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
He's a little closer to home - he's now a prof. at the Vet. school over at UGA. His first job as a vet was as the first vet ever in a remote rural Alabama county. He's funny as all get out, and he has an ear for dialogue and an eye for the Southern "character".