Member Reviews
Enjoyed this one so much, loved the insight into all the pets treated. It was nice to see how the business came together and how she didn't hold back, good or bad. Usually my complaint is that books run long but I didn't have this issue with this one, the stories never seemed repititive.
If you are a pet lover, this is one title you absolutely must read! Dr. Amy Attas has been a mobile veterinarian in Manhattan for over three decades and this darling book is full of the tender tales (and tails!) of her unique clients and furry patients. This book will make you laugh out loud and shed a few tears...but mostly, you'll celebrate and cherish the wonderfully life altering connections between humans and their four legged companions.
I’ve loved this book. Veterinarian Dr. Amy Attas makes house calls in NYC. She’s an excellent writer and one can picture each visit she describes in her book. Her caring attitude for both her animal patients and their humans is evident throughout. While enjoying each vignette I also learned some tips on taking care of my cat. I highly recommend this book.
this was one of my fave non-fiction books of the year. dr.attas has such an ability of storytelling and i didn't want this to end! thank you netgalley & the publisher for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Pets and the City," esteemed veterinarian Dr. Amy Attas shines a spotlight on the deeply human and vulnerable moments that arise when our beloved pets fall ill. Regardless of fame or fortune, the authenticity and vulnerability that surface when a cherished companion faces health challenges are universal. Dr. Attas, renowned for her premier in-home veterinary care, unveils her thirty-year journey, tending to the cats and dogs of New Yorkers, spanning from the opulent Park Avenue to the humblest of projects. Throughout the pages of this remarkable book, Dr. Amy Attas shares a collection of astonishing, heartrending, and life-affirming anecdotes that have shaped her career. While some tales feature encounters with celebrities – revealing amusing incidents such as glimpses of a famous singer in her birthday suit (thankfully unrelated to her pet's rash) – others showcase extraordinary animals. Among these remarkable creatures is a service dog whose post-exam antics involved leaving the room momentarily, only to return with a checkbook clenched within his jaws. With each story, Dr. Attas skillfully reminds readers of a profound truth that resonates both in the animal kingdom and in our own lives: our pets love us unconditionally, their hearts untainted by any ulterior motives, while we, in turn, adore them for their irrefutable and heart-melting cuteness. It is through caring for these precious beings that we become the best versions of ourselves, fully aware of the profound ways in which they enhance our lives. "Pets and the City" is a rollicking, enlightening, and enjoyable journey that delves into the intricate bond between humans and their animal companions. Dr. Amy Attas seamlessly weaves together personal experiences, captivating anecdotes, and profound insights into the nature of love, compassion, and self-discovery. Her writing style is engaging and relatable, inviting readers to embark on an emotional rollercoaster where laughter, heartache, and joy intermingle. This memoir ultimately echoes a resounding truth: our pets have an incredible ability to transform us, molding us into better individuals. They inspire us to embrace the purity of their unwavering affection and reciprocate it in the most genuine and compassionate manner possible. Dr. Attas, with her wealth of experience and deep understanding of the human-animal bond, demonstrates the profound impact our pets have on our lives, affirming that they truly make us better people. In conclusion, "Pets and the City" is a captivating and insightful memoir that will resonate with animal lovers and pet owners alike. Dr. Amy Attas skillfully captures the essence of the human-pet connection, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the unwavering love and companionship our furry friends provide. This book is a heartfelt tribute to the profound impact our pets have on our lives and serves as a gentle reminder that caring for them allows us to tap into the best version of ourselves.
Pets and the City" by Dr. Amy Attas is an engaging and informative read that brilliantly intertwines the dynamics of urban living with the joys of pet companionship. Dr. Attas' expertise not only shines in practical pet care advice but also in the captivating stories of wealthy clients and their homes, adding a fascinating layer of luxury to the narrative. The glimpse into the lives of affluent pet owners enhances the book's appeal, making it not just a guide but a delightful journey through the world of opulent pet-friendly living. A truly enjoyable and enriching read for both pet enthusiasts and those intrigued by the glamorous side of city life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the ARC!
Dr. Amy Attas is a fantastic storyteller, who takes her reader on an emotional ride in "Pets and the City", from anger at neglectful pet owners, to humorous stories of innocuous mistakes, and joy and sadness in between. I eagerly anticipated reading the great stories that filled each page of this book, which included the pets of the average Joe to those of celebrities including Billy Joel and Jane Fonda. I loved this book from start to finish (and only wish that the finish didn't come so quick)!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
My only complaint about this book that I most some sleep reading it. While the chapters are reasonably short, Attas' writing is engaging enough to keep interest. She does interact with celebrities, but the book is still more focused on her interactions with their pets which avoids the feeling of "I'm a vet to the rich and famous."
When Dr. Amy Attas was young, she read the James Herriot All Creatures Great and Small series and knew that she wanted to be a vet. From a young age she was determined, including volunteering to shadow local vets (even though her first visits required smelling salts when she passed out).
Dr. Amy goes on to become a vet and join a veterinarian practice; her boss didn't believe she respected him when high profile clients (Joan Rivers for one) requested and waited for Dr. Amy. Eventually she was let go. Instead of joining another practice, she began a practice where she made house calls. With Joan Rivers referring clients her way.
Dr. Amy drops a LOT of names in this book. I've really been enjoying memoirs lately and I've read quite a few memoirs by vets. You would think the stories would get repetitive; I don't find that to be the case.
Many thanks to NetGalley, for yet once again, introducing me to a new to me author. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons publishing for approving my request to read the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Attas’s practice involves seeing her patients in their homes which gives her a chance to get a more accurate picture of owner, animal and diagnosis. The stories are all interesting, both happy and sad and you come away with a sense of who she is, her love of animals, and the owners love of their pets. Anecdotal and a pleasure to read.
This is a wonderful, interesting fast read. The author invites you into her life as a veterinarian to the dogs and cats and people of NYC. I am from New York City, so it may have held special interest for me, but I am sure most readers will know at least some of the people in the book. The author writes of always wanting to be a vet, which is interesting in itself, and then you are swept up in riding along with Dr. Attas as she makes house calls to treat the animals of the famous, the infamous, and the rest of us! There are a few points where I thought the writing could have been better, but then I don't have a book published! As with any non-fiction book about animals, tears are a part of it. But don't let that stop you, because it is filled with love. This book will be on my bookshelf after publication! I thank NetGalley and Penquin Group/ Putnam for the delightful advanced read!