CREATURE COMFORT: Veterinary Medicine for Pet Lovers and Future Doctors

About the Book

Creature Comfort: Veterinary Medicine for Pet Lovers and Future Doctors. The basics of veterinary medicine for anyone who loves animals, for those who aspire to become a veterinarian, or for pet lovers who just want the inside scoop. Do you know someone who has always wanted to be a veterinarian? Is it you? Whether you’re ten years old or seventy, pet lovers of all ages will enjoy this reader-friendly handbook on the basics of veterinary medicine. What does it take to become a veterinarian? Do I have to get straight As in school? How many years does it take? What do veterinarians do? What’s the difference between a small animal and a large animal veterinarian, or those who specialize in exotic animals or reptiles or birds or emergency? Why do we spay and neuter? How are surgeries performed for animals? Why do they need vaccinations? Why do they need their teeth cleaned? Whether you’re planning a career in veterinary medicine or you’re just curious and you love animals. Creature Comfort: Veterinary Medicine for Pet Lovers and Future Doctors explains the basics in an engaging format with plenty of photos of our furry, four-legged friends. A portion of the proceeds from this book is donated to animal welfare organizations.

About the Author

Meredith Kennedy DVM graduated from Michigan State University's School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. She has worked in California, Africa, and the South Pacific, practicing companion animal medicine and emergency medicine and surgery. She has also taught college semester abroad programs in Africa and New Zealand, in marine biology, wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and arts and culture.

The creation of So You Want To Be A Veterinarian was ably assisted by Sneaky Tiki the Ninja Kitty, and was compiled from experience at emergency clinics, small animal practices, spay/neuter clinics and animal shelters.

The focus of this book is on small animals, also called companion animals - dogs and cats. There are many other fields of study in veterinary medicine, and the reader is encouraged to explore beyond the scope of this book – suggested references are included at the end.

I would like to thank the owners and staff of Central Coast Pet Emergency Clinic of Arroyo Grande, CA, Berkeley Dog and Cat Hospital of Berkeley, CA, Emergency Pet Clinic of San Gabriel Valley of El Monte, CA, Western Veterinary Group of Lomita, CA, Gilroy Veterinary Hospital of Gilroy, CA, Valley Animal Medical Center of Indio, CA; Dr. Sonja Olson, Dr. Anyes Van Volkenburgh, Dr. Anita Parra, Dr. Roxane McKenna, Dr. Deanna Brown, Dr. Robert Yelland, Dr. Roger Tenney, Dr. Joe Pavlik, Dr. Michael Zareski, and Dr. Ann Eliopolis. All of your opinions, support and contributions are very much appreciated.

Meredith Kennedy DVM