AWARD-WINNer “THE VET AT NOAH’S ARK” AVAILABLE NOW!
“Doug is so fearless and dedicated. He’s also a damn good storyteller,
as readers of this memoir will find out.”
- Carl Hiaasen, New York Times best-selling author of Bad Monkey, Skinny Dip, and Squeeze Me
the vet at noah’s ark
by dr. doug mader
From renowned veterinarian Dr. Doug Mader comes a stirring account of his fight to protect his animal patients and human staff amid the dangerous realities of inner-city life and the Los Angeles riots—and a celebration of the remarkable human-animal bond.
The Vet at Noah's Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital follows Dr. Mader and his staff over the course of a year at Noah's Ark Veterinary Hospital, an inner-city LA area veterinary hospital where Dr. Mader treats not only dogs and cats, but also emus, skunks, snakes, foxes, monkeys, and a host of other exotic animals. This real life drama is set against the backdrop of the trial of four police officers in the Rodney King case, as well as the violent aftermath following their acquittal.
This is a book about survival, both of the pets that Dr. Mader and his staff try to save on a daily basis, as well as the staff themselves. Living in the harsh reality of the city, surrounded by gangs, drugs, violence, traffic, smog, and deadly riots, they must overcome and rise above, for their own survival and that of the animals who need them.
Publisher: Apollo Publishers
ISBN-13: 9781954641044
Publication Date: June 7, 2022
Price: $24.99 US/$32.99 CAD
Binding: Hardcover
watch the trailer for “the vet at noah’s ark”
PRAISE FOR “THE VET AT NOAH’S ARK”
“Dr. Mader does a fantastic job representing the life of a passionate and devoted veterinarian. You will laugh, cry, and be captivated as he navigates uncertainty and risk with courage and dedication.”
— Dr. Linda Bender, author of Animal Wisdom: Learning from the Spiritual Lives of Animals
“Prepare to be moved and to even shed a tear or two as you meet an unforgettable parade of characters: mice, tortoises, parrots, snakes, emus, and the odd ferret. Through it all, Dr. Mader’s love for and devotion to his patients, and his quirky staff who become family, provide hilarity and heartbreak—and proof of the unbreakable human-animal bond.”
— Melissa Jo Peltier, executive producer of Dog Whisperer and New York Times best-selling coauthor of Cesar’s Way, How to Raise the Perfect Dog, and Be The Pack Leader
“Of course veterinarians love animals, but the best veterinarians love people as well. Doug Mader’s understanding and love of all life comes across in this solid read.”
— Dr. Kevin T. Fitzgerald, veterinarian on Animal Planet’s Emergency Vets and E-Vet Interns
Excerpt from “the vet at noah’s ark”
“You’re gonna like the next one, Doc!” Lisa, my head receptionist, had a mischievous smile on her face as she handed me the chart. I glanced at Randy, my vet student, who was shadowing me as usual.
I checked the entry in the medical chart, looking at the reason for the visit. “Health certificate for iguana moving to Australia.” I showed the entry to Randy.
“That's not going to happen,” I said, shaking my head. “Australia has extremely strict rules about imports.”
I stepped into the room, a bit puzzled as soon as I entered.
“I’m Dr. Mader.” I extended my hand in greeting to the portly woman standing in the corner next to the exam table. She was wearing a puffy down jacket, zipped up the front. “And this is Randy, my senior student.”
“I understand you need a health certificate to take an iguana to Australia?” I did not see an iguana in the room.
“Not really.” She shook my hand. “What I actually need is some tranquilizer for my iguana.”
“I’m sorry. I’m confused.” I looked at her.
“I’m aware you are not allowed to take iguanas or any reptiles into Australia. You don’t need to tell me what I already know.”
“Understood,” I continued, bewildered.
“I know how I am going to get my ig into the country. I just need a sedative for the flight.”
“I’m not trying or intending to argue with you, but you won’t be allowed to bring your iguana into Australia,” I said in a matter-of-fact voice. “Customs just won’t allow it.”
“Only if they find it.” She was smug.
“And if they do, not only will they confiscate it, I know for a fact that they will kill it.” “Euthanize” was too nice a word.
“They’ll never find it.” She smiled and started to unzip her puffy down jacket.
She removed the coat and placed it on the exam table. “Check it if you want.” She smiled and motioned in the direction of the discarded garment.
I nodded to Randy to take a look. He picked it up and felt up and down the material, checking the pockets and sleeves. Setting it down, he shook his head.
“See?”
“Okay?” I questioned. “So why do you need the tranquilizer? What’s the magic here?”
“Again. They’ll never find it. I just need to keep it quiet for the seventeen-hour flight.”
The woman started to unbutton her long-sleeved, green-and-red-checkered flannel blouse. As she got to the last button, the shirt came off and underneath was a heavily padded brassiere, supporting her ample bosom. The striptease continued as she reached behind her back, exposing fully haired armpits, unfastened the clasp, and proceeded to remove her bra. Well hidden and tucked high up beneath her breasts, stuffed lengthwise into a silk stocking, was an approximately three-foot-long iguana.
“I can guarantee that they’ll never check here.”
