Guest Review by Jeff Rhody, DVM 
(Click on stars for an explanation) |
We have all read books by veterinarians, about veterinarians, and about veterinary patients. If you are like me, you do not read them anymore. They are usually overly romanticized and do not ring true. I know my life at work does not seem the least bit like that of the veterinarians in those books. “Rhino” is not at all like those books.
Spelman and Mashima have gathered good stories from experienced veterinarians (but novice writers). These stories are all presented in first person. In each story, we learn about the veterinarian, the exotic animal patient, and the challenges both veterinarian and patient face as the story unfolds. There is no romance in the story telling. You can tell the authors have a commitment to their patients’ well-being and a bond with their patients without any back-story or romantic license. Each author’s story rings true and makes the veterinary reader proud to be a veterinarian.
The book, with a foreword by Jack Hanna and back cover testimonials from the likes of Jeff Corwin, Betty White, and Jane Goodall, is loosely organized into groups of stories. There are stories about a close bond between patient and human, stories about how technology and innovation help zoo veterinarians help their patients, physical challenges faced in the zoo veterinary specialty, puzzling cases, and cases where input from different medical professions proved invaluable. Dr. Spelman begins each grouping with a short essay about the common theme. While many veterinarians may already know the concepts she is discussing, she is well-spoken and her message will not be lost on non-veterinary readers. Adding to the charm and draw of the book are color plate photos of the exotic animal patients.
“Rhino” is easy reading. As good on the beach as on a rainy day, the only bad thing about the book is that it goes by too fast. Each story stands alone as a tale told by the veterinarian and each will, at times, make you feel the full gamut of emotions. Each author should be proud that his tale is included in this collection. VINners will get special pleasure in reading about a fawn with pierced ears whose veterinarian was our own Ned Gentz!
Veterinarians are not, as a rule, closed off to new ideas or challenges. For that reason, I cannot imagine there are many of us who would not enjoy this book. Buy it. Read it. Tell your friends.
Delacorte Press Book; published by Bantam Dell (A division of Random House, Inc.), NY, NY (July 2008).
310 pages.
ISBN-13: 978-0-385-34146-2.