PetCandy: The Perfect Gift That Teaches Kids to Love (And Understand) Their Pets

An emergency veterinarian's award-winning books are bridging the gap between curious kids and confused pet parents

Every parent knows the scenario: your child begs for a pet, promises to take care of it, and then three weeks later you're the one cleaning the litter box at midnight. But what if there was a way to actually prepare kids for pet ownership while sparking their curiosity about animals and veterinary medicine?

Enter Dr. Gal Chivvis, an emergency veterinarian who spent nearly 15 years in high-pressure clinical settings before discovering an unexpected calling: writing books that help kids understand the animals they love.

From Emergency Room to Children's Author

Dr. Chivvis didn't set out to become an author. For years, she poured her energy into emergency and critical care medicine, managing complex cases and building connections with worried pet owners. But when COVID pushed her family toward homeschooling, something shifted.

"My children's immense love for books lit a spark that inspired me to want to contribute not only to them but to other children by creating books of my own," she explains. "If it weren't for my kids, I never would have pushed past the dream, which felt impossible, and, against all odds, published my first book."

That first book has since grown into a collection of 11 published titles, with five available on Barnes & Noble and the full collection on Amazon. And here's the kicker: her children's book has won awards, as has her emergency medicine book for professionals. She's not just dabbling in writing. She's excelling at it.

Why These Books Make Perfect Gifts

The holidays are coming, and parents everywhere are trying to find gifts that are actually valuable, not just more plastic that'll end up in the donation bin by February. Dr. Chivvis's books check all the boxes that matter:

They're Educational Without Being Boring These aren't dry textbooks or preachy stories. Dr. Chivvis knows how to blend entertainment with education, creating books that kids actually want to read. Her nearly 15 years of experience in emergency veterinary medicine means she understands animal behavior, pet care, and the kinds of questions kids (and parents) really have.

They Bridge a Real Gap How many times have you Googled "Why is my dog doing this?" or "Is this normal cat behavior?" Dr. Chivvis creates resources that help both kids and adults understand their pets better. Her books provide the kind of practical, compassionate information she's been sharing with worried pet owners in emergency rooms for years.

They Inspire Future Veterinarians For kids who dream of working with animals, these books offer a window into the veterinary world from someone who lives it every day. Dr. Chivvis doesn't just write about animals. She writes from the perspective of someone who has spent countless hours managing complex cases and helping pets in crisis.

They're from Someone Who Gets It Dr. Chivvis is a mom herself, juggling emergency veterinary work, three Pomeranians, and the beautiful chaos of family life. She understands what parents need: resources that are accessible, trustworthy, and actually helpful. She's not trying to create perfect Instagram moments. She's trying to create real value.

More Than Just Pet Care

What sets Dr. Chivvis's work apart is her mission. She's never been driven by fame or fortune. Her goal is simple: to contribute meaningfully to others and add value to the world.

"I love knowing that the books I create have the potential to offer real value," she says. "With goals of education and entertainment, I hope that my work leaves a lasting impression and that I add meaning and value to this world."

That authenticity comes through in her writing. These aren't books created by a marketing team trying to capitalize on the pet industry. They're books created by a veterinarian who has comforted countless worried pet owners at 2 a.m., who understands the questions families have, and who genuinely wants to help.

A Gift That Keeps Giving

The best children's books are the ones kids return to again and again. They're the ones that spark curiosity, answer questions, and maybe even inspire a future career. Dr. Chivvis's books do all of that while also giving parents a resource they can trust.

Whether you're shopping for a child who's begging for a puppy, a young animal lover who devours every book about pets, or a family who just welcomed a new four-legged member, these books offer something special: guidance from someone who has dedicated her career to helping animals and the people who love them.

The Collection Includes Something for Everyone

With 11 books in her collection, Dr. Chivvis has created resources for different ages and interests. From children's books that make learning about pets fun to educational materials that help families understand animal care, there's something for every young animal lover on your list.

And if you're shopping for the aspiring veterinary professional in your life? Dr. Chivvis has you covered there too, with her award-winning emergency medicine book that professionals in the field actually use.

Where to Find Them

Dr. Chivvis's books are available on Amazon, where you can browse her complete collection of 11 titles. Five of her books are also available at Barnes & Noble for those who prefer to shop there.

The Bottom Line

In a world of throwaway toys and forgotten gifts, books that educate and inspire stand out. Dr. Chivvis's collection offers something rare: expertise from someone who lives and breathes veterinary medicine, combined with the heart of a mom who understands what kids need.

This holiday season, instead of another toy that'll be forgotten by January, consider giving a gift that might spark a lifelong love of animals, teach responsible pet ownership, or even inspire the next generation of veterinarians.

After all, the best gifts are the ones that keep giving long after the wrapping paper is thrown away. And a book that helps a child understand and care for the animals they love? That's a gift that could last a lifetime.

Dr. Gal Chivvis is an internship-trained emergency veterinarian with nearly 15 years of experience and an award-winning author. Her collection of books helps bridge the gap between pet owners and veterinary professionals. Find her complete collection at her Amazon author page.

Nov 21, 2015

PetCandy

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