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Veterinářka
Přežije mladá veterinářka na irském venkově? Jedině se smyslem pro humor! Prostě James Herriot v sukních!
Ať už kastruje koně v Dublinu nebo odřezává rohy skotu na wicklowském venkově, zachraňuje zraněné kočky před podvraťáky nebo se potýká se zdrogovanými hlídacími psy, veterinářku Gillian Hickovou humor nikdy neopouští. A právě její neutuchající smysl pro humor se promítá do této knihy, jež je jakýmsi záznamem náročných situací, se kterými se v práci jako čerstvě promovaná veterinářka setkává. Nejen že musí pomoci zvířatům od jejich neduhů, ale musí se vypořádat i s „lidskými“ nástrahami v podobě dohazovačských matek nebo šovinistických farmářů, nemluvě o chlapících, kteří se neustále ptají: „A kde je ten opravdickej veterinář?“
Humorem a energií nabitá sbírka příhod jedné neohrožené mladé veterinářky v Irsku.
Ať už kastruje koně v Dublinu nebo odřezává rohy skotu na wicklowském venkově, zachraňuje zraněné kočky před podvraťáky nebo se potýká se zdrogovanými hlídacími psy, veterinářku Gillian Hickovou humor nikdy neopouští. A právě její neutuchající smysl pro humor se promítá do této knihy, jež je jakýmsi záznamem náročných situací, se kterými se v práci jako čerstvě promovaná veterinářka setkává. Nejen že musí pomoci zvířatům od jejich neduhů, ale musí se vypořádat i s „lidskými“ nástrahami v podobě dohazovačských matek nebo šovinistických farmářů, nemluvě o chlapících, kteří se neustále ptají: „A kde je ten opravdickej veterinář?“
Humorem a energií nabitá sbírka příhod jedné neohrožené mladé veterinářky v Irsku.
248 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2005
70 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Hick
4 books8 followersGillian Hick was born in Dublin and has practised as a vet both in Dublin and in Wicklow for the past seven years. She also works for the Irish Blue Cross. She lives in Co. Wicklow, where she has her own practice, with her husband, three children, and a large assortment of four-legged companions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 21, 2017
If you love animals and humor then this is just the book for you! My daughter is in the industry so I could relate very well to the authors tales. A lovely read!
October 10, 2019
It was hard not to compare Gillian Hick's adventures with those of James Herriot. Having been raised on his eloquent, colourful stories, I tried and failed to separate my expectations of "Vet on the Loose" from my fond memories of "All Creatures Great and Small."
As I worked my way through the book, though, I soon discovered that what these stories may lack in Herriot-esque dramatic flare, they make up for in dry wit and realism. On the whole, this is probably a much more relatable, unvarnished portrayal of what it's like to be a vet, and Gillian brings a fresh perspective as a woman in a male-dominated profession. Mistrusted by clients and tormented by self-doubt, she contends not only with the challenges every vet faces, but also with those that specifically target 'lady vets.'
This was a fun, relaxing read that gave me a good laugh or two when I desperately needed them. I look forward to reading the next two books in the series.
As I worked my way through the book, though, I soon discovered that what these stories may lack in Herriot-esque dramatic flare, they make up for in dry wit and realism. On the whole, this is probably a much more relatable, unvarnished portrayal of what it's like to be a vet, and Gillian brings a fresh perspective as a woman in a male-dominated profession. Mistrusted by clients and tormented by self-doubt, she contends not only with the challenges every vet faces, but also with those that specifically target 'lady vets.'
This was a fun, relaxing read that gave me a good laugh or two when I desperately needed them. I look forward to reading the next two books in the series.
September 29, 2024
Armed with a new interest in dogs, I decided it might be nice to read a kind of “diaries from a vet”. This book did not disappoint.
Hicks recounts tales from her own work experience- starting from when she was a vet student until her early years as a veterinary surgeon. I loved how this book reads like a Grey’s Anatomy series but with animals, told with an Irish humour.
I loved the references to Irish culture and hospitality- the steaming pot of tea after a job well done, the accent you can hear through the pages, the sharing of brown bread, and a full Irish breakfast, among others. I learned a lot from her captivating stories. After a quick google search, I also now know different animal terms like ewes, heifers, and bonhams.
It also fascinated me how vet students get a lot more experience than med students, on the basis of less lawsuits and ethical implications. Each chapter was either amusing, interesting, or sad. I was sad it’s over, but now I need to pick up her next book.
Hicks recounts tales from her own work experience- starting from when she was a vet student until her early years as a veterinary surgeon. I loved how this book reads like a Grey’s Anatomy series but with animals, told with an Irish humour.
I loved the references to Irish culture and hospitality- the steaming pot of tea after a job well done, the accent you can hear through the pages, the sharing of brown bread, and a full Irish breakfast, among others. I learned a lot from her captivating stories. After a quick google search, I also now know different animal terms like ewes, heifers, and bonhams.
It also fascinated me how vet students get a lot more experience than med students, on the basis of less lawsuits and ethical implications. Each chapter was either amusing, interesting, or sad. I was sad it’s over, but now I need to pick up her next book.
December 25, 2019
Úžasná kniha, u které jsem se smála i brečela. Doktorka čelí diskriminaci, těžkým a neidentifikovatelným onemocněním dobytka, smrti, množení, ale vypráví i krásné historky, o záchraně zprvu beznadějných případů. Vyprávění různých příhod doprovází linka vývoje jejího života. Kniha není ani veselá, ani deprimující. Je prostě přímá, je to život. A život v maloměstě a přilehlých vesnicích v drsném Irsku, to je teprve makačka.
September 18, 2016
Enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoy animal stories and especially about Vets during earlier times. I found this book well written, humorous and of course sad parts also. Recommended reading for all animal lovers and aspiring vets.
I thoroughly enjoy animal stories and especially about Vets during earlier times. I found this book well written, humorous and of course sad parts also. Recommended reading for all animal lovers and aspiring vets.
December 31, 2014
3.5 stars. I enjoyed that.
April 24, 2022
Kniha mě nejprve zaujala obálkou, poté tématem... Ale neměla jsem od ní příliš velká očekávání.
O to víc jsem překvapená, jak krásná tato knížka je. Milá, čtivá, někdy vtipná, jindy zase dojemná.
Autorka v ní popisuje náročnou práci začínající veterinářky v Irsku, své zkušenosti, náročné začátky a případy, na kterých pracovala. Doporučuji všem milovníkům zvířat.
Jediné, co bych vytkla... Vzhledem k závažnosti některých témat, které se v knize objevily, ji rozhodně nevnímám jako humornou, ačkoliv se to na obalu knihy uvádí.
O to víc jsem překvapená, jak krásná tato knížka je. Milá, čtivá, někdy vtipná, jindy zase dojemná.
Autorka v ní popisuje náročnou práci začínající veterinářky v Irsku, své zkušenosti, náročné začátky a případy, na kterých pracovala. Doporučuji všem milovníkům zvířat.
Jediné, co bych vytkla... Vzhledem k závažnosti některých témat, které se v knize objevily, ji rozhodně nevnímám jako humornou, ačkoliv se to na obalu knihy uvádí.
January 9, 2022
I couldn´t help myself but was instantly comparing this to Herriot´s books which are (for me, an animal enthusiast) the golden standard of vet books - funny, kind, inspirational, touching. Hick´s book is also funny and inspirational, but somehow lacking in this heart-warming, kind element. I thorougly believe Herriot was a good, respectable, and kind man, I am not that convinced when it comes ho Hick.
January 15, 2020
This is a very enjoyable biography about a pioneering woman vet in the Wicklow area of Ireland. She describes a variety of situations, and incorporates her personal feelings with her professional knowledge.
April 2, 2021
So, so boring. Interspersed with gross.
September 2, 2014
After the disappointment of Anna Birch's Call The Vet, my appetite was whetted for a good "My First Year As An ..." book. I had a poke around Amazon's "People Who Bought ... " suggesters and found this one, Vet on the Loose by Wicklow vet Gillian Hick. I hadn't previously heard of her, which is either surprising given the size of the place, or perfectly understandable given that I don't actually watch Irish TV, or read Irish newspapers, or interact with anything Irish if I can possibly help it.
I was sold by the end of the prologue. Any story about castrating a horse which includes a young man showing enthusiasm for the testicles with the words "If I put dat in me sister's bed tonight it'll scare de shite ota her!" is going to be for me.
Vet On The Loose treads the expected path of a newly qualified Irish vet, more specifically that of a female vet at a time when women were still rare in the profession: the beginning of the 21st century. There are stories of the everyday sexism she faced (farmers asking when the real vet was going to arrive etc) which, having lived in Ireland for a good while, I buy totally. There are stories of Dublin council estates, posh Equine hospitals and bachelor hill farmers, and unlike Call the Vet, the stories centre on the cases. To a James Herriot devotee such as myself a couple of them tread familiar ground - there's no wine bottle *uncrosses legs* but we have mention of the sugar trick. However, it's done with enough of its own identity to feel fresh and one one them has the best punchline in the whole book.
The writing, in particular, is excellent and Hick's ear for dialogue spot on. She manages with the smallest of details to show us her clients - and herself; I can *hear* the accents. Comic writing is tremendously difficult to do well and Hick is funny, educational and engaging. As it was mentioned in a few of the reviews I read, I'll confirm there is some spoken profanity but it's never the crux on which a joke hinges, merely a nod to an accurate representation of character (although there is not nearly enough to actually *be* accurate).
As I'm me, I'll complain that the funniest stories were all in the first half which led to an uneven experience as a whole, but to be honest there isn't a duff chapter in the thing.
Vet On The Loose deserves to have a wider audience that it does - it's published by The O'Brien Press who are small and Irish so you're unlikely to find this in your local bookshop, but - as I mentioned - it's currently £1.19 on Kindle and more than worth it. Hick has a second book out, Vet Among the Pigeons, (which I have already borrowed from the library), and I really, really hope she finds the time to write a third.
4.5 stars.
I was sold by the end of the prologue. Any story about castrating a horse which includes a young man showing enthusiasm for the testicles with the words "If I put dat in me sister's bed tonight it'll scare de shite ota her!" is going to be for me.
Vet On The Loose treads the expected path of a newly qualified Irish vet, more specifically that of a female vet at a time when women were still rare in the profession: the beginning of the 21st century. There are stories of the everyday sexism she faced (farmers asking when the real vet was going to arrive etc) which, having lived in Ireland for a good while, I buy totally. There are stories of Dublin council estates, posh Equine hospitals and bachelor hill farmers, and unlike Call the Vet, the stories centre on the cases. To a James Herriot devotee such as myself a couple of them tread familiar ground - there's no wine bottle *uncrosses legs* but we have mention of the sugar trick. However, it's done with enough of its own identity to feel fresh and one one them has the best punchline in the whole book.
The writing, in particular, is excellent and Hick's ear for dialogue spot on. She manages with the smallest of details to show us her clients - and herself; I can *hear* the accents. Comic writing is tremendously difficult to do well and Hick is funny, educational and engaging. As it was mentioned in a few of the reviews I read, I'll confirm there is some spoken profanity but it's never the crux on which a joke hinges, merely a nod to an accurate representation of character (although there is not nearly enough to actually *be* accurate).
As I'm me, I'll complain that the funniest stories were all in the first half which led to an uneven experience as a whole, but to be honest there isn't a duff chapter in the thing.
Vet On The Loose deserves to have a wider audience that it does - it's published by The O'Brien Press who are small and Irish so you're unlikely to find this in your local bookshop, but - as I mentioned - it's currently £1.19 on Kindle and more than worth it. Hick has a second book out, Vet Among the Pigeons, (which I have already borrowed from the library), and I really, really hope she finds the time to write a third.
4.5 stars.
December 21, 2013
Gillian was determined to be a vet and luckily for her she had parents well enough off to allow her to sit her Leaving Cert exam three years running until she got enough points for the university course. Her sister became a doctor and they lived in comfortable Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
Ireland was not used to the concept of female vets and she experienced exactly the same as I did in my first several years as an independent tree surgeon - the client would look around and ask, "Where is the vet?" or in my case "Where are the men?"
Gillian got quite down at first because she saw too many pets that she could not save and hated putting them to sleep. Well, that's why I didn't train as a vet. She started working with larger animals including a boy's pony in the inner city and sheep on a Kilternan farm. Life was quite amusing at times but of course she was being dragged out at all hours and in mucky conditions.
As a vet's journal this is not that unusual, but it is worth reading to see how one of the first female vets here qualified and coped. There is a sequel called Vet Among the Pigeons.
Ireland was not used to the concept of female vets and she experienced exactly the same as I did in my first several years as an independent tree surgeon - the client would look around and ask, "Where is the vet?" or in my case "Where are the men?"
Gillian got quite down at first because she saw too many pets that she could not save and hated putting them to sleep. Well, that's why I didn't train as a vet. She started working with larger animals including a boy's pony in the inner city and sheep on a Kilternan farm. Life was quite amusing at times but of course she was being dragged out at all hours and in mucky conditions.
As a vet's journal this is not that unusual, but it is worth reading to see how one of the first female vets here qualified and coped. There is a sequel called Vet Among the Pigeons.
July 3, 2014
A very funny take on becoming a newly qualified female vet in Ireland. As an animal lover with a full Irish family I took to this book very well. There are many a tale told where you just want to hide when reading it (I wouldn't have wanted to be in her shoes) and many lovely tales too. A very good and light-hearted read. Highly recommended.
June 7, 2015
Interesting and Entertaining
Having enjoyed James Herriot's books, I am always on the lookout for a well-told story of veterinary medicine in practice. This one adds the perspective of a female in not only a male dominated profession but up against predominantly male clients. Dr. Hick's well-written anecdotes and much needed sense of humor make this a recommended read.
Having enjoyed James Herriot's books, I am always on the lookout for a well-told story of veterinary medicine in practice. This one adds the perspective of a female in not only a male dominated profession but up against predominantly male clients. Dr. Hick's well-written anecdotes and much needed sense of humor make this a recommended read.
July 27, 2016
Brilliant book
This was an honest and very true account of the laughter, pitfalls and heartache of a vet, dealing with small and large animals alike. At times I was moved to tears, but the fact that vets face these things every day, makes them in my eyes wonderful would appeal to anyone who loves animals.
This was an honest and very true account of the laughter, pitfalls and heartache of a vet, dealing with small and large animals alike. At times I was moved to tears, but the fact that vets face these things every day, makes them in my eyes wonderful would appeal to anyone who loves animals.
March 14, 2018
A rambling collection of anecdotes from a lady country vet in Ireland. From her first days just starting out nervously to the final story where she has started to mentor a new vet herself. She overcomes the prejudice of some of the farmers, deals with the intricacies of Irish families and their horses in big cities and tells some amusing tales. A pleasant read.
September 17, 2012
Good fun in the style of James Herriot.Gillian finds being a female vet in Ireland often led to the confused response of "whens the real vet coming?" Eventually she became accepted but animals are never predictable and this follows the ups and downs of being a newly qualified vet!
December 13, 2016
Entertaining
Enjoyable & highly entertaining. Clearly portrays veterinary practice, animals & their owners with all their quirks. Obviously not all outcomes are positive but that is to be expected.
Enjoyable & highly entertaining. Clearly portrays veterinary practice, animals & their owners with all their quirks. Obviously not all outcomes are positive but that is to be expected.
January 13, 2017
Good easy read
Good easy read. Interesting and kept me reading until finished. Didn't take long to finish reading this book. Felt like I was there with Gillian on some of her calls.
Good easy read. Interesting and kept me reading until finished. Didn't take long to finish reading this book. Felt like I was there with Gillian on some of her calls.
September 29, 2017
Felt I was along for th ride
These Vet books are my cup of tea. Off into the weather what ever it may be and a glimpse of Vet life in the raw. And the farmers unique , delightful personalities.
These Vet books are my cup of tea. Off into the weather what ever it may be and a glimpse of Vet life in the raw. And the farmers unique , delightful personalities.
January 18, 2018
Exhilarating read
Her stories ring so true and yet seem to have a fun sense of humor to them. Obviously very skilled at what she does but her stories keep you reading for more. Definitely another James Herriot.
Her stories ring so true and yet seem to have a fun sense of humor to them. Obviously very skilled at what she does but her stories keep you reading for more. Definitely another James Herriot.
May 29, 2018
Hey, Lady!
This ain't your typical lady. She can keep up with the farmers, young or old. She can swear, swig some brew and suture a sow...all in one day! I loved reading about all of Gillian's adventures and getting a taste of rural Ireland to boot.
This ain't your typical lady. She can keep up with the farmers, young or old. She can swear, swig some brew and suture a sow...all in one day! I loved reading about all of Gillian's adventures and getting a taste of rural Ireland to boot.
September 22, 2019
Great stories!
As an animal lover I really enjoyed these vet stories. Gillian also serves as a good role model for other females that wish to pursue a male dominated career. I looked forward to reading her other books.
As an animal lover I really enjoyed these vet stories. Gillian also serves as a good role model for other females that wish to pursue a male dominated career. I looked forward to reading her other books.
September 1, 2013
As good as James Herriot! Hilarious.
June 21, 2014
Written by a young female Irish vet, this book has interesting tales of a country vet practice. An easy read and enjoyable for animal lovers.
December 26, 2014
Cute, sweet and accurate depiction of a vet's life.
January 6, 2015
very good
October 16, 2015
Easy read
I love books that are light reading. No violence. Real or could be real life stories with humour mixed in.
I love books that are light reading. No violence. Real or could be real life stories with humour mixed in.
June 24, 2016
Great read!
Thoroughly fascinating and full of amusing descriptions. I enjoyed the total honesty of the author. I hope shevwrites many more memoirs.
Thoroughly fascinating and full of amusing descriptions. I enjoyed the total honesty of the author. I hope shevwrites many more memoirs.
December 23, 2016
Great read.
Woman vet with a great mind and sense of humor. I wish she were my animal's vet! Can't wait to read the next book.
Woman vet with a great mind and sense of humor. I wish she were my animal's vet! Can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews