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.
After writing
Dr. Smith’s biography and delving into his life, there is one thing I know for
sure – he was witty, intentional, and confident. His deep witty laugh could be
heard often through the halls of his own Milliron Clinic. He was intentional in living and certainly confident in his approach to veterinary
medicine.
A scholar
in every way, Dr. Smith had a pocketful of quotes, lyrics, jokes, and (sometimes) serendipitous banter. Interviewing clients for Dr. Smith’s biography, almost
everyone had something to say about Dr. Smith’s ability to shoot off an
amusing line at the appropriate moment. Transcribing interviews,
I found myself laughing at the same jokes (rhymes and lyrics) that amused his family
and clients. I am sure Dr. Smith is leaning over my shoulder, impressed that his
rhetoric continues to have an impact.
Jessica,
Dr. Smith’s daughter, recently texted me one of Dr. Smith’s favorite sayings.
Dr. Smith, the forever cowboy, enjoyed camping – mostly with his horse and
rider friends. Settling down for the night, he would stomp out the campfire. “Call
in the dogs. Piss on the fire. The hunt is over,” Dr. Smith said as he was off
to bed.
This
quote seemed familiar to me. I found it was first published in 1969 in the
novel Defender of the Angels; A black policeman in old Los Angeles, by Jess Kimbrough (New York, NY:
Macmillan 1969; pg. 71): “You can piss on the fire and call off
the dogs ‘cause we’ve hunted the woods all over. And what I mean, we ain’t
missed nothin’.”
The
quote has been used many times since – in literature, plays, and movies (and
mostly every day in Texas). To “piss on the fire and call in the dogs” is an
old cowboy saying at days end.
I don’t think Dr. Smith really pissed on the campfire before he turned in, but
then again, he probably did.
Connect with Gina
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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