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A Compassionate Calling

What It Really Means to be a Veterinarian

A deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of the emotional realities of veterinary medicine, this transformative book by Dr. Marie Holowaychuk combines heartfelt stories with research-based insights. It invites readers to reflect on both the profound joys and the heavy burdens of a profession devoted to caring for those who cannot speak for themselves. Whether you're a veterinary professional, student, or animal lover, you'll come away with a deeper understanding of the people behind the profession.

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What Others Are Saying

  • "Veterinarians are more than just the professionals who administer our pets’ rabies vaccines. They have hearts and, like all hearts, these can be broken by the sheer weight of the life and death cases, the needless tragedies, the human indifference to animal suffering, that many cope with on a daily basis. Dr Holowaychuk unpacks what it means to be a vet and what a vet needs to be productive and happy in what is truly both a compassionate and a challenging calling."

    Grant Hayter-Menzies, author of Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me

  • "This is an eye-opening account of the veterinary industry. As a pet guardian and lay reader in relation to the veterinary profession, I found Dr Holowaychuk’s book easy to read and gripping. She is able to master explaining complex procedures, such as Lacie’s, in an easily understandable way. I think the veterinary industry is commonly misunderstood by the general public, owing to a general lack of awareness of the realities of practice and the trauma many vets experience. This book reveals the reality of the vet industry and helps guardians sympathise and show humanity to those that work in vet practices. It’s also a great account for any students wishing to embark on veterinary studies."

    Konstanze Willett, Lawyer and Animal Advocate, UK

  • "This meticulously crafted book reflects my perception of Marie as a champion of veterinary wellness. She skilfully combines an academic approach, offering research data and evidence-based resources, with authentic storytelling that invites relatability. Marie candidly shares her life experiences that have shaped her into a dedicated advocate for holistic wellness among veterinary professionals. What a gift to have Marie’s heart and wisdom shared in these pages so that all those in and around veterinary medicine can be healthier for it!"

    Dr Sonja Olson, DVM, Veterinary Wellness Educator, Heartstorming Wellness LLC, USA

  • "This book is about the good, the bad and the ugly about veterinary medicine. It’s so exciting to see a book that openly talks about issues that didn’t even have names when I was a veterinary student. Dr Holowaychuk rejects the notion of our predecessors that this is “the way it is” and we should all “just suck it up”. She takes an in-depth look at what is great about the profession and what is difficult, hard and heartbreaking. This warts and all account is a must -read for veterinary professionals, aspiring veterinarians, pet owners and anyone who is curious about the profession."

    Sarah Boston, DVM, DVSc, Dipl ACVS (Author of Lucky Dog: How Being a Veterinarian Saved My Life)

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Bulk buy available for your next book club event!

Bulk orders of 10 copies or more are well-suited for veterinary practices, educational institutions, organizations, or book clubs wanting to provide their members with valuable insights into the veterinary profession. Distributing A Compassionate Calling within your group encourages thoughtful dialogue and a greater appreciation of the challenges and rewards faced by veterinary professionals. Special pricing is available for bulk purchases—please contact us for more information on how to best support your team or community.

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About the Author

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is a veterinarian, author, and dedicated advocate for mental health and wellbeing in veterinary medicine. With more than 20 years of experience in clinical practice, education, and consulting, she combines professional expertise with a compassionate approach to support veterinary teams worldwide.

As the founder of Reviving Veterinary Medicine, Marie focuses on empowering veterinary professionals to build sustainable, fulfilling careers. Her book, A Compassionate Calling, offers an honest and insightful look at the challenges and rewards of the profession, inspiring readers to embrace resilience and compassion in their work.

Visit Marie's Website