Jean L. S. Patrick

"Cows, Cats, and Kids" shows what life is like for the family of a rural veterinarian. This book does a great job of showing how the vet's children are actively involved in helping their father with his work; his children are an invaluable asset to his work as they work side by side with him. "Cows, Cats, and Kids" is also valuable in that is shows a different side to veterinary practice than working in a well-equipped clinic. Vets in rural areas are mobile and do not always have the medical equipment available to them that they need for a given situation, so it is important for them to know somewhat rugged and cavalier methods to treat animals. The photos in this book illustrate very well the types of animals and situations vets in a rural area may have to deal with. Working with livestock is a completely different beast than working with cats and dogs, which this book does a good job of showing.

I don't know if I would use this book specifically in my classroom, as it is for a younger audience, but I appreciate that is shows a different aspect of the veterinary field that students who live in the city may not be aware of.… (mehr)