Dog Daze and Cat Naps: A Vet Student's Odyssey

by Mark E. Burgess

A young student embarks upon a four-year odyssey through veterinary school. His fictional adventures--and humorous midadventures--will keep every reader chilled, thrilled, and chuckling out loud. Funny and poignant, smart and silly--and quite simply a really great read.

398 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Mark E. Burgess was born in Wichita, Kansas, grew up in Spokane, Washington and Medford, Oregon. He graduated from veterinary school at Oregon State University in 1986, and owns a practice in the Portland, Oregon area, treating mostly exotic pet species. He's well known in the exotic animal medicine field, and has authored medical articles and textbook chapters on exotic pets. He's been a guest lecturer at numerous medical conferences, and teaches part of the exotic animal curriculum at OSU's veterinary school, as well as Portland Community College's veterinary technician program. He has a loving wife, Denise, and two wonderful daughters, Anna & Sarah, as well as being owned by Molly the cat.
His first published work of fiction was "Dog Daze and Cat Naps--A Vet Student's Odyssey", in 2009; this story, based largely on factual events, tells of a young vet student's trials & tribulations as he makes his way through 4 years of veterinary school.
His first sci-fi story to reach publication was the short story "Outside Looking In", published in the anthology "Yondering" by Borgo Press/Wildside Press. His first sci-fi novel was just released in August 2012, titled "The Battle for Eden".

Reviews

[Clarry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Burgess came to lecture us on ferret medicine at Oregon State CVM, his alma mater and where this book is largely located. I wanted to see if I could pick out any of the doctors that still work in the teaching hospital today (I definitely found at least two! Despite given different names.) It was interesting to compare how vet school was in the 80's compared to today. Sounds like he got a lot more hands-on, and less classwork! (Believe it or not). But considering the strides that have been made in the medicine and how much more material there is to teach us, that's completely understandable. For example, he mentions that when he researched ferret medicine and compiled it for his senior paper, it was only a solid 14 pages. However, when he came to lecture us on only the basics of ferret medicine, four hours wasn't enough!
But in the end, a lot of things don't change. That fear every student feels when they are about to cut into a live patient for a surgical procedure for the first time, that remains unchanged. If you're interested in attending vet school or are curious about some of the insights into that 4 year ordeal, then definitely check it out. (However, realize that smoking in surgery suites nowadays is definitely a no-no...)

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

During his training to become a veterinarian, Burgess learns to treat pus filled abscesses, gastric torsions, tumors, blockages, and more. There is little humor in the long hours, endless stream of sick animals, and practical jokes meant to relieve tension. The story illustrates the energy and dedication needed to survive veterinary college.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book--it reminded me of the days we had farm animals and the fun we had with some of them. I am going to recommend this book to friends who like/love animals. But ...it is very long