From manta rays to mishaps: Vet Marcus Taylor’s ‘The Ones That Bit Me!’

In Book Takes, authors share three things readers will gain from their books, as well as an insight into what they learnt during the researching and writing. This weekend, Marcus Taylor writes about his book The Ones That Bit Me! about his life as a large animal vet.

Throughout his career, large animal vet Marcus Taylor has been game for anything.

There was the time he entered – and won – the Mr Vet contest at Massey University, or the night spent surfing with manta rays in Hawai’i. Then there’s been the work with camels, cows, sheep and ostriches in his native New Zealand, Australia, Canada, England and Jordan.

But it nearly came to an end when Taylor was seriously injured, just two years into his career, when he fell 8 metres from a rope-swing which snapped before it reached a cliff edge above water. Of the accident, he writes: “The injuries I got from that accident were massive and still affect me today, but it’s one of those life challenges that you learn to work with. It pushed me to do many things that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.”

Now he’s written The Ones That Bit Me! about the connections between humans and animals, and the vet’s role when they need care and support. Here, Christchurch-based Taylor shares what readers can expect when they open his book.

Never pass up the chance for adventure

You’ll be taking a wild journey around the world through the eyes of a veterinarian, leaving you inspired and in awe of the beauty and complexity of the veterinary profession. From the harsh dustbowl of Australia’s Outback to the mangroves of Brazil, every country has something special to offer. Each chapter is filled with hilarious and absurd cases that showcase the unpredictable nature of the job. In the veterinary profession, you never know what kind of situation you’ll be walking into, there are just so many variables. From the type of injury or disease to the facilities and species of animals involved, even the owners’ handling skills, every single one leaves room for mishap, mayhem and hilarity.

Humour is medicine

The book is marinated with mishaps, eccentric pet owners, and astonishing animals. Every veterinarian has their collection of side-splitting stories, and this book is filled with mine. It captures the unique challenges that come with treating a variety of species, often in less-than-ideal circumstances.