Don't Turn Your Back in the Barn

Adventures of a Country Vet #1

by Dave Perrin

For 26 years, Dr. David Perrin served as a country veterinarian in the rural (but never quiet) Creston valley of southern British Columbia. "Don't Turn Your Back in the Barn" is his engaging and entertaining firsthand account of his rookie year on the job in the early 1970s. Reminiscent of the beloved books of British veterinarian and writer James Herriot, Perrin's book is by turns heartbreaking and hysterical. In 22 stories, he relays his encounters with an eclectic group of two-legged clients and a roster of four-legged patients that range in size from a newborn kitten to a 1,500-pound pregnant heifer. Perrin's honest account of veterinary life includes his mistakes, successes, and frequent searches for answers to problems that most of us will thankfully never have to consider (for example, how does one discourage the advances of an amorous billy goat'). Passion, pathos, adventure, humor - "Don't Turn Your Back in the Barn" has it all.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Memoir, Canada, Humor, Biography Memoir, Biography

322 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[LibraryCin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another memoir of a veterinarian. Dr. Perrin, in his first year after vet school in Saskatoon, Sask, in the 1970s, set up a vet practice in the town of Creston, B.C. This book recounts stories not only of the pets and farm animals he treated, but the people and just getting his practice set up, as he was still learning things.

Because he took on both pets and he drove out to farms to look at various farm animals, he actually reminded me a lot of James Herriot. Of course, there was also much humour in the stories he tells in this book. And there were some really great illustrations to go with each story, as well. It looks like he has written a few more books, and I am hoping to get my hands on them, as well.

[Marian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this book at the thrift before properly looking at the cover🤦‍♀️ Seriously what a horrible cover!
I read the book anyway. It was ok - for a farm vet story. Don't leave it lying around your house, though. Some pretty graphic vet scenes happening lol.

[Morgan Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book that had wonderful depictions of life as a country vet. If you like James Herriot, this is definitely a series you should read.

[Roxanne Lederman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I tried this book because it reminded me of All Creatures Great and Small. I wasn't disappointed.

The stories of a new veterinarian and his life in a small town in Canada were enjoyable.

If you like stories about veterinarians and their lives, you will enjoy this.

[Reading Fury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying I have been totally spoiled by James Herriot. He wrote with sincerity and humor while sharing enough details to give insight and a real feel for what the rural vet experience was like in England during and after WWII. You really feel like you've met Tricky Woo and his mistress. It's like you have been in the barn, present at the birth of a calf. So, it is safe to say I have a love of veterinarian memoirs, and this one did not let me down. There are the usual quirky folks and strange animal doings. But, Perrin's writing is a bit more graphic and medical. I had to gloss some parts quickly or put down my sandwich. But, these are animals and families you will enjoy meeting through Perrin's amusing memories of his practice.

[Steve Tripp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally I'm not surprised that I enjoyed this book but I think I am surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Dr. Perrin adds great human touch to his veterinary tales (starting in 1971 - Creston B.C.) and I think it's because he seems to display such warmth and humility in dealing both with people and with animals. He had me laughing and choking up; quite often within the same story. My only complaint .. for those of us with weak stomachs ... there was probably too much detail shared (and too often) on the process of cows giving birth. I'll forgive though --- because it makes me glad people like him (and not me) become vets. I'm just better off sticking to reading about the aftermath.

[Diane Tolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of a small-town country veterinarian. A part technical. A part edge-or-your seat cliffhanger. A part sad. A part joyous. And all pure entertainment. The ingredients for a wonderful series of stories that will pull you along in their wake like a child happily lugging their father's case of medical instruments just for the chance of watching him work.
And the best part? I've just discovered this amazing author. I have several more books to read . . .

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a delight to read. It is about the trials and tribulations of a young Canadian vet who, although he has just graduated, hangs out his shingle in a beautiful farming area in British Columbia. The writing style is light, but informative and it is very easy to relate with Dr Dave Perrin, Doris the receptionist, Lug the dog and the various farmers and pet owners that we meet. I have already downloaded the next one in the series.

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the heartfelt honesty and sometimes too technical stories.........happy and sad trials and tribulations of being a country veterinarian in rural BC.....I would read more of his books.

[Pat Davis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Depressing

Dogs dying...pigs dying through negligence.
Awful
He has a nice style of writing but not a book for Animal lovers.

[Tizmehr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read

[Liver&Onion · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow going, but a good read when you just feel like reading a chapter or two

[Karianna Neels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute and hilariously funny book

[Juuli · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books. The stories were real and full of fantastic descriptions of nature. I loved all those weird characters and odd patients. The cover of the book made me laugh and the story about this Gentle William was even better.

Väga elulised lood, fantastilised looduskirjeldused, rida omapäraseid tegelasi, kellest enamus kõnnib neljal jalal, on vaid osa raamatu võlust. Teine osa kuulub kindlasti illustratsioonidele. Vaadake või raamatu kaant. Kas pole tahtmist naeru pugistada? Eriti kui veel lisada, et kaanel kujutatud sokk (või siis pukk) on nimega Leebe William.

[Saylaveev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny, a great collection of true vet stories from the field. Being that I work in a vet clinic I can totally relate to what he's gone through. What's greater is that he doesn't live to far away from me and I've actually spent some time around where he lives while travelling and can picture the locations of the stories in my head.

[Maciek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dave's autobiography of his early days as a vet fresh out of school, trying to make it in Canadian country town. Simple, well-written, funny short stories. May draw a few tears from animal lovers (it's VERY hard to make me cry; human suffering won't do it, but reading about a boy's love for an injured dog cuts straight to my heart).

Great bus reading.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never get tired of James Herriot-style memoirs by other veterinarians. It's reassuring to know that I'm not the only one who gets in crazy situations and has to think by way out of them, or fly by the seat of my pants!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book of vet stories

[Muriel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light reading.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading stories by other vets. This was hilarious and touching.

[Claire Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

was a fun lighthearted read in the adventures of a new vet in a new town. a good chuckle for animal lovers and farmers alike

[Kathy Govreau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very pleasurable read! I love his sense of humor and of course, the animal stories! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this one too.