Saving Molly: A Research Veterinarian's Choices

by James Mahoney

The puppy was dying when James Mahoney found her. Molly was not the first dying animal the research veterinarian had seen. But Molly's struggle sent him barreling over rough Jamaican mountains in a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565121732
• ISBN13: 9781565121737
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
• Length: 234 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Solution to Paradox: Limbo?

I used to be completely against animal experimentation. I even refused to perform required disections in high school biology, and suffered the reduction in my scores because of it. How can someone, anyone, claim on the one hand to love animals and on the other deliver them into harm? I picked up this book in the waiting room of my dentist's office, and wound up reading it in a day. I am still not in favor of animal experimentation, but I am not the opponent that I used to be, either.The paradox of love vs. harm has left many a person feeling bereft, defenseless and searching for a clear answer. Mahoney's answer is, if not exactingly clear, at least very understandable. We cannot help but feel empathy towards those whom we love, and we shouldn't try to shut off or deny those feelings. But in the resulting flood of emotions - some positive, others not - trade out your sense of guilt (which can only be destructive) for one of responsability. Keep in mind that you are the steward of other lives, not the owner. Be compassionate.His thoughtful journey has so many applications for anyone who feels themselves to be in this predicament. For example, "Do I put my parent in a nursing home?" or "Should I keep my loved one on artificial life support?" Mahony understands this kind of pain, and has done his best to discover and explain, through the story of Molly, what balance there is. Some day, we will not need to use animals - human or otherwise - for experimentation. But that day is a long way off. Until then, we learn to move forward as kindly and thoughtfully as we can. I recommend this book to all adults (it may be too powerful for younger readers) especially those grappling with these kind of questions in their career choice or personal relationships.

Excellent Read!

I can't say it enough- this book is excellent! Jim Mahoney is a great story teller. I went through a phase where I read a lot of veterinary anecdote books and this is by far the best one. The focus of the book is about how he saved a puppy he found, but throughout it he tells stories of other animals throughout his career. The stories are truly touching and very well written- I was constantly reading them outloud to anyone who was around. I definitely recommend this book to everyone, not just animal lovers!! You won't be disappointed!

Very important and touching book. Read it!

I have read and re-read this book. Everytime, Dr.Mahoney's sincere account of his life with Molly and the chimps , his love for the fellow creatures and his agony over some of the hard choices he made, move me. This is a must read for everybody who wants to understand the meaning of love and understanding between human and animals.

Every animal rights activist should read this book!

No matter which side of the fence you're on regarding animal research, Dr. Mahoney's thoughtful and well written book is a must read. It's a wonderful peek into the lives of some courageous and caring individuals (animals and humans) who have given their lives to science so that all mankind may benefit. As an animal lover it's comforting to know that people like Dr. Mahoney are out there making the lives of research animals better and helping fight disease for all of us. Buy this book, read it, then make a contribution to the retirement homes of Dr. Mahoney's friends!