Talking With The Dogs
A Vet Speaks With His Patients
by
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As usual when Zebulon had time to meditate, his thoughts went to his patients and their relations with their owners. This night, with three critically ill dogs to care for, was no different. Here I sit in the recovery room of my hospital on the edge of town. It’s so late at night that it’s almost early, but I’m here where I need to be, watching, hoping that my patient will be all right after the Caesarian she underwent at my hands.
It has been my observation that certain people have a much closer relationship --kinship is perhaps a better word -- with dogs than the majority. I’ll go farther and say this special kinship extends to almost any kind of animal. It may be that these are what I think of as essentially ‘lonely’ people. I don’t mean ‘lonesome.’ Most who are in this category like to be with others. At the same time they are more than content to have no other companionship than that of a dog, or some other animal. This relationship may be especially close between the person and one certain dog, or cat, and not exist at all where other dogs and cats are concerned. For the most part, though, it is communication between the person and all dogs and cats.
When such a person comes to me with me with a very sick dog or cat, I feel that I must do everything in my power, not only for the animal but for the owner. The callous person would say that no one should permit a dog or cat to mean so much. The truth of the matter is that he cannot help himself. Probably I should say ‘herself,’ for in many cases the affected one is a woman. She may be a widow, or childless, or in some situation where a human being cannot fill the place in her affections that a dog or cat can. Or she may simply be one of those who is born with a special understanding of and feeling for animals. Monetary value does not enter into it. I’ve known of cases where a dog or cat may not be worth five dollars, but it is invaluable so far as its owner is concerned.
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About the Book
TALKING WITH THE DOGS
In this book, Dr. Zebulon is back in his veterinary hospital in a small college town, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He continues with his ability to speak with dogs and understand what they are saying to him. During the book, we undergo the trials and tribulations of a working veterinarian in his everyday practice, dealing with all kinds of people and their dogs. It is a thorough book about the interrelationship between dogs and their human companions.
An ardent client, Mary Burke, sends Dr. Zebulon an amulet she purchased in an Irish folk market. There is an Irish belief that anyone who wears this shamrock will be able to understand dog vernacular for as long as they wear it. His ability to speak with dogs is assured now.
His girl friend is Sallie Predino. They became lovers at the Westminster Dog Show in New York a few months earlier. They continue their relationship in this book, become deeply involved romantically and move in with each other while they combat an evil man, Matt Dye. A restaurant owner, he is also a narcotics smuggler and drug dealer who raises dogs as a hobby. He also owns a sporting house for gentlemen where he keeps women under the influence of drugs so that they will work for him.
Matt Dye desperately tries to acquire Sallie's dog because it is an outstanding specimen of a rare and expensive breed. He wants to exhibit her in dog shows and raise puppies from her for large fees. He uses all kinds of illicit methods to get this dog, and especially Voodoo, since he spent some time in Jamaica and brought back an Obeah man a voodoo specialist, to cast evil spells on any of Matt’s opponents. Many types of voodoo techniques are discussed in the book. The reader accompanies Dr. Zebulon through his daily chores inside the veterinary hospital, along with his ever-present companion, Bridget McGuire. She is an Irish Setter who gives her beloved owner, Dr. Zebulon, canine advice and words of wisdom throughout the book. However, Bridget becomes very jealous of his newly found love, Sallie, and Zebulon finds himself the center of attraction as the two females wrangle for his affection. Yes, jealousy is a very strong emotion in dogs, as well as people. Lots of mystery and intrigue is unfolded as the evil man tries all of his voodoo rituals on Sallie and Dr. Zebulon in order to obtain that valuable Shar Pei dog.
Eventually the police and FBI obtain evidence against Matt Dye and his illicit enterprises. Fortunately, with the help of one of Matt's rebellious dogs, Jimmy Wang, justice overcomes evil and the supernatural powers of voodoo.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Vine attended Cornell University and Middlesex University. He has been practicing veterinary medicine in Chapel Hill, North Carolina for forty years and is a frequent lecturer and demonstrator at veterinary symposiums on the subject of corrective (plastic) surgery on the ears of dogs. Professional journals carry his articles on varied subjects in veterinary medicine. Dr. Vine is a member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and a member of the International Animal Behavior Society. He is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America. Dr. Vine's first book DOGS IN MY LIFE, published in 1961, was widely acclaimed in the United States and Great Britain and has been translated into several European languages, as have many of his subsequent books. Dr. Vine is also the author of THE TOTAL DOG BOOK, 1974,which was acclaimed "Best Technical Book of the Year" by the Dog Writers Association of America. His book COMMON SENSE BOOK OF COMPLETE CAT CARE, 1982, was selected as an alternate selection for the Literary Guild Book Club and was revised and published in 1992. His book, TRAINING PROBLEM DOGS, 1997, was nominated for an award by the Dog Writers Association in the Behavior and Training class. OTHER BOOKS BY DR. LOUIS VINE
PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED ST A TES
Common Sense Book of Complete Cat Care, 1982, Wm. Morrow Co.
Common Sense Book Of Complete Cat Care, Revised Edition, 1992 - Wm. Morrow Co. Your Neurotic Dog, 1983, The Dial Press (Doubleday) .In paperback, 1985, Pinnacle Books
Your Dog, His Health and Happiness, 1972, Winchester Press - In paperback, 1974, Arco Dogs, Devils and Demons, 1978, Arco Publishing Co.
Behavior and Training of Puppies, 1979, Arco Publishing Co.
Breeding, Whelping and Natal Care of Dogs, 1980, Arco Publishing Co.
A Vets Advice to Puppy Owners, 1999, T.F.H. Publications
Training Problem Dogs, 1997, T .F .H. Publications
Dogs are People, Too! 1981, Arco Publishing Co.
Dogs are my Patients, 1962, Hamond and Hamond
Dogs In My Life, 1961, Appleton, Century, Croft
Problem Cats and Their Owners- -2000- TFH Publications
Problem Dogs and Their Owners- 2001- TFH Publications
Voices of the Dogs At The Westminster-2002- 1st Books Library
PUBLISHED ABROAD
Mon Chien A Des Problems, France
Hunde Meine Liebsten Freunde, Germany
Dogs are my Patients, Great Britain
Leilkibeteg Kutya,Hungary
Vas Neuroticky Pes, Czechoslovakia