Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the vet? And in particular an inner city vet? Oh and to top it off, an inner city vet in Los Angeles during the trial of police officers in the Rodney King case? That is the premise behind Dr. Doug Mader’s book, The Vet At Noah’s Ark: Stories of Survival From an Inner-City Animal Hospital.
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Dr. Doug Mader
Dr. Mader is a renowned veterinarian, triple board certified and with many accolades. Through his exceptional storytelling, Dr. Doug Mader takes his reader on a journey through an incredibly challenging year of events at Noah’s Ark Veterinary Hospital, an exotic animal hospital in inner-city LA.
Through his writing, we get to see everything from the struggles and daily challenges to the rewarding moments and joy. We see his love for both animals and people, as well as his dedication to them. What it takes to not just be a good veterinarian but a great one who is truly compassionate about the love and bond between people and animals.
Behind The Scenes
In this book, we get a rare glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes at the vet. From what it takes to treat anything from a tiny little mouse, to snakes, ferrets, turtles, lizards and more! And that is in addition to the usual run of cats and dogs! The split second decisions that need to be made, and finding longer-term solutions to help our pets live happier and more fulfilled lives.
We also get to see what it’s like to navigate through veterinary students and unconventional staff members. I think one of the things that stood out to me most was Dr. Mader’s compassion and willingness to give people a chance. Which leads to some very interesting and memorable characters. Readers bond with them, laugh and cry with them.
I also really enjoyed reading about the different interactions with the pet owners. And how Dr. Mader chose to put the wellbeing of pets and preserving the bond with their people above everything else. The sacrifices he made both at work and personally. It really showed the reader how much he truly cares for both the people and the pets he treated.
Inner-City LA
While I think reading about what goes on at the vet is an interesting topic in and of itself, this book takes it a step further. Being a veterinarian in an inner-city animal hospital presents its own challenges. And when you consider the timing of this book during the trial of the police officers in the Rodney King case it takes it to a whole new level.
Through reading this book we can see just how much devotion Dr. Mader and his staff have to the practice. Literally putting their lives at risk to continue to show up to work each day. Everything from encounters with hookers while getting lunch to being stabbed walking to work. I found the beating up of Dave, a dedicated and empathetic volunteer with a kind and generous heart, by police officers for being in the wrong place at the wrong time particularly heartbreaking.
In Conclusion
The Vet at Noah’s Ark is a must read for any pet lover. I tried not to give away too many spoilers while writing this because I really want the reader to explore the book for themselves. To experience the wide range of emotions it triggers, the highs and the lows, from reading through this incredible story. To laugh and to cry with it. You won’t be disappointed.
Dr. Mader has given us a gift with his story, and you get to experience what it is like to work at an animal hospital, the love and compassion involved, the bond between pets and their owners. What it is like to make personal sacrifices for the sake of this bond. You can get started with an excerpt HERE.
Be sure to pick your copy today!
