Abbott "Pete" Smith, D.V.M.
June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010
The above Photo is of Dr. Smith's Milliron sawmill courtesy Joy Miller-Upton
When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.
When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.
Ansel Adams
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.
A week ago today, local journalist and photographer, Joy Miller-Upton, came for a visit. I was happy to see Joy. She took over 100 photographs of the Milliron book launch on June 16, 2017 at the former Milliron Clinic (to see all of the photos visit Milliron's facebook page). Now, almost two years later, I have the opportunity to reflect back at the event and the many Dr. Smith fans, friends, and clients who attended. It was an amazing tribute to Dr. Smith. During the event, people were able to tour Milliron Clinic, the stables, sawmill, barns, and surrounding area. They were able to see parts of Dr. Smith's work and hobbies that they would otherwise miss.
Joy's photos capture a moment in time that was (for every writer) a lifetime event. It was bittersweet; everyone was happy to read about Dr. Smith and his life, but walking through the halls of the Clinic only brought back memories.
After all this time, Dr. Smith's trilogy is still in demand and those who missed the event are learning about Dr. Smith and his legacy. Looking at all of Joy's photos, I think about Dr. Smith and his impact on the Ohio Valley. Through great struggles, he dreamed of his own veterinary clinic, his own farm and sawmill. His dreams. His life. And he would tell us that life is fleeting and that anything we dream of doing - do it now. Do it now.
The clinic, stables, sawmill, and surrounding buildings are silent. Weeds grow where ideas sprouted. Dust settles where miracles happened. The essence of forgotten animals frequent the examination rooms, surgery tables, and stables. Playful barking resounds somewhere in the kennels. Dr. Smith's rumbling laughter echoes through the hallways. You can hear it. The sound of silence.
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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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