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.
The foothills of the Appalachian Mountains roll through southeastern Ohio and West Virginia. A beautiful scene, we experience a breathtaking panorama of seasons. In winter, snow can fall quickly, creating a landscape of serendipitous drifts of surreal white.
If you have barn animals and outdoor pets, it's the time of year for heated water tanks, plentiful haymows, and insulated clothes. The winter can be tough on older animals; dry air, bitter cold, and aching joints.
It is a sad day when I receive a message from someone who has lost a beloved animal. Last Saturday (January 23rd) I received a text from Beverly in West Virginia. I had talked with Beverly last November about her Tennessee Walking Horse mare, Apricot Spice. Spice was the topic of Milliron Monday, including a photo and story about Dr. Smith (read the story here).
Beverly writes, "Gina, I wanted to let you know I buried Spice yesterday. We found her in her stall already gone. No signs of struggle. I think her old heart just gave out. She would have been 29 years on May 12th. She had a long happy life here on the farm just doing her thing all day. I was lucky she was in my life."
Dearest Beverly, we send sincere condolences on the loss of Spice. She did, indeed, live a good life. Now she plays in a heavenly meadow. Thank you, Beverly, for sharing your story. Sending love and hugs.
In memory of Spice...
Courage © ginamcknight 2013
drifts complacent snow
the old mare braces for more
She dapples, then greys
pawing frozen terrain
she’s stoic, proud
lifts a final brow
Sidestepping frozen thickets
non-garish in ruminations
bewitching casual forests
beseeching her master’s hand
She’s fading now
a bittersweet time
silent, still, dreamy somehow
her master she’ll miss, molasses and kiss
Her memories remain
she was fashioned to serve
created for adoration
baubled, adorned
She sees it now
through wide-open gate
it’s waiting for her
the celestial shore
© ginamcknight 2013
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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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