I Want to Go Where They Went: Stories from My Life as a Small Animal Vet

by Jeff Schmidt D.V.M.

"Not since the touching and inspiring stories of James Herriot---which caused me to want to become a veterinarian---have I been so reminded of why I love what I do and why others love it too... Dr. Schmidt knows there is only "one greatest pet in the world," and every family has him or her."
-- Dr. Marty Becker, America's Vet. Veterinary expert for "Good Morning America," and best selling author of books including
"The Healing Power of Pets."


"I Want to Go Where They Went" is a memoir of Dr. Schmidt's experiences from three decades as a small animal veterinarian. Within it are twelve stories of captivating cases, humorous events, and touching moments. In the style of James Herriot's beloved nonfiction, Dr. Schmidt shares the tales of his animal patients, who can't tell the stories themselves.

The chapters begin with dramatic situations and quirky pet parents. Some of the chapters feature medical dramas, while others highlight the amazing individuals Dr. Schmidt encounters on his journey. The stories emphasize the special bond between pets, their owners, and the medical team that cares for them. Many offer a unique, behind-the-scenes exploration into the world of veterinary medicine.

The book features pencil illustrations and photographs of some of the pets and people featured in the stories.

This is a must-have for anyone who's ever welcomed an animal into their homes and hearts.

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2024

Reviews

[Amanda Rivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about the life of a veterinarian who truly loves and cares for animals and their humans. I wish more vets were like this. The entire book was captivating, from beginning to end. This is a book every pet owner can relate to.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I went in expecting some emotional, soulful stories about pets. What I did NOT expect was to laugh so hard I scared my own dog off the couch. Dr. Schmidt’s storytelling is pure gold he’s like the James Herriot of modern times, but with a wicked sense of humor and a dash of chaos. One minute he’s saving a chihuahua that thinks it’s a lion, the next he’s calming down an owner who googled every possible diagnosis known to man. I smiled through every single chapter and kept thinking, “Yep, this is exactly what my vet probably goes through daily.” Heartwarming and absolutely hilarious five stars, no hesitation.

[Tara Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who’s worked in animal medicine for over a decade, I was stunned by how vividly Dr. Schmidt captures the reality of veterinary life the chaos, the heartbreak, the laughter, and the indescribable joy. He writes with the kind of honesty and empathy that comes only from years of experience. I saw myself in his stories: the long nights, the worried owners, the miracle recoveries that make it all worthwhile. His patients may be animals, but his book is really about people: their kindness, their flaws, and their love for their pets.

[Logan Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Jeff Schmidt writes with a charm and authenticity that instantly reminded me of James Herriot’s classics. There’s that same easy humor, that deep affection for both people and animals, and that subtle wisdom that sneaks up on you between the lines. Each chapter feels like an episode of life sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet, but always full of heart. What I loved most is that it doesn’t just show the veterinarian’s world, it celebrates the unspoken connection that makes pet ownership such a profound part of the human experience.

[Alana Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know a veterinary memoir could be this funny and heartfelt at the same time! Dr. Schmidt has a way of telling stories that make you chuckle one moment and get misty-eyed the next. From unpredictable clients to heroic little animals, every chapter is full of life. His humor is gentle, his compassion enormous, and his storytelling effortless. You can feel how much he respects both his patients and their humans. By the end, I was smiling through tears, thinking that if my pets could read, they’d love this book too.

[Amber Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel everything. From laughter to tears, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions told with incredible honesty. Dr. Schmidt has a gift for noticing the small, quiet moments that carry so much meaning an owner’s trembling hand, a wagging tail, a goodbye that comes too soon. His stories remind us that the love between a human and an animal is one of the purest things in the world. It’s rare for a book to touch the soul so gently and so deeply at the same time. I’ll be gifting this to every animal lover I know.

[Ella Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who works with rescued animals, I was blown away by the authenticity and compassion in these pages. Dr. Schmidt doesn’t romanticize the work he tells it as it is but he also reveals the incredible beauty behind it. You can tell he sees every animal as an individual, every owner as a story. This isn’t just a memoir; it’s a tribute to the resilience of life itself. I laughed, I cried, and I came away with even more respect for veterinarians and the animals who teach them what true love looks like.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lost my cat last year, and for months I couldn’t bring myself to read anything about pets. But something about this title called to me. Reading I Want to Go Where They Went felt like sitting with someone who understands someone who’s seen love and loss up close and still believes in hope. Dr. Schmidt’s compassion shines through every page. His stories helped me remember my cat with more gratitude than pain. The final chapter left me crying softly, but in the best way possible. This book healed something in me I didn’t even realize was still broken.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

True story: I was sipping my morning coffee when I got to the part about the “mystery cat” who refused to be caught and I snorted coffee right up my nose. Dr. Schmidt writes with such perfect comic timing that you can practically see the scene play out. He has this gift of balancing heartfelt emotion with laugh-out-loud absurdity. Even the serious moments have these tiny bursts of humor that feel so real. This book made me love animals even more and fear what my vet is secretly writing down about me.

[Chuck Schrader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure Dr. Schmidt has met my dog and possibly me under fake names, because these stories hit way too close to home. From owners who panic over hairballs to dogs who somehow “accidentally” eat entire socks (guilty), this book is a mirror of pet parent madness. I laughed, cringed, and felt deeply seen. The best part? Even the funny stories sneak in genuine warmth. Dr. Schmidt doesn’t mock anyone; he just celebrates the chaos that comes with loving animals. A perfect mix of humor, heart, and fur.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading I Want to Go Where They Went was like stepping into the exam room of a man whose stethoscope listens not only to animals’ hearts but to the people who love them. Dr. Schmidt writes with a gentleness that’s rare equal parts scientist, storyteller, and soul healer. His tales echo James Herriot’s classic warmth, yet they carry a distinctly modern empathy.
Each story feels alive: from the anxious dog owner who learns patience, to the cat who refuses to be underestimated, to those final, tender goodbyes that every pet lover knows too well.

[Juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Schmidt D.V.M. carries the torch of James Herriot’s storytelling with grace and warmth. His vignettes are tender yet grounded in realism, humorous yet never flippant. There’s a mastery in how he balances medical detail with emotional truth.
The pacing of each chapter draws you in immediately: a crisis, a laugh, a lesson, a lingering afterthought. By the end, you feel as though you’ve traveled alongside him through three decades of devotion to animals, their owners, and the beautiful, complicated profession that binds them.

[Khalifa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve lived my whole life around animals, and I can tell you Dr. Schmidt gets it right. He captures their quirks, their stubbornness, and their loyalty in a way that feels like home. Some of the stories had me chuckling out loud (especially the one with the runaway dog), while others had me quietly wiping my eyes.
What I appreciated most was how he never turns people into jokes. Even the difficult clients are treated with kindness and humor. That says a lot about who he is. This isn’t just a vet book, it’s a love letter to every creature that’s ever trusted us.

[Clinthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a veterinarian’s memoir could be so wildly entertaining? I was giggling through half the book especially the parts involving eccentric pet owners (we all know a few). But just when you least expect it, Dr. Schmidt hits you with a moment so tender it takes your breath away.
That’s the magic here. It’s not just about animals, it’s about people trying their best to love and be loved. The blend of humor and heart is masterful. Fans of Herriot, Marley & Me, or even The Art of Racing in the Rain will eat this up.

[Aliexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader and reviewer who has covered dozens of memoirs, I rarely find one that feels as intimate and pure as this. Dr. Schmidt’s tone is conversational yet refined, and his storytelling is cinematic in its emotional rhythm. Each story carries a beginning, middle, and a profound, quiet end no melodrama, just truth.
He has a gift for seeing animals not as patients, but as personalities souls with quirks and dignity. His work humbles you, reminding us all that compassion is the highest form of intelligence.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter gave me this book after our old cat passed. I thought it might be too soon, but I’m glad I read it. Dr. Schmidt writes about animals not as possessions, but as companions whose spirits leave paw prints that never fade.
There’s a story about a child saying goodbye to a beloved pet that I’ll never forget. It’s written with such tenderness and respect that I had to set the book down and just breathe. If you’ve ever loved and lost an animal, this book feels like a friend reaching out and saying, “You’re not alone.”

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a pet owner (yet!), but this book still moved me deeply. It’s about more than animals, it’s about compassion, service, and the art of listening. Dr. Schmidt’s stories offer wisdom about life itself: how we care, how we grieve, and how we find meaning in the smallest moments.
By the last page, I felt like I’d met not just a doctor, but a teacher. It’s rare to find a memoir that radiates such kindness. Whether you have a house full of pets or not a single one, this book will touch your heart.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure heart. You can feel Dr. Schmidt’s decades of experience not only in his skillful storytelling but in the compassion woven through every line. Each story is a window into moments that define a veterinarian’s soul, the triumphs, the heartbreaks, and the unspoken bond between doctor, animal, and family.
What struck me most was his respect for both animals and people. Even when the owners are difficult or the cases don’t end as hoped, he writes with empathy instead of judgment. That alone makes this book remarkable.

[Longford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book on a rainy Sunday afternoon and didn’t move until I’d finished it. I cried, laughed, then cried again. Dr. Schmidt has a way of transforming ordinary moments a nervous cat, a stubborn beagle, a family struggling with loss into extraordinary lessons on grace and resilience.
The final story left me absolutely undone in the best possible way. It’s rare for nonfiction to touch me this deeply, but this one did. If you’ve ever loved and lost an animal, this book will meet you right where you are and remind you that love never really leaves us.

[Lioren Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched my heart in ways I didn’t expect. Dr. Jeff Schmidt writes with such warmth, honesty, and humor that I felt like I was right there in the clinic beside him. Each story captures the deep bond between humans and their pets some made me laugh out loud, others brought tears to my eyes. It’s more than just a memoir; it’s a reminder of compassion, service, and the quiet heroism that veterinarians bring into our lives every single day. Absolutely beautiful.

[Megan Hollister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to fall so hard for this collection, but Dr. Schmidt’s storytelling is irresistible. He captures the chaos, comedy, and heartache of veterinary life with such grace. One moment I was laughing at an overexcited puppy story, the next I was tearing up over a farewell between a pet and its owner. It’s rare to find a book that balances humor and heart so perfectly but this one nails it.

[Claire Whitman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever fallen in love with James Herriot’s stories, this book will feel like coming home. Dr. Schmidt brings the same gentle humor and emotional insight, but with a fresh, modern voice. His stories span decades of veterinary work, filled with unforgettable animals, eccentric owners, and lessons on love and loss. I finished the book feeling both joyful and deeply moved. It’s the kind of storytelling that restores your faith in humanity.

[Lindsey Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow veterinarian, I could feel every ounce of authenticity in Dr. Schmidt’s words. He doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of the profession, yet he shows why it’s so deeply rewarding. His blend of medical insight and emotional honesty makes this memoir a must-read for anyone in (or considering) veterinary medicine. It’s like reliving the best parts of James Herriot’s classics only with a modern touch.

[Grant Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading I Want to Go Where They Went was like opening a window into the quiet miracles that happen every day between people and their pets. Dr. Schmidt captures that unspoken love the tilt of a dog’s head, the purr of a cat who trusts you completely, the heartbreak of saying goodbye. Every chapter is a small world of its own: tender, funny, and deeply human. His compassion shines through his words, and it reminded me that our pets don’t just share our homes they shape our souls.

[Lunavera Casen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched me in a way I didn’t expect. I’ve had pets my entire life, and every one of them has taken a piece of my heart when they left. Dr. Schmidt gets that. He doesn’t just write about animals he writes about love, loyalty, and loss in a way that feels deeply personal. The stories are filled with warmth and wit, and they made me laugh through tears. I especially loved how he treats every pet, no matter how small or sick, as “the greatest pet in the world.

[Blake Atwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

We picked this as our monthly book club read, and it turned into one of the most emotional discussions we’ve ever had. Some of us cried. Some of us shared stories about pets we lost years ago. But all of us agreed on one thing: this book is extraordinary. Dr. Schmidt’s storytelling isn’t just about animals, it’s about what they teach us: patience, forgiveness, unconditional love. His writing is calm, clear, and filled with heart.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having spent a lifetime surrounded by animals, I can honestly say this book captures the essence of what they bring to our lives. Dr. Schmidt’s decades of experience are evident in every story his patience, his humor, and his profound understanding of what love looks like in its purest form. Some stories made me laugh, others made me ache, but every one of them made me grateful. This book is more than a memoir, it’s a tribute to the silent companions who make our lives whole.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed how I see my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I’ve always admired vets, but Dr. Schmidt showed me the real, emotional side of the job the long nights, the hard choices, and the incredible joy that comes from helping animals heal. His stories are funny, touching, and incredibly inspiring. He doesn’t shy away from the difficult parts, but he shows why it’s all worth it. I finished this book even more determined to follow in his footsteps.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something poetic about the way Dr. Schmidt writes. He has an eye for detail and a heart for emotion. His stories flow like conversations with humor, humility, and truth. He reminds us that healing isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, too. I loved how he connects every patient’s journey to a broader understanding of life and love. It’s rare to find a book that makes you both smile and reflect so deeply. Absolutely unforgettable.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely have time to read these days, but this book hooked me from the first story. Each chapter is short but packed with life perfect for reading a little at a time. Yet I couldn’t stop. By the end, I felt like I’d been through a whole lifetime of love, laughter, and tears. Dr. Schmidt’s words have that timeless quality that stays with you long after you’re done. If you only read one nonfiction book this year, make it this one.