In “Pets and the City: True Tales of a Manhattan House Call Veterinarian,” Dr. Amy Attas takes readers on a fascinating journey through her groundbreaking career as Manhattan’s first full-time veterinary house call practitioner. Her memoir offers a unique glimpse into both the medical challenges of treating animals in urban apartments and the emotional complexities of the human-animal bond. This remarkable book weaves together professional insights, celebrity encounters, and heartwarming stories that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved a pet.
Finding Her Passion
Dr. Amy’s path to becoming a veterinarian was filled with obstacles that would have deterred many. From fainting at the sight of blood (a condition called vasovagal syncope) to uncomfortable situations during her training, she persistently pursued her dream with remarkable tenacity. Her determination led her to attend the prestigious University of Pennsylvania veterinary school and complete an internship at the Animal Medical Center, one of the country’s premier teaching hospitals. These formative experiences equipped her with the medical knowledge and problem-solving skills that would later define her innovative practice.
Finding Her Purpose
When Dr. Amy was unexpectedly fired from her position at Park East veterinary clinic, she transformed this setback into an opportunity by establishing City Pets in 1992. This pivotal moment showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. Despite skepticism from colleagues who viewed house calls as merely a novelty, Dr. Amy built a thriving practice that has served over 14,000 pets. Her success was bolstered by word-of-mouth referrals, including those from celebrity clients like Joan Rivers, who became not just a loyal client but also a dear friend who championed Dr. Amy’s unique practice to her influential circle.
Caring for Pets
The memoir provides valuable education about pet health and safety that every pet owner should know. Dr. Amy warns about common household dangers to pets. Did you know lilies are poisonous to cats and grapes can be fatal to dogs? Plus, human medications should never be given to animals without veterinary approval. She also highlights the surprisingly dangerous nature of cat bites, which can cause serious infections requiring hospitalization. These practical insights are seamlessly integrated into engaging narratives that underscore the importance of education and prevention in pet healthcare.
Purrfect Love
Perhaps most profoundly, Dr. Amy explores the emotional depth of the human-animal bond. She writes movingly about helping clients make end-of-life decisions for their beloved companions, acknowledging both the inevitable grief and the immeasurable joy that comes with pet ownership. Her perspective is especially poignant when she shares her own experience of losing her blind pug Bumper and later welcoming Leonardo, another blind pug who helped heal her heart. As she beautifully articulates, the years of love and companionship are worth the pain of eventual parting—a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who has loved and lost a pet.
Caring for Humans
Through her house calls, Dr. Addis gains intimate insights into human nature, observing how people behave in their private spaces and how they interact with their animal companions. These observations lead to profound reflections on the reciprocal nature of healing—how veterinarians heal animals, and how animals, in turn, heal humans. This central theme elevates the memoir beyond veterinary anecdotes to a meditation on connection, compassion, and what it truly means to care for another living being.
