1970s’ London, it explores the unique bond between pets and their owners; the common thread of compassion that unites all cultures and classes, and the discovery of love and joy in unexpected places.
Before reading, I was not familiar with Bruce Fogle but I really love and have a genuine interest in animals so I was very excited to read this memoir. I found this very eye opening and I have definitely learnt a lot about animals after reading this book.
I have never read a memoir from a vet before so I was not sure what to expect. It included things such as day to day life at the vets, cases, new illnesses/diseases, unexpected events and zoo visits. Of course, some of the cases are very upsetting, but there is a good balance of bad and good cases.
One of my favourite parts was how he talks about the relationship between a pet and their owner. For people who have no pets can find it hard to understand as to why you love and care about your animal so much as ‘it is only a pet’, I have heard this comment so many times. A pet is so much more than an animal you look after. They can be your friend, companion, family member and so much more. It was really nice that Bruce recognised this and included it in the memoir.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick and easy read, but also very insightful. I absolutely love cats and I learnt some new things about them which was also a plus! If you have a love for animals or are interested becoming a vet then I’m sure you will love this book.
Before reading, I was not familiar with Bruce Fogle but I really love and have a genuine interest in animals so I was very excited to read this memoir. I found this very eye opening and I have definitely learnt a lot about animals after reading this book.
I have never read a memoir from a vet before so I was not sure what to expect. It included things such as day to day life at the vets, cases, new illnesses/diseases, unexpected events and zoo visits. Of course, some of the cases are very upsetting, but there is a good balance of bad and good cases.
One of my favourite parts was how he talks about the relationship between a pet and their owner. For people who have no pets can find it hard to understand as to why you love and care about your animal so much as ‘it is only a pet’, I have heard this comment so many times. A pet is so much more than an animal you look after. They can be your friend, companion, family member and so much more. It was really nice that Bruce recognised this and included it in the memoir.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick and easy read, but also very insightful. I absolutely love cats and I learnt some new things about them which was also a plus! If you have a love for animals or are interested becoming a vet then I’m sure you will love this book.