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Beyond Supervet: How Animals Make Us The Best We Can Be
In this inspiring, uplifting and heart-warming memoir, world-renowned veterinary surgeon Professor Noel Fitzpatrick shares some of the most personal and powerful tales ever from his life as The Supervet.
Picking up from where the Sunday Times bestselling How Animals Saved My Life left off, Noel shares the moving, heart-warming and often surprising stories of the animals that he has treated in his remarkable career. As he explores how our relationships with animals can bring out the best in each of us, we meet some of the wonderful animals he has tried to help, the families who love them and the deeply personal challenges Noel has faced along the way. It is animals like these who have taught Noel the valuable lessons of Love, Hope and Faith - lessons that have sustained him in his life beyond being the Supervet.
This is the remarkable story of one man and the animals he has saved, animals who have - in turn - saved him.
Picking up from where the Sunday Times bestselling How Animals Saved My Life left off, Noel shares the moving, heart-warming and often surprising stories of the animals that he has treated in his remarkable career. As he explores how our relationships with animals can bring out the best in each of us, we meet some of the wonderful animals he has tried to help, the families who love them and the deeply personal challenges Noel has faced along the way. It is animals like these who have taught Noel the valuable lessons of Love, Hope and Faith - lessons that have sustained him in his life beyond being the Supervet.
This is the remarkable story of one man and the animals he has saved, animals who have - in turn - saved him.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2022
58 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 1, 2022
DNF'd at 33%.
This book might be an interesting read for some people, but the formula for each of the chapters seemed to be: horrific thing happens to animal, rambling about various things in the author's life and how animals are so great, author fixes animal from start of chapter with state of the art vet tech that most people couldn't afford and does a tenuously connected summary of what he learned from the animal.
Personally, there are only so many descriptions of puppies being so terribly wounded that euthanasia would be most vets' suggestion that I can read, so I'm choosing not to go any further. If you cant deal with animal trauma, this is not for you. If you can, I hope this book helps you in some way.
This book might be an interesting read for some people, but the formula for each of the chapters seemed to be: horrific thing happens to animal, rambling about various things in the author's life and how animals are so great, author fixes animal from start of chapter with state of the art vet tech that most people couldn't afford and does a tenuously connected summary of what he learned from the animal.
Personally, there are only so many descriptions of puppies being so terribly wounded that euthanasia would be most vets' suggestion that I can read, so I'm choosing not to go any further. If you cant deal with animal trauma, this is not for you. If you can, I hope this book helps you in some way.
April 11, 2023
Beautifully written book. Thought provoking and at times heartbreaking. Would recommend.
December 15, 2023
I haven't actually watched the superset on Telly, so I knew nothing about Noel, but a friend had recommended it and as an animal lover, it certainly appealed to me.
There are plenty of heartwarming and emotional moments throughout. Noel talks about the bond between him and his mammy as well as the family dog Keira. Along with other pets and families, he gets to know throughout performing surgeries.
He often quotes from songs by different artists and bands. It's obvious he is a huge fan of music but did find that the many quotes started to grate on me slightly the more frequently they appeared.
There is no doubt that Noel goes above and beyond when it comes to the care he gives animals. Its scary to think how many animals could still be here if they had a vet that truly cared about preserving their lives for longer and creating things to make that happen where others would fall at the first hurdle. Overall this is a good read but concentrates more on Noel himself. I think I may have appreciated it a bit more if it seen the TV series.
There are plenty of heartwarming and emotional moments throughout. Noel talks about the bond between him and his mammy as well as the family dog Keira. Along with other pets and families, he gets to know throughout performing surgeries.
He often quotes from songs by different artists and bands. It's obvious he is a huge fan of music but did find that the many quotes started to grate on me slightly the more frequently they appeared.
There is no doubt that Noel goes above and beyond when it comes to the care he gives animals. Its scary to think how many animals could still be here if they had a vet that truly cared about preserving their lives for longer and creating things to make that happen where others would fall at the first hurdle. Overall this is a good read but concentrates more on Noel himself. I think I may have appreciated it a bit more if it seen the TV series.
January 5, 2023
Trigger warnings:
•sexual abuse.
•animals in pain
•suicide
This book hits completely different to Noel's other books. Throughout the course of this book, Noel outlines what he believes are characteristics to make a good person.
This book hit very hard and very strong. It even made me cry a couple of times. Within this book, Noel describes loosing his beloved dog, Kiera. He also takes the reader through his sexual abuse as a child. Understanding Noel's emotions and the way he has dealt with his demons.
I loved reading about Noel's surgeries and how he has overcome issues and come up with new tools to help our beloved animals. As someone with a cat, who loves that cat more than most people, reading about the ethical struggles that others have had was very hard. I found myself imagining being in their positions and honestly, I would do anything to make sure that my companion survived.
•
Noel has done an excellent job of explaining the highs and lows of vet life and how this has impacted his personal life. I wish Noel the best in his life and hope that letting some of his demons into the world can make it easier for him
•sexual abuse.
•animals in pain
•suicide
This book hits completely different to Noel's other books. Throughout the course of this book, Noel outlines what he believes are characteristics to make a good person.
This book hit very hard and very strong. It even made me cry a couple of times. Within this book, Noel describes loosing his beloved dog, Kiera. He also takes the reader through his sexual abuse as a child. Understanding Noel's emotions and the way he has dealt with his demons.
I loved reading about Noel's surgeries and how he has overcome issues and come up with new tools to help our beloved animals. As someone with a cat, who loves that cat more than most people, reading about the ethical struggles that others have had was very hard. I found myself imagining being in their positions and honestly, I would do anything to make sure that my companion survived.
•
Noel has done an excellent job of explaining the highs and lows of vet life and how this has impacted his personal life. I wish Noel the best in his life and hope that letting some of his demons into the world can make it easier for him
April 1, 2023
I preferred Noel’s first book to this one and found this book mentioned stories that I’d already read about in previous books so I was slightly disappointed.
This book was hard to read at times as it covered issues such as sexual abuse, animals in pain and mental health.
I have huge respect for Noel and sometimes I felt this book was a cry for help……I really hope he gets the recognition he deserves from both the human and veterinary professions.
In my opinion this book wasn’t as good as Noel’s first book however it will stay with me and I hope it helps Noel by writing it.
This book was hard to read at times as it covered issues such as sexual abuse, animals in pain and mental health.
I have huge respect for Noel and sometimes I felt this book was a cry for help……I really hope he gets the recognition he deserves from both the human and veterinary professions.
In my opinion this book wasn’t as good as Noel’s first book however it will stay with me and I hope it helps Noel by writing it.
October 31, 2022
As a vet student myself, this book is thought-provoking, incredibly important and empowering. This book gives me hope, it also touches on incredibly important topics within the veterinary field but also topics relevant to everyone in every day life.
Just like Noel's first book, I know I will be re-visiting this one many times to reflect on the important messages and life-lessons within its pages.
Just like Noel's first book, I know I will be re-visiting this one many times to reflect on the important messages and life-lessons within its pages.
July 25, 2025
If I hear the word “oneness” one more time 😭
February 8, 2023
Oh Noel, Noel, I hope you find continued peace from the experience mentioned at the end of the book because you are such a tormented character.
Such a sensitive person who needs to be appreciated and encouraged should perhaps be a little more careful about writing so much about himself. I did. find the chapter about his Mum very moving and of course the opening up about his early abuse is brave and I hope helpful to himself and maybe others.
I do take issue with the fact that he doesn't approve of the term 'Furrbabies' because it demeans the animal but is always talking about his animals having human 'Mums and Dads' and his own pet dog as 'my little girl'.
I skimmed over some of the medical jargon. As in previous books there is quite a lot of preaching about his ideal view of the world.
Despite my criticisms I still feel he is a very compassionate and intelligent person who is trying to live his life the best way he can.
Such a sensitive person who needs to be appreciated and encouraged should perhaps be a little more careful about writing so much about himself. I did. find the chapter about his Mum very moving and of course the opening up about his early abuse is brave and I hope helpful to himself and maybe others.
I do take issue with the fact that he doesn't approve of the term 'Furrbabies' because it demeans the animal but is always talking about his animals having human 'Mums and Dads' and his own pet dog as 'my little girl'.
I skimmed over some of the medical jargon. As in previous books there is quite a lot of preaching about his ideal view of the world.
Despite my criticisms I still feel he is a very compassionate and intelligent person who is trying to live his life the best way he can.
January 1, 2023
His work is so cool I love him
November 15, 2022
Another great biography from Noel. As an avid fan of the TV shows, I have read all of his books.
This one is slightly different to his others, in that he has outlined 13 sections for his reasons as to what he thinks we all need to have about us to be a good person. And obviously what we gain from having animals in our lives and what they give to us and help us to do.
I didn't read anything about this book before picking it up, so was shocked to find out that in this book he speaks out for the first time about his sexual abuse as a child. I was absolutely shocked but the account was very brave. Obviously the book contains stories of when his beloved Keira died, and also his Mammy. How he handled those situations even when he felt he could give up. He has faced lots of struggles be it criticism from other vets who felt he is too invasive with his procedures for his TV shows, or whether it was having to face up to money problems after the Covid pandemic. He tells us openly and bravely and it felt like I was just sat having a chat with him.
Really great read again.
This one is slightly different to his others, in that he has outlined 13 sections for his reasons as to what he thinks we all need to have about us to be a good person. And obviously what we gain from having animals in our lives and what they give to us and help us to do.
I didn't read anything about this book before picking it up, so was shocked to find out that in this book he speaks out for the first time about his sexual abuse as a child. I was absolutely shocked but the account was very brave. Obviously the book contains stories of when his beloved Keira died, and also his Mammy. How he handled those situations even when he felt he could give up. He has faced lots of struggles be it criticism from other vets who felt he is too invasive with his procedures for his TV shows, or whether it was having to face up to money problems after the Covid pandemic. He tells us openly and bravely and it felt like I was just sat having a chat with him.
Really great read again.
August 17, 2023
A heart-warming memoir by world-renowned veterinary surgeon Professor Noel 'Supervet' Fitzpatrick.
Noel speaks openly and bravely about very personal stories from his life Beyond Supervet, which may be a trigger warning for some people: sexual abuse, traumatic injuries to animals, mental health, and death.
Although Noel has faced personal challenges, the animals he treats have taught him valuable life lessons such as love, compassion, faith, and hope, which are also the chapter titles and themes.
I do feel the book was a bit of a personal therapy journey for Noel, writing to help himself heal, and I hope this continues to help him.
As in his previous works, there is some medical terminology, but I found the explanations of the surgeries interesting, and I enjoyed learning about how Noel's numerous bionic designs for animals came about.
Heart-breaking at times, but also thought-provoking.
Noel speaks openly and bravely about very personal stories from his life Beyond Supervet, which may be a trigger warning for some people: sexual abuse, traumatic injuries to animals, mental health, and death.
Although Noel has faced personal challenges, the animals he treats have taught him valuable life lessons such as love, compassion, faith, and hope, which are also the chapter titles and themes.
I do feel the book was a bit of a personal therapy journey for Noel, writing to help himself heal, and I hope this continues to help him.
As in his previous works, there is some medical terminology, but I found the explanations of the surgeries interesting, and I enjoyed learning about how Noel's numerous bionic designs for animals came about.
Heart-breaking at times, but also thought-provoking.
April 9, 2023
It took me a while to read this book due to having a baby and losing my own dog after being hit by a van. Reading this helped me come to terms with losing her and that I made the right decision for her.
I worked in a veterinary practice many years ago and completely agree with everything he has to say about the industry. Even now as a normal pet owner I feel like the industry has become all about the money, one practice wants to charge £70 for a vaccine but another practice charges £30 for the same vaccine, how is that fair.
I loved the honesty and openness of this book. I absolutely loved the chapter on meeting the queen.
I worked in a veterinary practice many years ago and completely agree with everything he has to say about the industry. Even now as a normal pet owner I feel like the industry has become all about the money, one practice wants to charge £70 for a vaccine but another practice charges £30 for the same vaccine, how is that fair.
I loved the honesty and openness of this book. I absolutely loved the chapter on meeting the queen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2025
I admire this amazing human being and hugely respect him as an animal surgeon and inventor. I would give him a million stars for his achievements and good heart. But… This audiobook gets only 4 starts because it could of been 10 hours long instead of 15, and it actually felt like it’s 30 hours long 🙈 Some stories were interesting indeed, but very often parts of the book were so repetitive that I just couldn’t wait when I finish the book and get to read something else. The previous two books were better written in my opinion…
July 14, 2023
I have read all of this author's books & this one has left me a bit mixed. The book should come with a warning, for starters as the first chapter had me in bits! There are a lot of repeated stories from previous books but there is a lot of surprising, shocking revelations and I hope he gets professional help to work through this even if he found writing the book cathartic. A good book, just be prepared for some difficult reading.
December 30, 2022
A lot less animals than I was expecting in this! It’s mainly a rant about the vets who have dared to question what he does, and everything that is wrong with the veterinary profession. I was hoping to hear more about the animals that this incredibly talented surgeon has helped, but they were skipped over very quickly. Disappointing.
March 30, 2023
Supervet Superman
Absolutely loved reading this book.
He is such an honest and open man who loves animals of any type and also loves his job.
He is so compassionate with his clients and so comforting in good and bad situations.
His love for Keira is amazing and she will never be forgotten.
He so deserves good ratings for this book.
Absolutely loved reading this book.
He is such an honest and open man who loves animals of any type and also loves his job.
He is so compassionate with his clients and so comforting in good and bad situations.
His love for Keira is amazing and she will never be forgotten.
He so deserves good ratings for this book.
September 12, 2023
I love Noel and the things he does for the animals are out of this world, I preferred his first two books though, this book just seemed to be ramblings about other vets that disagree with him and hardships of building a career around people not liking him. I was expecting more about the animals. There was parts I found really interesting, but a lot of it had been mentioned in the other books.
April 27, 2024
Was disappointed as I was really looking forward to reading this book. The structure was all over the place jumping from story to story without finishing them and it was a little confusing. Some of the technical language around surgery was difficult to understand and overall I didn’t really enjoy reading it.
September 9, 2023
Excellent
A beautiful book, full of honesty and integrity which leaves you with a greater understanding of what drives the author and admiration for his proven ability to turn adversity into a gift. Bless his little cotton socks!
A beautiful book, full of honesty and integrity which leaves you with a greater understanding of what drives the author and admiration for his proven ability to turn adversity into a gift. Bless his little cotton socks!
December 20, 2022
Not sure this is a book to enjoy, but it dose make you think. Enjoyed his other book more.
April 11, 2023
Heartbreaking and inspiring. I'll be reading it again soon I'm sure!
May 5, 2023
It’s a good book, however not a lot of information about being a vet, but more about the journey to become one and the battles of being one.
May 24, 2023
I liked this book. Noel is a great author and storyteller. I really hope he reaches his goal of One Medicine
abandoned
July 14, 2023I just can't get into this like I have his other books. I wept over the death of Keira, it is truly heartbreaking. Still believe in your One Medicine.
May 17, 2025
I love anything written by Noel. It was a great read
May 6, 2023
I liked it. However, there were too many detailed descriptions of surgeries, surgical equipment and animal body parts. I liked him and his life story.
November 10, 2023
This book is amazing, highs and lows and what he’s going through. It is an amazing man and thank God he’s working to save dogs and cats and animals are like. Keep up the good work.
March 12, 2024
Similar to some of Noel’s other books, but always interesting to learn more about how he has made such a difference to veterinary practice. Very inspirational.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews