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by Gina McKnight (Editor), Noah Franklin Fox (Foreword by), Gina McKnight (Author)
A heartwarming collection of stories and poems by Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith. In this volume, you will find Jody's fictional characters intertwined with true life experiences, including canoe trips, hunting by horseback, training a horse to the cart, traveling throughout Europe, and more. A veterinarian's wife, Jody was a prolific writer, loving wife and mother. Her passion for horses, dogs, and all animals throughout her lifetime are showcased in this volume. Her short stories are from High School, Colorado State University, and correspondence writing courses. Her poetry remembers the lives of her favorite pets; Starboy, Puff, and Trefa. A engaging edition that will become one of your favorites.
Jody was born April 2, 1938 in Toledo, Ohio. At the age 83, Jody passed away May 9, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Peter Franklin and the late Virginia Wurl (Rhonemus) Haley, sister of the late Dr. Gary Haley DDS. Jody was a 1956 graduate of Mansfield High School, Mansfield, Ohio, and received her Bachelor of Science and Arts, majoring in English, from Colorado A&M (now Colorado State) in 1960. Jody was a member and served as chaplain of her sorority, Tri Delta, member of Pi Delta Epsilon (National Honorary Journalism Fraternity), Phi Kappa Phi (National Honorary Scholastic Society) and Lambda Iota Tau (Literature Honorary). Jody was a member of the Aggie All-Girl Mounted Quadrille precision riding team, president of the French Club and served as an editor for "The Collegian". At Colorado A&M, she met the love of her life, the late Abbott Pliny "Pete" Smith III DVM. They married on September 4, 1959. In 1963, Pete and Jody moved to Ohio establishing Milliron Farm, eventually opening Milliron Veterinary Clinic. Knowing Athens was the place they would spend their lives, added stability for the Smith family to grow and be of service to their community. Jody is remembered fondly by her grandchildren as a strong-willed woman who taught them many life lessons, including farm life - passing on her love of animals, rescuing many from danger. Jody's love for horses, all animals, served her well as a veterinarian's wife. Her many accolades included winning the 1976 AKC National Specialty Best of Winners with her beloved Belgian Sheepdog, The Magic Dragon V Siegestor CD/TD, "Puff". "All things in moderation" and "No thank you helpings" were her constant refrain with her children and grandchildren. Jody liked to share her opinions and beliefs, even when no one asked, but it would be hard to find a more genuine, friendly, and helpful person in a time of need.
