From the very first page, it’s evident Marcus possesses the unique blend of curiosity and resilience essential for his future career. He recounts numerous childhood encounters with various animals and their teeth, each one fuelling his intrigue and leading him toward a life filled with remarkable and rare experiences.
After a particularly significant moment early in his career, Marcus says he decided to document the experience, which ended up becoming the first chapter of a book he hadn’t planned to write.
“The day after I calved a cow under the full moon, I wrote the story down. I didn’t plan to write a book; I just thought it was so special that it would be a shame not to record it. I showed it to my sister and she loved it and suggested I keep writing. I had no idea how much work it was to write a book, but I’m so glad I did it because now the stories can be shared and enjoyed by anyone interested!”
It would be difficult not to find something of interest within his collection of stories. They span from entertaining recollections of Marcus’ student days, paddle boarding with crocodiles and swimming with manta rays to finding his veterinary stride in the Australian outback, Newfoundland, southern England and the Middle East. The book effortlessly transitions between amusing tales and sobering chapters, including detailing Marcus’ recovery from a major accident that nearly altered his way of life.
But beyond the humorous and sometimes astonishing accounts lies the heart of the book: the deep bond between humans and animals, alongside a vet’s role when both need care and support. Marcus observes the powerful relationship between animals of all sizes and owners from all walks of life during moments of illness, emergency and uncertainty, revealing insights that were eye opening to him as a young veterinarian.
“Through my work, I’ve learned how connected the lives of animals are with the people surrounding them. More than anything, the wellbeing of animals is up to us as individuals. We are undoubtably their stewards, and every animal has a lesson to teach, if only we take the time to look.”
While the exciting places and people Marcus encounters throughout his travels offer an allure even to the biggest homebody, he remains honest in his retelling. His journey has involved enduring the uncomfortable sensation of stepping into the unknown and navigating the emotionally, physically and mentally exhausting seasons of veterinary life.
Marcus remains candid about the challenges when asked if being a vet is one of the best jobs in the world.
“Sorry to go all Charles Dickens on you, but it’s the best and the worst. It depends entirely on the day – or the hour! One moment you are vaccinating six adorable Husky puppies and the next you are saying goodbye to an old family friend. Being a vet truly has its ups and downs! It requires emotional resilience and a healthy work-life balance, which many of us struggle to find.”
His advice for those considering a veterinary career is to experience the day-to-day realities of clinical practice first.
“It is often very different to what people expect and it takes a great deal of resilience and grit. However, it’s the gritty, unfamiliar things in life that bring us the smoothest finish.”
When asked which animal has the worst bite, Marcus speculates that a sperm whale bite would be quite painful, though he’s not experienced it firsthand.
“If you only include the animals I’ve worked with, I would say camels, especially male camels – their teeth are huge! Thankfully, none of them landed a bite on me, although they certainly tried their best!”
The Ones That Bit Me! was published by Massey University Press in August 2024. Find your copy in bookstores nationwide or directly from the Massey University Press website. Read an extract of the book here.
About the author
Marcus Taylor graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University in 2013 and went straight into large animal practice. He later worked in Newfoundland and southern England. In 2022 he worked on an animal-health research project in the Middle East. He ran the podcast Nuggets for Vet Nurses with a veterinary colleague and has a YouTube channel, Lord of the Vets. He currently works as a veterinary advisor in Christchurch, New Zealand.
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