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MILLIRON
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 to 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 and pioneer veterinarian.
326 pages, Paperback
Published June 12, 2017
About the author
Gina McKnight
33 books117 followersLiving in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains promotes inspiration and passion for creative writing; children's literature, poetry, freelance, and more. Gina is a graduate of Franklin University/Leadership Scholar/BA, Columbus, Ohio. Writing at an early age, an avid reader and lover of words, Gina continues to be encouraged by her horses, neighbors, family and friends.
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September 25, 2025A biography of a man who clearly made an impact on Athens County, Ohio, this book makes use of every possible resource, from personal memories to newspaper articles, to tell the life story of veterinarian "Pete" Smith.
The book starts out, understandably, in a chronological way, beginning with Pete's parents and childhood. The tales of Pete's father, and how/when the surname changed, is rather confusing. Pete's young life, having fewer details, occupies a much smaller portion of the book, but his start in Colorado is simple--impressively so, in light of his later successes.
From about chapter five onward, the narrative of Pete's life changes from generally chronological to generally topical. "Horse stories" is one topic, and "Milliron Farm" another. Thus one chapter features all kinds of different stories from Pete's vet career, with little to no reference to timing (and if there is reference, it is muddled by the categorical organization, when the next topic probably goes backward in time). Testimonials are often recorded verbatim from the apparent interview the author conducted to compile the information, and this often makes the dialogue choppy. Context is usually apparent, but in the case of a transcript of an interview Pete did on TV, the book reads like the source information one might used to write the biography--but not the biography itself.
The chronological confusion appears most detrimental when talking to employees of Pete's clinic; there were several, and one doesn't get a clear picture of their order, or if any worked at the same time. Amid all the details and interesting anecdotes, such basic details are unfortunately lacking.
Inappropriate language is sprinkled throughout, and Pete's crude character--a man's boyish immaturity that he never grew out of--is by no means hidden. Swearwords are often included in direct quotes.
In contrast to the negative content, there are several references--especially in the closing chapters, presumably when Pete was in his later years--to his Christian faith (specifically, an Episcopalian adherence). A somewhat regular churchgoer, Pete even gave a talk at a church event (a discourse which is included in its entirety), but the tone is rather lighthearted--irreverent, even--and the theological perspective suspect--certainly not addressing the core of the gospel. Overall, an interesting look at influence of the denominational church, not necessarily the work of God in a born-again life.
The end of the book returns to a chronological telling of Pete's unexpected death, and then a touching epilogue written by his son--who plainly admits, "I absolutely hated him [during my childhood]." Pete IV continues with high praise for his father, respecting him but at the same time revealing that Veterinarian Pete may have made friends with all of Athens County, but he managed his home with fewer flying colors.
Still it's a fitting tribute to a very impactful man, and locals of Athens County, OH will be much educated about their home and one business--and man--who influenced many.
The book starts out, understandably, in a chronological way, beginning with Pete's parents and childhood. The tales of Pete's father, and how/when the surname changed, is rather confusing. Pete's young life, having fewer details, occupies a much smaller portion of the book, but his start in Colorado is simple--impressively so, in light of his later successes.
From about chapter five onward, the narrative of Pete's life changes from generally chronological to generally topical. "Horse stories" is one topic, and "Milliron Farm" another. Thus one chapter features all kinds of different stories from Pete's vet career, with little to no reference to timing (and if there is reference, it is muddled by the categorical organization, when the next topic probably goes backward in time). Testimonials are often recorded verbatim from the apparent interview the author conducted to compile the information, and this often makes the dialogue choppy. Context is usually apparent, but in the case of a transcript of an interview Pete did on TV, the book reads like the source information one might used to write the biography--but not the biography itself.
The chronological confusion appears most detrimental when talking to employees of Pete's clinic; there were several, and one doesn't get a clear picture of their order, or if any worked at the same time. Amid all the details and interesting anecdotes, such basic details are unfortunately lacking.
Inappropriate language is sprinkled throughout, and Pete's crude character--a man's boyish immaturity that he never grew out of--is by no means hidden. Swearwords are often included in direct quotes.
In contrast to the negative content, there are several references--especially in the closing chapters, presumably when Pete was in his later years--to his Christian faith (specifically, an Episcopalian adherence). A somewhat regular churchgoer, Pete even gave a talk at a church event (a discourse which is included in its entirety), but the tone is rather lighthearted--irreverent, even--and the theological perspective suspect--certainly not addressing the core of the gospel. Overall, an interesting look at influence of the denominational church, not necessarily the work of God in a born-again life.
The end of the book returns to a chronological telling of Pete's unexpected death, and then a touching epilogue written by his son--who plainly admits, "I absolutely hated him [during my childhood]." Pete IV continues with high praise for his father, respecting him but at the same time revealing that Veterinarian Pete may have made friends with all of Athens County, but he managed his home with fewer flying colors.
Still it's a fitting tribute to a very impactful man, and locals of Athens County, OH will be much educated about their home and one business--and man--who influenced many.
Displaying 1 of 1 review