Monday, February 18, 2019

Milliron Monday: Elliotsville Road 2 18 19

From the Smith family archives, Pat Smith, Elliotsville Road
Abbott "Pete" Smith, D.V.M.
June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Pete Smith, D.V.M., and  Milliron: Abbott “Pete” Smith, D.V.M. The Biography (Monday Creek Publishing 2017). A graduate of Colorado State University and a well-known veterinarian in southeast, Ohio, Dr. Smith continues to motivate and inspire. 

Arriving in Athens in the Fall of 1963, Pete and his family rented a farmhouse on the outskirts of the city. Known as the "Taylor" property, the house was for sale, but out of the Smith's price range. With only the ground floor of the two-story house inhabitable, and only a little land surrounding the house, it didn't fit the Smith's lifestyle - horses, dogs, and fast-moving children. It would be temporary. Starboy, Jody's gelding, and Tinker Toy, Jessica's pony, had to be moved to Dr. Phillip's place for pasture. 

Pete worked long hours as the new vet in town. While he was building his practice, Jody maintained the household. She enjoyed riding Starboy in her leisure time. After a while, Pete found the time to string electric fence at the farmhouse so that Starboy and Tinker Toy could be close to the family. Jody often saddled Starboy, put the children onboard - one in the front, one in the back - and rode the nearby trails. 

What mother takes her two children horseback riding, all on the same horse? Jody Smith, the veterinarian's wife. A brave thing to do, even in the best of scenarios. But, Jody was a seasoned equestrian; Jessica and Pat were resilient.

Elliotsville Road was where children grew, horses ruled, and the Smith family became a part of the Ohio Valley; the valley where Pete Smith became a respected veterinarian and a part of the season-changing community that he loved.


Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.

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