Dr. Stork refuses to refer to himself as an author. He’s far more comfortable being called a storyteller with an amazing stable of friends, unique perspective, and two editors who are both skilled and tolerant.

Four years ago, Dr. Stork sat down to write stories about dogs, cats, cows, farms, families, and faith. Collectively they become In Herriot’s Shadow, a book about humanity. He is still a country vet practicing in a small town in Wisconsin, writing with the same unique voice, but Stepping from Herriot’s Shadow is anything but a continuum. The book you are holding is bound and printed, but it is a snapshot. The writings and reflections that have become Stepping from Herriot’s Shadow are alive. Their direction is unknown. The path will be guided by a pearl plucked from conversation with the next farmer, teacher, or tap dancer he encounters.

He moves from responding to road-raging “Prius Pete,” to celebrating survival in “Family Tradition.” Amazon reviewer Sarah said of In Herriot’s Shadow, “He doesn’t write much about animals.” Well, Sarah, here are stories about elusive Jack Russell terriers, free range pigs, old black Labs, rampaging cows, and skunks. There are also stories about WWII Veteran barber, anger management, serendipity, and gaining strength by way of a sick daughter, or climbing a mountain.

Sarah also lamented, “Never with the grace and self-deprecation of Herriot.” Sarah, you’ll be delighted to read how he had his backside handed to him by a Holstein with a roundhouse right, a professor in vet school, and his son.

Music and storytelling is an art, a form of living history, a way to explore human interaction.

Songwriter Keven DeForrest says, “Serve the song.”

Dr. Stork says, “Tell the story. Only then do you know the end.”