NONFICTION - ER VETS: LIFE IN AN ANIMAL EMERGENCY ROOM

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jackson, Donna M. ER VETS; LIFE IN AN ANIMAL EMERGENCY ROOM. Boston, Ma: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618436634

2. PLOT SUMMARY
ER VETS gives a behind the scenes look into an actual animal emergency room that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The book covers actual cases, and gives profiles of the staff that works there. The patients range from dogs, cats, birds, snakes, and porcupines. The book also gives helpful advice on recognizing symptoms and signs of illness in your pet. Grief counseling is additionally to grieving pet owners at the ER hospital.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jackson certainly did her homework, as she spent time in a Colorado animal ER room getting to know the staff, vets, grief counselors, and procedures to obtain the information for this book. Jackson discusses several actual cases that she witnessed in the ER. She tells their history and matches the case studies with full color vivid photographs at various stages throughout their treatment. Many of the photographs are complete with bold print captions for those readers who just want to browse the pictures. Short chapters, lingo, and first aid tips help to keep the reader entertained and offer additional knowledge to the reader. Jackson follows up with a glossary, source notes, and an index. This realistic look into the life of a veterinarian will definitely help draw students into the profession.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST Review: “Jackson gives both pets and their caregivers their due, and numerous, excellent photos, including a look at a surgery in progress, make this not only intriguing browsing material but also an honest initiation to a worthwhile career.”
HORN BOOK starred review: “A bright, colorful design and "aww"-inspiring photos enhance this exploration of the workings of a veterinary emergency room.”

5. CONNECTIONS
* A great introduction to career day. This book can be used as a lead in to a guest speaker to orient the students with veterinarians.
*Other books about the profession:
Carlton, David. DALLAS DOC: ALL THE CITY AND COUNTRY CRITTERS IN THE LIFE OF A TEXAS-STYLE VET. ISBN 9781888843538
Liebman, Daniel. I WANT TO BE A VET. ISBN 9781552094716