You Want Me To Declaw What?

I thought it was bad facing down an irritated cow...not sure I could handle an angry big cat, wow! Just started reading but seems like a good start. I do have to object to the 'vets always wake up completely alert,' however as I once spent five minutes with a client at 1am on the phone trying to decide whether it was a cat or a calf we were discussing! Otherwise my only suggestion is to start considering alternative titles as declawing is not quite politically correct with many people nowadays. I am afraid it falls into that list of sins occupied by ear cropping in dogs, farrowing crates, tail docking in cattle, horse slaughter, and the like. It may not be long before it is classified as 'unethical' by the veterinary boards or outlawed by various local or national governments. I do like the title though as it reminds me of many of the crazy questions people have asked over the years (can you declaw my 80 pound german shepherd or remove all of my cat's teeth?)! I am glad someone else is working with the exotics, I'll stick with cows! Best of wishes.

Hello again, Doc.

I've read through Chapter 3, and think you have the makings of a very engaging story!

Just a few minor comments to do with what you wish...

I think a story flows much more smoothly if you have a new paragraph each time the speaker changes... then the reader doesn't have to back-track to see whom was saying what.

Also, I felt a little uncomfortable with the way in which you told your back story about the elephant in California. This is a vital piece of information, but I think it would be more pleasurable to read without the underlined "Flashback" and "Back to Present." The past can be incorporated quite nicely as narrative without those static breaks.

Good stuff, though, and I'll bet your life was the envy of many of us "wannabe" vets.

Best of luck!
Karen
Grumble Bluff

When I was young, I adored reading James Herriot. Many a drive I took with him through the Yorkshire countryside and I stood at his side while he treated the animals...and their humans. His descriptions were so vivid that you could easily see through his eyes. His work of course spawned the shows, etc. Big shoes to fill! As a dog breeder and farmer, I have been on the other side of those 3 am telephone calls many a time (including Christmas day) and certainly can appreciate all that you and your fellow veterinarians do!

I think the introduction needs polishing, the prose just doesn't quite flow.

When you describe each adventure, give it more detail, breathe more life into your characters. Close your eyes and visualize your experience...describe the details such as the grunts the leopard emitted with each contraction, or the actual quality and tone of her vocalizations as she protested your involvement in the labour.

3rd line - get rid of either invariably or always...redundant

...veterinarians have the inherent ability to wake up fully functional and alert...note, this is not an analogy, though! Analogy involves comparing one thing to another!

Each segment of dialogue needs its own paragraph...a change in speaker needs a new paragraph. Go through and press enter after each set of quotes.

watch the repetition of words in a paragraph, like also appearing in two consecutive sentences.

Readers are very attached to their animals, and enjoy hearing stories from the vet's point of view. The animal owner market is ever expanding so you certainly have a strong group to market to compared to many non-fiction books.

Hi Matt -
You have an immediate style that grabs the reader, and of course a series of engaging subjects. If your unposted chapters are as entertaining as these, you're onto something good. The main observation I have to make is that each chapter is completely 'standalone' - gripping stories in themselves but there's no continuation from one to the next, other than the fact that you are involved. I wonder if you have cases where you've had to revisit an animal (or a human owner), which might provide that continuity between chapters.
Cheers
Martin

Matt,

What I really like about this book is the way each story (Chapter) grabs you. Once you read a couple of lines you can't put the book down until you know how each story ends. The book is thoroughly enjoyable and an easy read. Animal and pet lovers will enjoy this book the most but anyone that want's a feel good read should grab a copy of "You want me to Declaw what?".

Rob Edelson

Matt,

This is such an enjoyable book, a really quality read. There is so much variety within your stories. We are able to learn about everything from an otter who's a victim of mistaken identity to a chimp with men-hurling strength who would feel at home in a western saloon. A very decent amount of humor is injected into your writing, like when you thought you might be thrown through a wall or when you woke up from a dream, realizing there were no landlines on boats. The chapters are well written and not too long or filled with too much medical jargon. That being said, it is informative enough to allow the reader to understand exactly what it is you are doing, even if they have no prior knowledge of the veterinary field. An example would be when you describe how you placed an IV in the jugular vein of the cow. Now I know! The stories never failed to be touching; whenever you shared how you were moved by the reaction of a person, or that of an animal, it was easy to see why. Your book brings to light not only the wholehearted love people have for their pets but also the extent to which animals are feeling and thinking creatures, each with their own personality and way of dealing with the world, and who deserve our total respect. I figure that any event which warrants a news crew outside is worth retelling in this very warm and fun book.

Cory Brust Sheridan

Hi Matt,

I felt like I was right beside you watching the events unfold. I could not stop reading. What very intriging and heartfelt chapters. It makes you wonder what the world would be like if everyone responded to that one extra call for our time.

Dawn Musgrave Demarest

Hey Matt-

utterly (udderly?!) delightful! Can't wait to read the whole book!

Diane Wilde

Hi Matt. Just to say I've been reading this and enjoying it very much. Non Fiction has a hard time on here (I have two NF books) but don't let indifference discourage you! I'm going to put you on my bookshelf and give you a plug on the forum. Good luck with this. Alison
ps I expect you realise there are a few formatting problems (I had the same at first). I think it's because my original was justified and on here there is a left margin justification. Anyway, it's easily solved!