That's great.
Each and every Barbaro fan on this thread owes it to themselves to read at least one James Herriot book, if you haven't already. I just *assumed* most animal-lovers probably have in their lifetime.
Knowing what *assuming* does to people, let me recommend "All Creatures Great and Small" for a start. Although dogs and cats make up the bulk of the animals, the vet's stories will ring true with just about everyone, IMHO.
http://www.jamesherriot.org/works.php