Call the Vet: My Life as a Young Vet in 1970s London

Written by Bruce Fogle

Narrated by Bruce Fogle

Arriving in 1970s’ London as a fresh-faced Canadian, Bruce Fogle assumed that because he knew the language, he would understand the English. As a graduate of the world’s best veterinary school, he also thought his profession would come naturally to him. He quickly learned not to make assumptions…

Bruce began his career at the prestigious Woodrow & Singleton surgery in the heart of the Knightsbridge. Frequented by Britain’s most distinguished pet owners, from Duchesses and Sultans to Paul McCartney and Elizabeth Taylor, it also cared for the exotic inhabitants of the Harrods’ ‘Zoo Department.’

Over the next few years, an arc of clients would cross Bruce’s table, from cats and dogs to alligators, pumas and even a capuchin monkey. Each adventure taught Bruce far more than any textbook ever could, while skilful veterinary nurses provided the greatest lessons of all.

Call the Vet is a wonderfully rich and warmly funny memoir. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1970s’ London, it explores the unique bond between pets and their owners; the common thread of compassion that unites all cultures and classes, and the discovery of love and joy in unexpected places.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Oct 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9780008424343

Reviews for Call the Vet

[nuttybooklady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What I first noticed about this book was the eye catching cover with the cute animals on the front of it. Then I realised that there was much more to this book than just stories about animals , because it is about the vet himself, Bruce Fogle. Of course I recognised the surname `Fogle' because it made me think of Ben Fogle who often appears on British TV. However this story was not about Ben , but it is about Bruce who is Ben`s father. The book tells us how Bruce came to Britain , from Canada, to work as a vet. This was in the early 1970s when Bruce was still a young guy in his twenties. Of course Britain in the early 1970's was a lot different to how it is now, especially in London where Bruce lived and worked at the time. Throughout the book, we meet lots of fascinating people with their pets because Bruce worked for a very upmarket vet whose clients included some of the richest and most famous people of that time. We also learn about Bruce`s personal life when he starts a relationship with a famous young actress who later becomes his wife.