I am working on an honest-to-goodness true story. Nothing is made-up. It contains first-hand information, quotes, original photos, and inspirational, true-life stories about people and all types of animals including everything from dogs and cats, to lions, tigers, bears, wolves, camels, and others. The story is also seasoned with historical and philosophical insights relating to animal rights and welfare, fascinating facts about animals, and a handy reference section.

What is this story?

It is the story of a really cool veterinarian in Colorado, Dr. Jeff Young, who goes beyond the boundaries in everything he does; from the animals he helps, to the people he inspires, to his work around the world. He is Dr. Jeff, the Rocky Mountain Vet, who for the past 30+ years has made a distinct difference in the lives of people and their animals utilizing four basic tenets: a spay/neuter platform; quality, affordable veterinarian care for all animals; saving animals rather than euthanizing; and paying it forward with a legacy of care and training for new veterinarians. Incidentally, Dr. Jeff and his practice, Planned Pethood International, was the number one show on Animal Planet for eight seasons from 2014 to 2022 titled ‘Dr. Jeff Rocky Mountain Vet.’

It was that show on Animal Planet that hooked me. Captivated, I watched one episode, then another, and yet another. I could not stop watching. “Wow! Is this for real?!” I thought. “Is there really a veterinarian who does all this? How? What is his backstory?”

Next, I did what any real writer would do, especially one like me whose passion is writing about people and things that make a difference in life, I wrote a query to Dr. Jeff saying I would like to tell his story and included my writing resume. I sent it snail mail. Kind of old-fashioned I know, but it worked. A few weeks later, after a follow-up call to his office, Dr. Jeff called me personally and said he was interested in the collaboration I had proposed. I was excited to say the least!  

Over the next several months, I made three visits to Colorado during which I spoke with Dr. Jeff at length, observed him in practice, interviewed colleagues, staff, family, and friends and came to know about his life and times.

The result? This story about Dr. Jeff the Rocky Mountain Vet, is one that I am compelled to tell; a book begging to be written and I will not rest until it is published. Its message goes beyond the boundaries to show what it means to make a difference in the lives of people and animals. While it is about one person, it is more about what others can be inspired to do as a result of reading this book. I can hardly wait to tell you the full story in the book!

Interested? Let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.

Good day!

Melinda Grohol 8/26/23