Book excerpt: With the imminent arrival of her third child, veterinary surgeon, Gillian Hick, decides to abandon the perils of mixed animal practice, in a favour of setting up a small animal practice from home. When neighbouring farmer, John Armstrong, drops in for a cup of tea and stays to build the new veterinary clinic, the dream becomes a reality. As the practice begins to take on a life of its own, the practicalities of running a twenty-four/seven on call business, with the help of her husband and her three exuberantly, enthusiastic pre-school children begins to take its toll. From hatching goslings on a moonlit night, to late night calls to celebrity donkeys; from delivering new-borns, to assisting in the final farewells of much-loved patients, the circle of life continues as Gillian struggles to hang on to, not only her sense of humour, but also the last remaining threads of her sanity!