The Other Family Doctor

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In this compelling memoir, a woman recounts her journey to becoming a veterinarian in a male-dominated field, exploring themes of humanity, mortality, and the vital role animals play in our lives. Driven by her lifelong dream and inspired by her compassionate grandfather, Dr. Fine faced challenges, including her allergy to cats and the gender bias of the '80s veterinary profession. She integrates her Oupa's principles into her practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding pets' stories in their care. Through a series of touching and life-affirming tales, she shares her experiences as a vet, including a feral cat who learns to trust, a pot-bellied pig who becomes part of her family, a well-behaved ferret colony, and an aging pet who gifts his family one last vacation together. She also recounts the story of a dog who unexpectedly saves his owner's life. Interwoven with these narratives are the lessons learned from her own pets—birds, cats, and dogs—highlighting how we can become better caretakers of animals and, ultimately, of ourselves.