I Want to Go Where They Went

This book is a memoir of my 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, I share the tales of my patients, who can't tell the stories themselves.

The chapters unfold with dramatic and often comical situations, and quirky pet parents. Some chapters feature medical dramas, while others highlight the amazing individuals I've encountered on my journey. All are written in the first person, from my perspective, the vet who was there for my patients through thick and thin. The stories emphasize the special bond between pets, their owners, and the people who care for them. Many offer a unique, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of veterinary medicine.

The book features photographs and original illustrations of some of the actual pets and people appearing in the stories.

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

Jeff Schmidt was born and raised in Northern California with a gaggle of family pets including cats, dogs, and a horse. During this time, he was inspired by James Herriot's beloved books and developed a deep love and respect for animals. Upon his graduation from high school, he served two years of active duty in the U.S. Army as a tank crewman in West Germany. After an honorable discharge from the service, he graduated with honors with a degree in Biology from San Diego State University. He was accepted into the Veterinary Medical program at the University of California, Davis where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. Dr. Schmidt went on to open his own veterinary practice in Roseville, California. The practice motto was Service, Quality, and Compassion and it received accolades as one of the top veterinary hospitals in the region. Dr. Schmidt retired in 2022 and currently resides in Kuna, Idaho.