It is difficult to write nonfiction that is so engrossing and relatable that it reads like fiction, yet that is just what veterinarian Dr. Amy Attas manages to do in her book, PETS AND THE CITY. This collection of anecdotes and personal history ranges from the why --- the reason Attas wanted to become a veterinarian and how she accomplished that --- to the many well-known people who were/are her clients. From Joan Rivers to Billy Joel, we read about the connections that the uber rich and famous have with their pets. But we also hear about those not in that stratosphere of economic wealth and how money doesn't dictate how much we love our four-legged (and sometimes three-legged) pets.

Attas talks about different aspects of her veterinary practice, as well as her time in the posh practice where she worked before starting her own. We learn about the owner of that first practice, who was insecure and worried about the vets he hired stealing away his "A-list" clients. She shares the problems she had in her own practice getting drivers who would take her to her appointments all over the city. Some wouldn't fix their air conditioning in sweltering summer heat, while others disappeared to get donuts and weren't there when she needed them. Those didn't last long.

We see clients from all walks of life who really appreciate her expertise, and those who treat her as one of their many servants, requiring that she use the service entrance and work in a tiny back room. It's easy to see which people really love their dogs and cats. We even see her budding relationship with the man who becomes her husband. To be honest, after what he put her through, we aren't sure he deserves her, but they seem happy after several decades together.

"All I can end with is a thank you to Dr. Amy Attas for helping so many cats and dogs and the families who love them. From the hoarder to the doorman to Billy Joel...we need more animal lovers like them and like Attas in the world."

There are a few stories that are especially touching, and those who are involved with animals might get choked up when reading these. One is about a guy whose wife was dying of cancer, and he wanted to get a dog for his two daughters to keep them company and give them unconditional love. He brought home one of Attas' foster dogs, a pug named Bridgit. When Attas called to see how things were going (which is what all good foster parents do), he explained that the dog didn't really bond with the girls. Instead, Bridgit immediately made a bee line for his wife, and after they put her on the bed next to her, "She found a snug spot between Stacy's side and her arm and just stayed nestled in there. Now, she leaves Stacy only to eat and go out. I really think the dog knew who needed her most."

That passage brought tears to my eyes because I know how true that story often is for dogs and those who adopt them. I personally have adopted out several dogs who did just that --- helped a person with cancer get through the treatment. One of them, Irving, was a miniature schnauzer and a puppy mill rescue. He was a neurotic mess when he first arrived. But when he was adopted, he got his new dad through esophageal cancer treatment. Another adopter claims that Rollo, the rescue she adopted from me, helped her through her breast cancer treatment and wouldn't leave her side. Dogs know, dogs love us, dogs can heal us.

I loved and hated the story about a couple whom Attas describes as "borderline pet hoarders." She says they were constantly getting more pets and had eight in a two-bedroom apartment. Each new pet became the love of their lives until, after 20 years, the wife got pregnant. All their animals had to go. Immediately. And as much as Attas tried to explain how animals and babies go together wonderfully, they said that if she wouldn't take the animals they would go to the ASPCA and have them put to sleep. Needless to say, Attas took them, but she never spoke to the couple again and describes such cruel heartlessness as unconscionable.

Another beautiful anecdote is about helping the family of Elie Wiesel put their beloved cat to sleep. Wiesel said to Attas, "Every single life, no matter what stage it is in, is precious." Read the story to find out how she handled that difficult situation. Imagine being there and having to argue with this revered author and humanitarian about the necessity of not allowing his cat to suffer.

I especially appreciate Attas’ chapter on rescue. She explains about puppy mill dogs and the horrors of the squalid and inhumane living conditions in which the puppies are bred. The parents live their whole miserable lives without veterinary care, clean water, nutritious food or clean kennels. They suffer from infections and cancer that goes untreated. Their uncut nails dig into their paws and the wire floor of their unheated kennels. They don't get any kind human interaction, which is why puppy mill dogs who are rescued take so long to trust people again. She also discusses the health problems that result from the factory-like conditions of the "farms," where the only desired outcome is lots of puppies to sell to stores, not healthy examples of each breed. If a few die along the way, it's not a big deal because of the quantity with which they deal. I'm proud to live in Illinois, where puppy mill dogs are not allowed to be sold in stores.

Be prepared to get angry, as I did, reading about people who refuse to take Attas' advice on keeping their cats safe on their outdoor balcony many stories above the street. I remember one guy who wanted to adopt a kitten from my rescue after his cat got hit by a car because he let it outside. I asked if he would let the kitten outside as well, and he replied in the affirmative. "Because they like it," he said. I said that a three-year-old child might like to play in the street, too, but we don't let them. He didn't get one of our kittens. Attas shares a similar story that will enrage many and perhaps educate a few.

All I can end with is a thank you to Dr. Amy Attas for helping so many cats and dogs and the families who love them. From the hoarder to the doorman to Billy Joel (who wrote a blurb that appears on the back of the book!), we need more animal lovers like them and like Attas in the world. Rescue a cat or dog today. You'll be happier.