From Saskatchewan to Sidney: A Vet’s Journey of Compassion
Dr. Michael High’s path to becoming a beloved Vancouver Island veterinarian began with a simple job interview in 1988. Escaping the harsh Saskatchewan winter, he found himself enchanted by the blooming cherry blossoms and warm community spirit of Sidney, B.C. Inspired by the classic All Creatures Great and Small series, High knew early on that animals would shape his life and career.
Writing Through Isolation: The Birth of Rear View Wisdom
During a challenging stint as hospital director near Edmonton, High faced profound isolation—living mostly at the clinic and traveling home only briefly every few weeks. It was in this solitude that he began reflecting deeply on his veterinary experiences. Each patient, he realized, had taught him something about life itself. Motivated by these insights, he started writing what would become Rear View Wisdom: Life Lessons from Treating Animals.
Stories That Teach: Life Lessons from Animal Patients
Released in April 2025, Rear View Wisdom is a memoir woven from decades of stories about animals and their owners. Each chapter centers on a particular patient—Violet, Edward, Freddy, and others—offering a unique lesson on resilience, compassion, and connection. High emphasizes that while rooted in veterinary care, the lessons transcend professions and speak to universal human experiences.
Facing the Emotional Toll of Veterinary Care
High openly discusses the emotional challenges veterinarians face, including high rates of depression and burnout. He highlights the pressures of balancing demanding client expectations with the realities of running a small business. His story about Rosco, a dog belonging to an elderly couple where the husband had just passed, exemplifies the profound moments that shape veterinary work.
A Therapeutic Journey and a Message of Hope
Writing Rear View Wisdom became a form of healing for High, helping him process difficult experiences and find strength in helping others. “By helping others, I’m helping myself,” he reflects. He hopes his book will offer comfort and insight not only to fellow veterinarians but to anyone navigating life’s complexities.
Where to Find Rear View Wisdom
Dr. Michael High’s heartfelt memoir is available online, at local bookstores in Sidney and Greater Victoria, and through FriesenPress at books.friesenpress.com.
Through decades of caring for animals, Dr. High has gathered wisdom that transcends species—offering readers a chance to see life through the eyes of a dedicated vet and the creatures who teach us so much.
