While winter is a great time to reflect on last year and plan for the New Year, there’s nothing like an appealing book to get your mind moving in the right direction.

With that in mind, the Diagnostic Imaging Systems team has compiled some of their favorite animal/veterinary books.  So heat up the cocoa, snuggle up with a warm blanket and get ready for some inspiring, engaging and just-plain-fun stories.

 

  1. All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

#1 amongst the team.  For over forty years, generations of readers have thrilled to Herriot’s marvelous tales, deep love of life, and extraordinary storytelling abilities. For decades, Herriot roamed the remote, beautiful Yorkshire Dales, treating every animal that came his way.  Herriot discovers the wondrous variety and never-ending challenges of veterinary practice as his humor, compassion, and love of the animal world shine forth.  James Herriot’s memoirs have sold 80 million copies worldwide, and continue to delight and entertain readers of all ages.

 

  1. Secrets of a Vet Tech: The Guide to Low Cost Care When Your Cupboard is Bare by J.C. Farris

In this book, J.C. Farris reveals how to take care of a pet when finances are a huge concern. A vet tech caring for 25 of her own rescue animals, she chronicles all her knowledge and methods.  A good read for the first year student and those looking to start their own rescue organization.

 

  1. The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs (Cyrus Mills #1) by Nick Trout

After fifteen years, Dr. Cyrus Mills returns to rural Vermont to inherit the Bedside Manor for Sick Animals, the failing veterinary practice of his recently deceased and long-estranged father.  A “feel good” veterinarian story with so much more. There’s a bit of mystery, a bit of romance and a ton of lovable pet patients.

 

  1. The Rhino with Glue-On Shoes: And Other Surprising True Stories of Zoo Vets and their Patients by Lucy H. Spelman and Ted Y. Mashima

A collection of more than two dozen essays from zoo veterinarians about some of their quirky and unusual cases, most occurring in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Not all of the vets are great writers, but nearly all of the stories are interesting.  A quick read about zoo and wild life vets and their range and impact. Nice amount of medical detail and fascinating collaboration with doctors.

 

  1. The Early Years (Vet Tech Tales #1) by Phoenix Sullivan

When Phoenix Sullivan (a pseudonym) was a little girl, she wanted to be a vet; very few women were entering the profession in the mid-70s.  She wasn’t going to let this stop her and, with a tremendous amount of confidence, she works to make this dream a reality.  The early years of a vet technician. Nicely told.

 

And for those who just want a little diversion without all the words…

 

  1. Vet Tech Life: A Snarky Adult Coloring Book: A Unique & Funny Antistress Coloring Gift for Veterinary Technicians & Technologists, Vet Tech Students & … Stress Relief & Mindful Meditation)

We found this one on Amazon.  Haven’t seen it; know nothing about it other than that it sounds both hilarious and calming.  Let us know what you think!