Monday, January 31, 2022

Milliron Monday: Horse Notes


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), including his wife Jody (1938-2021). 

“If you decide to become a veterinary surgeon you will 
never grow rich but you will have a life of endless interest and variety.”
― James Herriot, All Creatures Great and Small 
 
There were days at Milliron Clinic where tensions were high and the air was blue. The schedule was tight and Dr. Smith was a wee bit stressed, maybe. Then came lighter days when Dr. Smith's laughter barreled through the hallways. Either way, he was committed to the endless variety of animals (and clients) who walked through his doors.

To show his appreciation, Dr. Smith liked to write a quick note. You may have been a recipient of "Horse Notes" - a special slimline card created especially for Dr. Smith by fine artist Kelly Lincoln.

Kelly is the proprietor of Fernwood Farm & Studio. At the time she was commissioned to create Dr. Smith's greeting card she was working at the clinic part-time and designing full-time. Kelly remembers, "Dr. Smith asked me to create a Generic Card, one that covered everything and everyone. He told me what to write. For the interior I hand-lettered Whatever. On the back of the card I wrote Horse Notes For Dr. Pete Smith and sketched horses whistling imaginary 'notes'."

(c) Kelly Lincoln
The back of Dr. Smith's Generic Card


Only one original card remains in the family archives. If you have a Horse Note, you have a piece of SE Ohio history.

Have a great week ahead.


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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