What
People Are Saying
“From vaccinations and pet insurance to second opinions
and end of life decisions, dog lovers
often feel overwhelmed trying to make the best choice for their pup,
pocket book, and peace–of–mind.
Thanks to Speaking for Spot, we finally
have a book that makes sense of it all! With experience, warmth,
wit, and candor, Dr. Nancy Kay provides an authentic, user–friendly
guide for making all types of health care choices for your dog.”
-Marty Becker, D.V.M., resident veterinarian
on Good Morning America, nationally syndicated
newspaper columnist, and cofounder of petconnection.com
“Speaking for Spot is an engaging, compelling
and truly indispensable book. Dr Nancy Kay enables her readers to
become well-informed advocates for their pets’ health care
decisions. She has provided the perfect guide that will make a tremendous
difference for dogs and for the people who love them.”
-Claudia Kawczynska, Editor-in-Chief, The Bark
magazine
“In previewing Speaking
for Spot I found myself
wishing that Dr. Kay’s book had been available when I was in
practice, and read by the clients who chose me to be their pet’s
veterinarian. I have to admit, as well, that I, too, could have benefited
from this book—as could some of my colleagues in practice today.
If you think your veterinarian might be in that category, you might
want to share this book with her. Working together, you and your
veterinarian will ensure that your pet gets the very best care possible.”
-John W. Albers, D.V.M., Executive Director, American Animal
Hospital Association
"This is a must-have book for each and every one of
you; in fact, order two- one for home
and one to keep in your car or in your workplace. I worked with Dr.
Kay for a number of years at a specialty hospital, and have the highest
regard for her both professionally and personally. However, even
if I had never heard of Dr. Kay, this book would be on my shelf,
and I would be recommending it. Why? I'll give you a very personal
example. A few weeks ago, my dog had what was speculated to be a
malignant tumor of one of her toes. The day before surgery was to
performed I read Speaking for Spot. I took particular notice of the
chapter called, 'When the Diagnosis is Cancer.' I can't tell you
how reassuring to me Dr. Kay's written words were. She didn't tell
me that everything would be fine, and didn't overwhelm me with data
and details that I wouldn't be able to assimilate. What she did do
was tell me in easy to understand language the information I needed
to know about cancer and how to consider my choices. She provided
examples of choices others had made and why and the results. She
gave me the confidence to face the results of my dog's surgery and
to be ready to make whatever decisions needed to be made for both
of us. I was prepared! Speaking for Spot has been long overdue- don't
miss it!"
-Jan Rowley, editor, The Cavalier Wag, newsletter
for the Bay Area Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel Club
“It is easy to write overly sentimental ‘fluff’ about
dogs. It is much harder to write consistent, strong, useful information
that is actually helpful. Dr. Kay’s insightful Speaking
for Spot is a comprehensive, long-needed work. I know of no other book
of its kind for the American public that tackles the topic in such
detail. Speaking for Spot is of tremendous practical value to dog
lovers and should be mandatory reading for veterinarians.”
-Kevin T. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., D.V.M., D.A.B.V.P.;
Animal Planet’s Emergency Vets and E.R. Vets: The Interns
“This book should be in the library of every
person who loves her dog. With clarity, charm, and wit, Dr. Kay provides
step-by-step guidelines that teach you how to be a responsible and
informed advocate throughout your dog’s life. It could save
you thousands of dollars and give you the tools to prevent the heartache
that comes with making uninformed or rushed decisions about your
dog’s health care.”
-Linda Tellington-Jones, Animal behaviorist
and author of Getting in Touch with Your
Dog; Getting in Touch with Your Puppy; and Unleash
Your Dog’s Potential
“Dogs deserve to have good books written about
them…and this is one.”
-Desmond Morris, author of The Naked Ape, Dogwatching, and Dogs:
The Ultimate Dictionary of over 1,000
Breeds
“This is the book I wish I had when dogs first
entered my life. It's the other best friend you need when making
routine veterinary decisions for your dog or potentially heart-breaking
ones.”
-Amy Tan, author of New York Times bestsellers
The Joy Luck Club; The Kitchen God’s Wife; The Hundred Secret
Senses; The Bonesetter’s Daughter; and Saving Fish from Drowning
“As I read Speaking for Spot I couldn’t help but wish
that it had been available throughout
my 29 years with Berners, as she addresses
so many of the questions and issues that
I, and I’m sure many Berner
owners, struggle with in seeking veterinary
care. There are many books available on dog health care. Some are
in the category of veterinary textbooks of medicine. Good when we
need to look up something specific. Others focus on a single area
or a few areas of dog health care. I don’t think
you will find a more thorough, understandable
and go-to-it-often reference than Speaking
for Spot. It isn’t all
that often that I read a book where I
want to tell the world about it – but this is
definitely one in that category. It is
that good!”
-Kathie Meier, Book Review, Bernese Mountain
Dog Club of Northern California Newsletter,
September, 2008
Here's what DJ has to say
about this book:
"I have to say that Dr. Nancy Kay has won my
gratitude with Speaking For Spot. It is
an "insider's guide to navigating the
overwhelming, confusing, and expensive world of
veterinary medicine". It is so very difficult to
know that you are making the right choices for
you and your canine family member. Speaking
For Spot offers the assistance needed,
especially when making the crucial decisions. I
suggest reading the book prior to having to make
any visits to the veterinarian."
-DJ's Pick, Dogwise
employee picks, on
www.dogwise.com
At last! An accurate, thorough
health book by a vet who promotes the best of
conventional veterinary medicine and is aware of
its shortfalls, too. Dr. Nancy Kay, a
veterinarian who practices in Sonoma County,
California, explains the basics of responsible
healthcare and what dog owners should know. But
she also illustrates how owners must manage
their vet/client relationship, and be assertive
advocates for their dogs, for the best possible
results. In her chapter on "Finding Dr.
Wonderful," the list of "deal breakers"
(including "The vet vaccinates dogs for
everything, every year.") is worth the price of
the book. Speaking for Spot by Dr. Nancy
Kay.
Whole Dog Journal - "Gear of
the Year - Five You Gotta Try"
"Offering expert advice,
delivered with warmth and humour, Speaking
for Spot deserves a home with every
dog-inclusive family."
Modern Dog Magazine -
Book Review - Spring 2009
"I remember my insecurity when
faced with whelping my very first litter. I had
purchased and practically memorized the few
books available on the subject, but none told me
what to do in the event of a problem. And, of
course, there were problems I wish I'd had
Speaking for Spot then. In fact,
while reading this book, I was reminded of many
of the dogs I've lived with, loved and
eventually lost during my decades as a breeder.
This book's subtitle is, "Be the Advocate Your
Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer
Life," and author Dr. Nancy Kay follows through
on that promise. The book goes into depth about
any situation that could or does affect your
dog's health. Dr. Kay also does not skimp when
it comes to addressing the foibles of the human
factor in making decisions about your dog's
health. You are, after all, his voice. I dared
myself to come up with a situation or topic that
isn't covered by this book. I failed. The table
of contents is complete: finding the right vet
clinic, what to do during an office visit, the
"I didn't know you could do that on dogs!" tests
available, vaccinations, questions for your vet,
cancer, getting a second opinion, money matters,
euthanasia. Appendices include primers on
disease symptoms and common diseases. A listing
of resources and recommended reading rounds out
Speaking for Spot's 388 pages." Read the
full review in
Reviews.
-Jane Swanson, Book Review in
"Saber Tails", the official voice of the PBGV
Club of America, December 2008
"This is the best book I have
ever read on the subject of health care for our
precious companions. Dr. Nancy Kay has created a
wonderful resource that is beneficial for the
new dog owner as well as the seasoned owner.
This book tells us how to be advocates for our
dogs.
Also covered in “Speaking for
Spot” are money matters and euthanasia. When we
have to make choices, both of these subjects are
very difficult to contemplate. I feel Dr. Kay
gives us some very informed information that
makes it easier to address these matters.
“Speaking for Spot” is a well
written book and a must for all dog owners.
-Gayle George-Sackett,
Book Review in "The Golden West", the official
newsletter of the Evergreen Golden Retriever
Club, March 2009
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