cover image Ever by My Side: A Memoir in Eight [Acts] Pets

Ever by My Side: A Memoir in Eight [Acts] Pets

Nick Trout. Broadway, $24.99 (307p) ISBN 978-0-7679-3200-4

Veterinarian Trout (Tell Me Where It Hurts) has a deep love of animals. From the time of his early childhood in England, dogs were always part of the family%E2%80%94with all the inherent ups and downs. As an adult, Trout decides to move his practice to America, where he falls in love, gets married, and has his first cat (gasp!), the rough and tumble Reggie. Add to this a child, and more dogs, which teaches Trout, though his dealings with pets both at home and in the office, valuable lessons about life, loyalty, and love. With his second book Trout shows a practiced hand at narrative. These tales function well as heartwarming stand-alone stories, yet coalesce into a satisfying, complete memoir. Pet owners will be instantly captivated, empathizing and amused by Trout's stories of dog antics, feline aloofness, and the indescribable joy of sharing one's life with the animals. (Mar.)