The Other Family Doctor: A Veterinarian Explores What Animals Can Teach Us About Love, Life, and Mortality

In her first book for a trade audience, Fine, a veterinarian of 30 years, discusses her experiences in the profession while also weaving in anecdotes related to her own pets. She provides candid accounts related to her struggles and growth as a veterinarian. Fine recounts the sexism, burnout, and stress many individuals in the veterinary field endure. Other chapters include stories related to her beloved grandfather whose medical career inspired her own, dealing with puppy mills, international veterinary work, establishing work/life boundaries, and implementing acupuncture in animal treatments. This is a lovely book in which Fine openly shares what she has learned about life, illness, death, and love from the animals she has treated and/or owned. She notes that loving animals should include recognizing that they will eventually die and argues that humans, like other animals, should try to remain present in the moment. Fine also offers resources and advice on grieving the loss of a pet, including writing a pet obituary.