It has been a long time since I’ve written a post that falls into the “reading list” category. But this book is a must-read for every pet owner on the face of the planet.
In the interest of full disclosure, I haven’t read it yet. But it’s definitely on my list.
Written by a veterinarian, Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Pets on the Couch is packed with anecdotes about neurotic dogs, cats, birds and other animals with whom I am sure we can all relate. Or more accurately, I think we can all relate to their “parents.” But I’m sure you knew what I meant.
Now, none of my cats ever ate wine glasses (like a dog featured in the book) — although Heals did eat most of a rubber snake. I didn’t realize what she’d done until she started puking all over the place and I took her to the vet. The vet didn’t know what my cat had eaten until she did surgery. The surgery and ensuing stay at the animal hospital cost me approximately $2,000, but I didn’t have a choice. If Heals didn’t have the operation, she could have died.
I can’t honestly say that I’ve had an anorexic cat, either. And I’ve never had any dogs, or birds — although I did take care of both during my pet-sitting days. So maybe I can’t relate to all of the stories in Dodman’s book. But I as an animal lover and pet owner, I can relate to most of them. And that’s what matters.
I also like Dodman’s reasons for writing the book.
“I have an ulterior motive for writing the book,” Dodman said. “It’s to educate people to the fact that animals have feelings and emotions similar to our own.”
Because Dodman believes that’s the case, he also believes that neuroses affecting various animals can be treated accordingly. Specifically, he recommends behavior modification, diet and exercise. When all else fails, he thinks drugs can be used to address the animal misbehavior that cause people to surrender or abandon their pets.
That’s where I draw the line. I would never, ever give Eli kitty cat Prozac. But I’d never give up on him, either.
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