Dog Gone, Back Soon
Bedside Manor Series #2
Nick Trout

Hyperion
April 8, 2014/ ISBN 978-1401310899
Fiction / Pets and Animals

Reviewed by Linda Morelli

Dr. Cyrus Mills has returned home to Eden Falls, Vermont, having inherited Bedside Manor from his deceased father. Though he intends to sell the veterinary practice, Cyrus is soon charmed by the small, friendly community, and especially by a local waitress, Amy. He also realizes that his father’s practice is something worth fighting for.

In Dog Gone, Back Soon, Cyrus works to win over Amy, despite the complications that arise when two teenagers’ set him up on a blind date with a female vet who works for Healthy Paws, the large veterinary chain attempting to close down Cyrus’ practice. With the help of his late father's veterinary partner Dr. Lewis, Cyrus cares for several animals with unusual illnesses and learns about their quirky owners from his receptionist, Doris.

My favorite client is Mavis Peebles, whose deceased dog Crispin was stuffed so he could remain with her. Cyrus is asked to repair the dog’s broken tail, and manages to solve a bigger problem at her home. The most charming pet character is Stash, a Labradoodle service dog with amazing skills and whose dedication stole my heart – and will steal yours as well.

Nick Trout’s humor is abundant in this charming novel. It is apparent in the jealousy Cyrus suffers when a mysterious, handsome man arrives to spend time with Amy. All in all, this novel had just the right amount of romance, mystery, technical know how and comical situations to keep me laughing as I turned the pages. Most of all, I loved the progress Cyrus makes in establishing a more personal, caring relationship with his patients and their owners.

As a dog lover myself, Nick Trout is an author whose works I've come to love. I'll definitely be reading his past and future releases in this series.