A Friend of the Flock: Tales of a Country Veterinarian
YA?As heartwarming and captivating as Fields and Pastures New (Crown, 1995), this sequel continues the early career of the first veterinarian of Choctaw County (AL). The home folks welcome the McCormacks, who readily become treasured members of the community. Sense of place; love; and caring of family, neighbors, and friends (human and animal) shine through in these stories that are both funny and sad. One home visit requires that Doc operate on a pig's face to remove a tumor. The surgery goes well, but the sow remembers who had given her that long needle. When Doc returns later that week to remove the sutures, the pig refuses to let him anywhere near her. Townsfolks refer to that event as Doc's first sow facelift. YAs who discover this American soulmate of James Herriot will ask for McCormack's earlier book, and will keep an eye out for his further adventures.?Judy Sokoll, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.