What readers think of Ever By My Side, plus links to write your own review.

This book was very easy to read. The style is light and informative without getting too technical with any of the veterinary details. I enjoyed the stories about his parents and their family dogs and the author does a great job explaining cat behavior for someone who professes to prefer dogs. There were some uneven sections where the storyline/flow doesn't work too well and endings to a few of the stories seem a bit abrupt, almost needing a few more details. Overall, a very enjoyable light read.

This book was, in a word, gratifying. Based on the experiences and insights of one man from boyhood through adulthood and his experiences the book brings both laughter and tears. Touchingly human the stories of relationships with pets and those who love them are endearing. It is enjoyable reading for anyone who enjoys a well turned phrase. The sentimental will love it but those who crave suspense will find it a bit sanguine.

The last veterinary book I read was 'All Creatures Great and Small' quite a few years ago. Getting through the first quarter of 'Ever By My Side' was slow and tedious, but as Dr. Trout reached his teen years, I was into the story and began to eagerly read on. It is so much more than a pet story, covering family dynamics through two generations, their pets' personalities and important role as a member of the family. And, I gained a better understanding of and increased appreciation for veterinarians love of animals.

All animal lovers would enjoy 'Ever By My Side', finishing the book as I did, with a smile on my face.

Dr. Nick Trout’s autobiography “Ever By My Side” is an honest assessment of his life. He highlights those events that played prominently in his youth and adulthood while also weaving the impact of both his two legged and four legged family and friends. While the book is sometimes dry, he compensates with those passages that touch the reader’s heartstrings, primarily when referencing one of the many animals that crossed his path. His descriptions are often tender but not saccharine. To his credit, Dr. Trout manages to remain objective about the pets of his parents and of his own family but the reader always senses an underlying sensitivity. Without being preachy, Dr. Trout relates the lessons learned from humans and animals and in particular how those interactions helped him find a way to cope with the inevitable difficulties of adulthood. This book is well worth the read for both pet owners and non-pet owners.

Dr. Nick Trout, veterinary surgeon, grew up in England. At the age of 9, he finally got a puppy after years of requests. His German Shepherd, Patch, became a close companion to both Nick and his father. They were also very fond of the television series that told the stories of James Herriet, veterinarian of Yorkshire. Nick went to veterinary school and then moved to the United States to study veterinary surgery.
This book details the pets that Nick would come to own and love as he spent his working hours with other people's animals. It is also a touching memoir of his relationship with his parents, his wife and their two daughters.
It is the kind of book that pet lovers will particularly enjoy.

As a life-long dog owner, I was prepared to LOVE this book. After reading the first few chapters, I began to fear this autobiography was going to be just TOO adorable and folksy. Then the story further unfolded, and I began to relate to my own experiences in raising dogs, seeing myself in the characters, laughing at the way dogs have challenged my patience over the years, sniffling through the all too familiar end-of-life decisions. I was touched by the honest portrayal of his relationship with his father, and his mother’s ambivalence about having a dog (or two) in the house. This is a personal story that grows on you. It’s not a WOW, can’t wait to read another chapter kind of book. But you’ll find it touching, engaging and often quite real and funny. A life with dogs, you have to have a sense of humor!

Dr. Trout's memoir will be appreciated most by dog lovers. Parts of the book will make you laugh out loud; other parts will bring you to tears. I enjoyed following Trout's relationship with his father, their bond forged by their mutual love of dogs. His writing style is easy and flowing, full of self-deprecating humor.

A warm memoir of a young man, his parents, his animals, and his children, This is a well-written volume that evokes a gamut of emotions from the reader. I wish that it was longer or a little more descriptive- but I enjoyed it a great deal.