INSIDE THE BOOK
Three parts, fourteen chapters.
The book is roughly half memoir, half practical guide. It opens with what it is like to do this work, then turns into the partnership of a good vet visit, then closes as the handbook you wish came home with every new puppy or kitten.
Part I
Behind the curtain
What it really feels like to wear the white coat — the weight, the costs, the conversations no one trains you for.
01
The Weight of the White Coat
Do No Harm • Access • Chaos • School
02
The Hardest Conversations
Unpacking vet costs • Empathy and euthanasia
03
The Emotional Toll
Burn baby burn • Client criticisms • Corporate medicine • Why we do it
04
The Personal Toolkit
Building resiliency
Part II
The partnership
How to make the most of your relationship with your veterinary office — because it's a partnership, not a transaction.
05
The Power of Preparation
Show up ready
06
You're Not Just a Client, You're a Partner
Honest communication
Part III
The practical stuff
The how-to half of the book — routine care, sick visits, emergencies, and the everyday questions that don't fit into a thirty-minute appointment.
07
"Just a Check Up"
Vaccines • Fleas and ticks • Heartworm • Medications
08
The Silent Storytellers
Understanding common symptoms • Parasites
09
The Myth of the "Easy Fix"
Treatment plans • Unexpected news • Spay/neuter
10
Decoding Emergency Medicine
True Emergencies • What to expect at the ER • Pet Insurance
11
The Truth about Dr. Google
Online pet health • Online pharmacies
12
A Happy Home, A Healthy Pet
Ears • Nails • Weight • Dental care • COHAT • Litter box • Choosing a pet
13
Aging Gracefully
Caring for a senior pet
14
The Future of Veterinary Medicine
QUESTIONS
A few things
people have asked.
Who is this book for?
Anyone who goes to the vet. Anyone who might want to become one. And anyone already in the industry— it'll strike a chord. The pet owner gets the practical knowledge, the would-be vet gets a realistic look at the gig, and the vet/tech/assistant gets the relief of being seen.
It's not just about the doctor, though, right?
Right. When I talk about what the "veterinarian" sees and endures, I mean everyone in the building. Front-desk staff, technicians and nurses, janitorial, administrative — we all share the highs and lows. In many cases the team gets the brunt of difficult client interactions more than the doctor does. I can't stress that enough.
Is it a medical reference?
No. It's not super medical — I drop a few big words in here and there because I have to, but it's written for regular people. I've had conversation after conversation with friends and acquaintances and blown their minds with subjects I consider basic knowledge. So I figured I'd share.
What about exotics? Horses? Cows?
This book is about small-animal medicine, because I am a small-animal veterinarian. Horses pretty much terrify me, as mentioned. The principles of advocacy, communication, and care apply to all — but the specific guidance is dogs and cats.
Will you offer opinions, or just facts?
Both. This is based largely on my experiences and opinions, and your vet may not agree with all of them. But I'm pretty darned confident in what I'm saying, or I wouldn't say it. That's how I practice medicine, too.
When does it come out?
Publication date is to be determined. Subscribe to the newsletter and you'll be the first to know.