What can I say, Noel has always been my hero, now he is even more so. He had such a bad start in education, being taught to be a good Catholic and little else at primary school and then being horrendously bullied at secondary school. He still had a dream, from a very young age, to be a vet and despite all the hurdles he achieved his ambition. I remember last winter, on Sunday evenings, watching The Supervet on the couch under a cozy blanket and crying my eyes out for the poor animals which were presented in the show. At the same time Noel made me understand that there is hope and good quality of life also for badly injured animals. I wish I knew of Noel when my dog needed surgery on his spine, things could have been different. Reading the book made me like him even more as a human being. His work is amazing and I like people who keep their heart open although they were not always treated kindly. When The Supervet began, Noel wanted to tell a story about love and hope, within the context of the medical revolution of incredible science. He wanted to highlight the important bond humans have with animals, how they really are integral members of our families and how much those families will do for them in return for the companionship and unconditional love they share.

Animals Saved My Life, Listening to the Animals: Becoming How Animals Saved My Life, Listening to the Animals: Becoming

But before I get on to the actual book, I have to say that I find the author's work, dedication, compassion and obvious intelligence truly inspirational and I love the 'Supervet' TV series which is completely unique and compelling. I feel anyone who is an animal lover will enjoy this read, Noel writes in a way that helps you understand the science of what is going on so you can understand each animal case without it being completely bogged down in medical terms. This one had chapters based on qualities (Internalisation, Nowness, Truth and Trust, Empathy, Genuineness, Rightness, Innovation, Tenacity, Youness, Compassion, Appreciation, Respect, Eternalisation) that read like they are from a self-help genre book, and to be honest some of the content matches. I also had no idea what went into building his practice, both in sweat and tears, but also money and debt. I told someone that I had read the book and the only thing that they said was ‘He must be so rich.’ I may have thought the same, but now I know better. He is not in the job for the money, it really is all about the animals.

The book feels like just a continuous ramble of thoughts with no clear direction. I found it so difficult to read, compared to his first book which I absolutely loved. I would personally have benefitted from diagrams to help explain some of the surgical procedures/implants Noel frequently describes throughout the book, as your average reader is an animal lover and not a vet or surgeon with intricate knowledge of dog/cat anatomy.

Listening to the Animals: Becoming The Supervet

Sixthly in how up to date it is – the book’s themes drawing together in a very tangible and incredibly up to date way with a severe accident to his own dog in September 2020 (one month before publication). I have often wondered about who he is, the man behind the vet. What drives him to work more hours in the day than is healthy? There has never been any mention of relationships or even friends outside the vet practice, but surely there must be some life outside of it? And why does he hug pretty much everyone that he meets?I know of Noel’s skill but have only seen glimpses of his tv programs as I hate to see animals suffer. I honestly just don't know what happened with this book. I've read half way with a view to continuing but now I know why I gave up in the first place.