Book ~ "Far and Wild: Adventures of The Worldwide Vet" (2026) Cliff Redford

From Goodreads ~ You might know Dr. Cliff Redford as the friendly veterinarian who answers burning pet questions on Canada’s Global News but Dr. Cliff is also a globetrotter, a risk-taker, a marathoner, a black belt, a loving father and a guy who just can’t sit down. But his best-known role is as a champion to animals the world the Worldwide Vet.

In this charming memoir, Dr. Cliff opens up about his life and travels as a veterinarian without borders, sharing insights from his surprising, funny, sometimes heart-wrenching and often dangerous work. From well-fed Athens street cats, to a monkey in India in a dangerous situation, a cyclopean crocodile in Jamaica named one-eyed Jack, and people’s beloved pets around the globe - Dr. Cliff helps them all, with his vast veterinary knowledge, his jovial wit, and his big heart.

Part vet stories and part personal odyssey, "Far and Wild" shines a light on the trials and tribulations of veterinary medicine as Dr. Cliff carefully details the techniques and procedures he uses to diagnose and treat his patients. It will also teach you a little about that most enigmatic of animals - people - as he tells the story of his own journey and highlights passionate teams all around the world who dedicate their lives to fight for the creatures who can’t fight for themselves.

In this book, Dr. Cliff shares his stories of a being veterinarian whose work takes him beyond the walls of his clinic in Markham, just north of Toronto, and around the world. From helping street cats in Greece and treating an injured monkey in India to performing surgery on a crocodile in Jamaica, Dr. Cliff has encountered all kinds of animals and some pretty unusual situations along the way. His travels also take him to Ukraine, where he helps animals affected by war, working alongside rescue groups and dedicated volunteers. 

Through a collection of real-life adventures and pictures, Dr. Cliff shares the challenges, unexpected moments and rewarding experiences that come with caring for animals in all kinds of circumstances. Along the way, he tells of the people who dedicate their time and energy to helping animals in need. It's a combo of stories about veterinary medicine, animal rescue and the ways people around the world work to make life better for animals.

I like reading memoirs and stories about animals. Though I've never heard of Dr. Cliff, needless to say, this book caught my eye. I can't imagine leaving the safety of Canada to head to war torn Ukraine or less progressive countries to take care of their pets. Props to him! It was hard to read at times about the conditions and injuries of the animals Dr. Cliff and his colleagues were treating and how some countries have no qualms about culling the dog and/or cat populations. I admired them for their dedication and patience. It takes a special kind of person. I like the writing style. I found it was written with honesty and compassion. As a head's up, there is swearing.