Monday, June 10, 2019

Milliron Monday: Once Upon a Time 6 10 19



Abbott "Pete" Smith, D.V.M.
June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Above, Dr. Smith's Milliron sawmill second floor bookcase; a few of his books. 
Photo courtesy Joy Miller-Upton


Once upon a time it was now.  
 James Alexander Thom


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. 

Two years ago, June 16, marks the anniversary of the launch of Milliron: Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M. The Biography. It's hard to believe that two years ago this week I was reviewing final edits with Jody, Pete's widow. We had spent almost five years visiting clients, talking with relatives, traveling to places Pete had frequented, digging through old photos, and hours of remembering. 

June 16 is Pete's birthday. We intentionally scheduled the launch of Pete's biography on his birthday - at Milliron Clinic. It was a Friday night. People from all over attended the event. Pete's family was there, as well as Pete's dog Smokey. The clinic parking lot was full. People parked in the fields and along the highway. I remember the warmth, kindness, and sincerity of the crowd. 

Once upon a time... it all began with Pete's dream to become a veterinarian. A life of serving the downtrodden, miserable, helpless, and hopeless. A life of miracles, serendipity, and hard work. A life well lived. 

Reflecting on June 16, 2017, my mind goes back to the event. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share Pete's life - and continue to share. As one of my favorite authors, James Thom, so eloquently stated, Once upon a time it was now.




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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