When was the last time you ran across a reference book that was actually fun to read?  Here’s one for you!  Speaking For Spot is like a layman’s medical textbook for dogs that often reads like a novel.

If you think this is just another dry, dull reference book, you’re in for a treat.  Dr. Nancy Kay shares her wisdom in a witty, down-to-earth style that entertains as well as informs.  Her delightful sense of humor permeates her work, and makes each topic fun to read and easy to understand.

Drawing from nearly thirty years of experience as a vet, Dr. Kay has a gift for explaining medical terms and situations in a way that we can easily understand, often using humorous or poignant examples from her own vet practice.

She has a “pack” of her own, besides all her experience as a vet, so she’s not just spouting theories.  She also understands people’s busy schedules, and offers ideas for working around life situations to help your dog have the best possible care before, during and after a medical procedure.

Dr. Kay masterfully tackles several tough subjects:  finding the perfect vet and clinic, making the most of every office visit, getting a second opinion gracefully, and making the difficult decision about euthanasia.  There’s a whole chapter on cancer, because it strikes so many of our dogs, and there are so many options available.

There’s another eye-opening chapter called “Wow, I didn’t know you could do that on dogs!”  in which she explains state-of-the-art tests and procedures currently available to animals, that used to be only for humans.  Technology is amazing!

In her practical, down-to-earth way, Dr. Kay thoughtfully discusses money matters—costs of procedures, pet insurance, and payment options.  She knows we’re not made of money, though we wish we were when it comes to giving our pets the care they deserve.

Who actually reads an appendix?  It’s just there for later reference, right?  I confess—I planned to just skim through these two, and found myself reading whole sections at a time that were just so well-written and humorous, I couldn’t resist.  Appendix I covers “Common Symptoms and Questions Your Vet Will Ask About Them” (covering many illnesses), along with four key questions your vet will always want you to answer regarding any problem.  Appendix II explains “Common Diseases and Questions You Should Ask Your Vet About Them” so those strange-sounding diseases are less mysterious after a quick read.

I was amazed at the constant cross-referencing going on here.  If you missed it the first time around, Dr. Kay points you back to the original discussion on the topic when she touches on it again later.  The complete index in the back is really helpful, too.

You can go to the Speaking For Spot website to buy the book, get on Dr. Kay’s e-mail list, read her blog, and download several different templates and forms that will help you excel as your dog’s medical advocate:

• Emergency Contact Information Form
• Log of Current Health Issues
• Veterinary Hospital Visit Form
• Medication and Treatment Planner
• Contingency Plan Form
• Log of Current Medications
• Health History Form

Have you ever wanted to ask your vet a question, but didn’t even know enough to figure out where to start?  Dr. Kay literally gives you the questions you need to ask, in relation to every imaginable scenario and situation.  The idea behind the book is that the more you know, the more intelligent decisions you can make on behalf of your beloved pet.  The book’s subtitle sums it all up:  “Be the advocate your dog needs to live a happy, healthy, longer life.”

Every pet owner would benefit from owning a copy of this warm, witty, full-of-answers book.  You’ll never again be left speechless when your vet asks you, “Do you have any questions?”

Tags: Book, Dog, Medical Text Book, Medicine, Reference Book, Speaking for Spot, Veterinary Care