Lions and Tigers and Hamsters

I am currently grieving the passing of my pet. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me an opportunity to read this book, because I needed something like this. It didn't relieve me from my feeling of guilt and grief but made me understand. It made me understand that notwithstanding the cruelty of losing my pet companion so soon and so abruptly, I should cherish the life I had with her and that I was there till her very last moment. It made me understand that I shouldn't give up on all accounts of having another pet because of this loss. There are so many animals in need, who yearn for love and care, and who need us now. If I can provide and have strength for it, I can grieve while caring for another little being in need.

Dr Mark had a blessed life and career. It gave him ample opportunities to observe animals both wild and domestic, in captivity and in other people's homes, from the stance of a veterinarian, non-profit organization manager, and an animal lover, all at once. His keen observations made him realize that his profession requires not only to provide healthcare for the animals but comfort and understanding for the people who brought them in the first place. While there are (still) pet owners who regard them only as disposable properties, there were as many that Dr Mark met, whose lives were profoundly affected by the love they had for those pets in Dr Mark's care. I really enjoyed every anecdote Dr Mark shared, but I was touched the most by those he shared about those people, who agonized together with their pets.

It is important to note that this is not only a book of anecdotes for animal lovers, to read once and forget (I definitely won't forget any, that's how amazing they were!). This book also shares valuable inside information about zoos and non-profit organizations, about what should be their goals and how to achieve them. I didn't know much about the inner workings of zoos and non-profits, but now I do. I deeply wish all zoos and all non-profits are so benevolent and charitable. I am still wary of many of them, but at least now I know how they should work, and might offer my assistance to some in my area based on that knowledge.

Almost all vets specialize in either small animals, i.e. pets, or large animals, i.e livestock. A few specialize in exotic animals, i.e. those in zoos. Dr. Goldstein is extremely lucky in that he has worked in all areas. He has worked in a leading animal hospital, been director of two different zoos, and has been a leader in animal care, rescue, and adoption.

His wide-ranging background and deep love if animals feels this lovely book. Full of tales on animals and people who love them, it's also a memoir of his life.

I loved his writing style, which feels as if he was sitting talking to you and telling stories. I loved that he was willing to talk about his own foibles and errors. I also loved that, unlike any other book of this type I've read, he intersperses the chapters with short essays about topics concerning animal care and welfare.

It's a wonderful testament to a full and rich life caring for animals of all kinds.

I’d like to thank HCI Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Lions and Tigers and Hamsters’ by Dr Mark Goldstein in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

As a small boy Dr Mark Goldstein is captivated by animals both domesticated and wild and knows without any doubt that when he grows up he wants to be a veterinary surgeon. During his early years he manages to secure work experience at stables where he does all the dirty work but his career begins in the 1970s when he attends Cornell University and is accepted as an intern at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston. He describes his work at Boston’s Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo, and when he becomes director of the zoo at Los Angeles which I found very interesting.

This is a fascinating book that gives an insight into the world of animal care and welfare. Dr Mark describes his time at ‘Elephant Island’ in Florida when he comes face to face with Donia the elephant matriarch who teaches him a painful lesson about not deviating from routine, resulting in a broken arm and her footprint on his body! He described the various animals he’s cared for, Frank the goldfish, George the German Shepherd and Harold the Hamster to name but a few, and the generous people he’s had the pleasure to meet. There are informative Q&A sections included where he gives his opinions on the reason behind the cost of veterinary care, and why it’s important to have zoos.

I love animals and derive a great deal of pleasure from visiting zoos, and reading this book has made me want to go to Boston and visit the Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo. Dr Mark has made a huge difference to the care of animals and I have a great deal of respect and admiration for his dedication to the care of all animals. I found some parts of the book hilarious, some sad, but all of it worth reading.

An Animal Lover's Delight!
I love this book. I have loved all sorts of animals since I was a child. I have also enjoyed reading about other's lives with animals. The book covers the lifetime of a successful animal lover and veterinarian. This man has had a wonderfully varied life from working on stud farms, wild animal parks, animal shelters, and zoos. He has great stories about them all. There are anecdotes about famous racehorses, white rhinos, elephants and so many more. He has had the life so many of us dream about. As his career moved from zoos toward animal shelters, his stories are more about domestic pets and charitable donations. I so enjoyed this book, I hope he writes more. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

I love this book! There are so many stories throughout the book of
Dr. Mark's life and experiences with many different animals in his life.
He had each of the stories listed by name, then he went on to tell the
story. I loved everything about this book, it's one of the best books I have
read in a long time.
Many of the stories in the book were times as a pet owner, I remember.
The dogs of Katrina, the stories of placing a few of the dogs with their owners and
how difficult it was for the dogs after what they went through.
I was thrilled to read about the women that donated large sums of money
without asking for recognition. That is a true animal lover! I would love to have been
able to see the place that was built for the animals. Rooms, instead of bars to cage
the animals in. It was described as a Campus with "cozy living rooms for dogs"
I have heard of Mark Goldstein, DMV for many years. I was involved with
rescue since 1996, so I have watched and read everything I can get my hands on since
that time, I was excited to read about his life. Really good book!


Thank you so much, Mark Goldstein. DMV, HCI Books, and NetGalley for
giving me the chance to read and review this Great book!