Speaking for Spot: Dr. Nancy Kay: Book review
November 23, 2010 • Product Reviews
Fido can’t speak for himself, so the world is a better place for having Dr. Nancy Kay in it speaking for them; technically, she’s Speaking for Spot in the book of the same name. To be more succinct, Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life is Dr. Nancy Kay’s book covering the gamut of doggy dilemmas: from “why does my dog cough like that” to “how am I ever going to pay for my vet bill?”
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Kay in person at a dog blogger’s conference earlier this year. Her ease in approach, dedication to dogs, and overall skill set in knowing what makes Fido tick and why are all conveyed both in person and in this book.
I’m a book junkie. I tend to be one of the people my friends and family call when their dog isn’t feeling good or exhibits a new behavior. My bookcase is a plethora of puppy prose and I’m proud of my collection and the knowledge gained from those books. Speaking for Spot has been a go-to resource for me since having Dr. Kay autograph it for me in person. Long-time dog aficionados and newcomers to the canine world will appreciate the wealth of info this book contains.
Blood transfusions are available for dogs. What to do when the diagnosis is cancer. When to get a second opinion. Big medical words explained in easy terms. Those are all elements of Speaking for Spot readers can expect to find within. Dr. Kay explains veterinary terms in a way that won’t have you pulling your hair out and wondering on the car ride home “now what did my vet just say?” The book reads like a familiar friend who loves your dog just as much as you do is present in the room with you.
Interestingly, even with the 1,000 indexed entries and detailed drawings of a dog’s anatomy and body systems, I still found myself wanting to read this book cover to cover. I’ve also reached for it a few times in recent months when my Fido was sick. All better now and Dr. Kay was a valued resource throughout, by the sheer power of her words and knowledge.
One of the features I found worth the price of the book alone were the questions my vet would likely ask me in different situations. For example “My dog is coughing.” Dr. Kay writes your vet may ask “Has the dog had recent exposure to dogs? Is your dog able to exercise normally? Does the cough sound wet or dry?” I found having the answers to these questions prepared before the vet appointment made me a more prepared dog mom. No more, “gosh I’m not sure” or “let me think about that.” Dr. Kay thinks one step ahead and rightfully so: Her passion is animals and it shines in this book. She is a staff internist at VCA Animal Care Center in California.
Additionally, she has been bestowed honors by the Dog Writers Association of America at their Annual Writing Competition (of which yours truly is also a member). The book also received the Eukanuba Canine Health Award for excellence in books that promote the health and well being of dogs.
I am grateful for this book and for having had the pleasure to meet Dr. Kay in person and thank her for the breadth of veterinary skill she so accurately and skillfully shares with the world in her book. This is a valuable resource and go-to first reach book to speak for your Spot when he or she otherwise cannot.
Note: We accept no monetary compensation for reviews. Review is NOT sponsored by Dr. Nancy Kay and is the sole opinion of the reviewer for FIDO Friendly magazine. We welcome your feedback and comments.
Learn how to purchase this book and a holiday special by visiting: Speaking for Spot purchase link
