Discover McEaster Valley: A Veterinarian's Whimsical Tale

Easter: McEaster Valley

“Dreams and aspirations in our lives are often the catalysts that lead to great accomplishments that
benefit the world in which we live.”

– Walter R. Hoge, DVM, and author of McEaster Valley.

Thoughts on My Thoughts

The TALES That Wagged This Veterinarian

In 1952 Stanley L. Miller carried out the Miller-Urey experiment which showed that complex organic molecules could be synthesized from inorganic compounds.

Thoughts on My Thoughts II

The TALES That Wagged This Veterinarian

“The book is intended to increase the understanding of how intricate and fine-tuned nature is and the experiences I went through, which helped me desire to become a veterinarian. Also, things that sidestepped my progress along the way.”

Thoughts on My Thoughts III

The TALES That Wagged This Veterinarian

If scientists have found parallel universes, we may one day have the opportunity to skip from one time period to another and have experiences only imagined.

About The Author

Dr. Walter R. Hoge

Walter R. Hoge received his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Purdue University before practicing small animal veterinary medicine at Camden Pet Hospital. Published in several scientific journals, McEaster Valley is his first book. A proud father to five grown children, he lives in San Jose, California.

Interviews

America Tonight with Kate Delaney

featuring Dr. Walter R. Hoge | ReadersMagnet

Author's Interview on Location

Dr. Walter R. Hoge

Author's Interview During The LA Times Festival of Books

Dr. Walter R. Hoge

Book Videos

Thoughts on My Thoughts

by Walter R. Hoge | Publisher’s Pick | ReadMagnet

Easter McEaster Valley

by Walter R. Hoge | Easter: McEaster Valley

Thoughts on My Thoughts: The Tales that Wagged this Veterinarian

by Walter R. Hoge | Easter: McEaster Valley

Book Reviews

Easter: McEaster Valley

Easter: McEaster Valley is a unique and fascinating story of a man who underwent a life-changing experience in the woods

In this delightful book, author Walter R. Hoge shares how a walk in the woods changed his life and his views of it forever. Walking in the Sierra foothills one fine day with his dog Beau, Hoge noticed a passageway into a valley that shone like gold. As he and Beau walked closer to the valley, he felt warmth and peace that he could only compare to his mother’s comfort. As he got more drawn to the valley, he began his descent but unfortunately fell. Beau is nowhere near him.

Wounded and on the verge of hypothermia, he fell asleep from the exhaustion. Waking up the next morning, he was greeted by an old, bearded man who said they have been waiting for him, and that he was chosen to come to their valley. Spending days in the valley, he discovered things he never knew existed. He was struck by the wonders and mystery of it all.

With a vivid description of the things he saw and experienced, Hoge’s book elicits excitement and fascination from the readers. Whether everything he experienced was a dream or not, the book gives us something to think about. While this may be a cliché, the book reminds us that not everything is about money and earthly possessions. Hoge encourages and motivates readers to respect the wonders of the earth and live a life of responsibility without expecting anything in return.

Credit should be given to Hoge for not dismissing everything he saw as absurd and unbelievable. He was accepting and open to the fact that some of the innovations would be useful and would benefit all. This book may be targeted to children, but adults can also learn a lot from this story.

Overall, Easter: McEaster Valley is a fun and enjoyable read. Aside from the wonderful story, the illustration and the colors add appeal to this well-written book.
— In house Book Review

“I was drawn to the valley as if it had something to offer and if I didn’t respond, I would never have another opportunity.”

One early morning, the protagonist and his Labrador retriever took a walk in the Sierra foothills. He noticed an entrance into a beautifully lit valley. As he began traveling on the trail into the valley, he felt all his burdens lift and felt young and carefree. However, at some point, the path started to close in on him, and he was tripped up and rolled into a briar patch. Once free from the briars, he realized he was lost and could not locate his dog. The only direction he could go was forward. After many hours and several long naps, he escaped into an opening and was greeted by a reassuring bearded man. The man took him into a mountain cave that eventually opened and was lit as fantastically as the golden valley he had seen earlier. Here he encountered many people and animals living harmoniously and crafting candies and toys to give out once a year on a special day. The man made him a one-time offer to live there forever, always full of vitality and peace, and help take care of the animals. The man tossed and turned all night, thinking of the opportunity but also about his wife and young children. When he awoke, he was back where he was walking, and his Labrador was licking his face.

Hoge’s magical valley is the Easter version of Santa’s North Pole. Much of the tale is inspired by those Christmas books and television specials which give glimpses into the business of the elves but with a Spring-inspired point of view. There are moments where Hoge’s writing takes on a near-nonfiction tone reminiscent of the holiday classics made popular by Gail Gibbons. Hoge brings his more scientific approach to keeping all those delicious chocolates and other candies fresh and depicts an interesting rainbow-infused paint supply available to the toymakers and confectioners. Speaking of colors, the book includes several bold illustrations by Jebb Impok, which capture some of the delight and whimsy of Easter Valley and its offerings. In a bit of a reflective conclusion, the author engages the audience by speaking of the character’s loneliness once his kids have grown and moved away. He also wonders if he can find a way to revisit McEaster Valley.
Hoge’s writing is easy to follow, and the descriptions are done well without being excessive. Because of its length and often highly technical phrasing, it is difficult to determine the book’s exact audience. Passages such as “Thoughts of line breeding, cross-breeding, and inbreeding flowed through my mind, and I could only imagine the genetic combinations along with the viral components that could produce such an array of eggs” may prove to be too much for younger readers or listeners. Still, parents can obviously use the story and illustrations as the framework for spinning their own yarn about this magical place, adding more of the technical text as their children mature and are capable of discussions. Additionally, it gives them another story option to share when focusing on the more whimsical parts of Easter.
—USRB

Kids get an early philosophical start in Dr. Walter R. Hoge’s children’s book “Easter: McEaster Valley”

The author enthralls his readers with “a unique and earthy tale” that is reminiscent of William P. Young’s novel “The Shack.”

For Walter R. Hoge, a veterinarian, there is more to life than just glitter and gold, and one has lots to learn from and enjoy in life, particularly when getting lost. He discusses this matter at length in his children’s book Easter: McEaster Valley (ReadersMagnet; 2020).

Dr. Hoge gained the idea for Easter: McEaster Valley when he was pondering life after the death of his wife. He thought about a lot of things, things that are important to him as they helped him realize how wonderful the life he has lived and how fortunate he has been in his life. He wrote this book for his children, to whom he would try to get them to sleep by telling them stories about McEaster Valley, which they really like.

Written in the first person, Easter: McEaster Valley tells the story of a man who wanders into a strange, vibrant world during his morning walk in the Sierra foothills. He travels deeper and farther into a beautiful valley, where an aged, bearded man appears to him and introduces him to a world of wonders and mystery. The man is awed at the scientific and technological marvels of the dimension he finds himself in.

By publishing Easter: McEaster Valley, Dr. Hoge hopes to motivate his readers into getting the most out of the natural world around them, approaching life with more zest and positivity, and respecting the environment, among the many life lessons he shares in his book.

Kristine Morris of Foreword Reviews gave a positive review for Easter: McEaster Valley, assigning it three out of five for its narrative style and voice, subject matter, and illustrations. A part of her review highlights the man’s experiences in the strange, vibrant world he finds himself in – and how it delivers the book’s intended message for its readers. It reads:

As the man discovers all that the planet has to offer, he maintains his sense of curiosity. Indeed, both the text and the illustrations indicate that this is crucial: the lost man’s open-mindedness is credited with his ability to draw knowledge from his fun. But although it is written from the viewpoint of an adult, the narrative and its lessons remain accessible to its target audience. Its lead character models a thoughtful, nonjudgmental attitude toward all that he sees; acceptance of the fact that adventures often come with hardships; and thankfulness for the kindness he encounters. He also evinces care and concern for his family when faced with a hard choice, too, leading to a bittersweet conclusion to his adventures.

Experience a sense of wonder with Easter: McEaster Valley by Dr. Walter R. Hoge. Order a copy today on Amazon and Barnes&Noble

“Easter: McEaster Valley is an imaginative children’s story in which a grown-up’s life is transformed during a walk in the woods.” Foreword Reviews

— Foreword Reviews

Thoughts on My Thoughts

The Tales That Wagged This Veterinarian

“You can’t always do much to change circumstances, so smile.”

Dr. Walter R. Hoge, DVM, shares his considerable experience as a veterinarian and as a kind and thoughtful human being in this delightful collection of autobiographical essays. Each chapter addresses a unique topic, or thematic set of memories, and the non-linear format is fresh and appealing, allowing readers to skip around and enjoy their favorite stories while being in the moment with this remarkable man.

Not all the essays are about Hoge’s veterinary work, and many have a practical Christian foundation that is never heavy or overbearing. In fact, readers will discover that this blend of science and spirituality is harmonious and steeped in the wisdom that comes from both ends of a necessary spectrum. Some of the sundry, fascinating topics that Hoge addresses are reflected in chapter titles: “Procrastinate or Straightway,” “Good Intentions Going Bad May Not Be So Bad,” “Every Life Is a Wonderful Story,” “Curse and Hate Letters,” “Sunflowers and Life,” “Divine Intervention,” “No One Likes a Frowning Face,” “Life As It Is,” “Sugar Beets and Falling Off the Truck,” and “Value of Failure,” among many other topics.

The more personal essays include titles such as “Our Elf On the Shelf Nearly Started a Fire,” “Sheep vs. Goats,” “Toothpaste On the Mirror,” “Who Packed My Parachute,” and “Greyhounds and Al Capone,” among many other timely and timeless topics. Hoge has a pleasing way of ping-ponging from the general to the specific and back again—a good sign of a lively writer with an inquiring mind and the ability to engage readers. It’s a refreshing surprise throughout the book to discover where Hoge’s mind and spirit have led him as he records his observations on paper. He includes some of his life experiences from boyhood and his coming of age and also reveals much about his veterinary training and forty-five-year career as a veterinarian. Of course, a busy family life with his wife and five children (and later, seventeen grandchildren) spark many reflections.

Hoge also reveals much about his commitments to his physical and spiritual communities. There are many moral lessons in Hoge’s writing, and he delivers these fables and aphorisms, many of which are quite profound, with wry humor and a light touch. It feels as if there’s hardly anything that the author hasn’t thought about or managed to include in these pages, from his experiences raising pigeons in boyhood, working in a mental health facility in Idaho during his high school years, sketches about meeting and courting his future wife, and a plethora of other relatable incidents with both human and non-human beings, whether livestock, domestic pets, or those critters that live in the wild under nature’s umbrella.

In one chapter, Hoge writes about the eminent American painter Norman Rockwell, and one can surmise that Hoge has a disposition much like Rockwell’s: “Rockwell could have easily painted, as some say, ‘life as it is.’ He could have concentrated on scenes of his or others’ sorrow and moments of misery. He might have painted the mean and nasty, the cruel and depraved.” Instead, he notes, “Rockwell chose to look for the good, the kind, the simple and happy moments that make life worth living.” Like Rockwell, Hoge has a pleasant and satisfying way of guiding readers along the path of his perspective and then leading them back home to reflect upon their own hearts. Plus, how can readers resist the lure of puppies and wallabies and ants and camels and sunflowers with the comfort of spiritual guidance along the way?

— USRB

A moving autobiography highlighting the author’s life as a veterinarian and the joy he gets from serving others

Walter R. Hoge’s Thoughts on My Thoughts: The TALES That Wagged this Veterinarian is an inspiring book that looks back at Hoge’s childhood to him becoming a dedicated veterinarian. All throughout the book, Hoge never fails to inject humor as he shares memories of him growing up. Despite being a typical naughty child, Hoge transitioned and took his studies seriously. Being an animal lover, choosing which career path to take was easy for him.

Graduating top 10 in his class, Hoge began practicing veterinary medicine in 1973. Despite doing good in his class, Hoge realized and recognized that he still needs to learn more. He made it a point to observe the techniques of his older and experienced colleagues. By observing them, he soon learned the art of veterinary practice from his successful peers.

Hoge’s memoir is not limited to his life as a veterinarian and his work and relationship with animals. He also recalls the sad and happy moments of his life. His ups and downs. He recalls how he took care of his wife who was dying from cancer, and the grief he felt when she passed away. He also shares the time when he had a stroke. These life events almost made him stop practicing veterinary medicine. But he never gave up and continued doing what he does best.

This book will also help aspiring veterinarians as Hoge shares information about medical conditions in animals and people. He also shares how other veterinarians can be extreme sometimes with one vet putting mites in his ears to fully understand how to treat dog for ear mites. While Hoge himself did not try this, readers will truly find the veterinary world fascinating. And Hoge’s dedication to his work is unparalleled and will inspire others.

Thought on My Thoughts is uplifting and motivational. Some may think that a veterinarian’s work is easy when it’s difficult. They receive complaints and death threats when an animal isn’t treated and dies in their care. Hoge experienced all these, but his care for the animal and the joy of serving his clients overshadow whatever fear and danger he faced.

— In house Book Review

Walter Hoge’s Memoir, “Thoughts On My Thoughts,” Draws Positive Review

Veterinarian and author Walter Hoge share his passion for animals in this heartwarming memoir.

Thoughts On My Thoughts: The Tales That Wagged This Veterinarian is an uplifting narrative that follows the life of veterinarian and author Walter R. Hoge.

Walter Hoge has been in practice since 1973. Walter’s father was a local surgeon and general practitioner and was a significant influencing factor in his life that encouraged the young Walter back then to pursue his interest in animal welfare. In the memoir, Walter fondly recalls memorable moments that helped shape and strengthen his passion for his craft and led him to live a fulfilling life.

Some of these unforgettable episodes include assisting with electroconvulsive treatments at an Idaho state mental hospital, courting his would-be wife, saving a wallaby from euthanasia, and so on.

What’s interesting about the memoir, which is particularly heartwarming, are Walter’s reflections during these memorable moments. Some famous figures’ quotes, including Biblical passages, were also mentioned that impressively summed up Walter’s perspective on life.

Foreword Reviews shares this review on Thoughts On My Thoughts:

“The book emphasizes the power of meaningful work during periods of difficulty, too: here, a day spent caring for animals can be relied on to be ‘a wonderful day in the neighborhood’… Thoughts on My Thoughts is an uplifting memoir about the mutual enrichment that comes from the bonds between people and animals.”

Order Walter Hoge’s Thoughts On My Thoughts now on Amazon and Barnes&Noble

“Hopefully, you will find the experiences I share in ‘Thoughts On My Thoughts – The Tales That Wagged This Veterinarian’ will lift your spirits a bit and help you gain more appreciation for the animal kingdom we share our lives with on this beautiful planet in which we live.” Walter Hoge

— Foreword Reviews

Thoughts on My Thoughts II

The Tales That Wagged This Veterinarian

“There just must be a plan that gives everything the spark of energy and purpose for all living things on this planet.”

This collection of life stories begins with the premise of being lost and trying to find one’s way out by walking in a straight line, with recent scientific evidence proving that it’s just not possible. Author Hoge shares the theory that if humans are not certain of the direction they are moving toward, they will walk in uncertainty, or in circles. Concluding that life must go beyond what people experience on this earth, Hoge shares appropriate scripture to add cement to his thoughts on finding more meaning with less risk, knowing that one will go beyond this single opportunity. The author writes of his years of experience as a veterinarian, sharing stories of the animals he has treated, the owners who have loved them, and how a veterinarian must have compassion for both. He states that his faith in God helps in overcoming life’s pain to experience grace and goodness.

Chapters are backed up with quotations from notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Emily Dickinson, to name just a few. Hoge asks the reader to look at themselves and determine their gifts. The author has found the good in others and understands why and how people self-destruct. This understanding provides a map that helps people find their way through terrible situations. Hoge shares memories of his deceased first wife and mother of his children with a tender and honest poignancy. Sharing his wisdom of years as a “devout” Mormon, he includes chapters on kindness that resonate in a world seemingly filled with anger. Readers will be intrigued by his thoughts on becoming involved in chaotic situations where people are releasing their anger and frustration out on others, helping them overcome their rage, and then making this act a calling in his life.

Providing hope in a world plagued by climate issues, Hoge reminds the reader that when dinosaurs roamed the earth, there wasn’t much of a temperature difference between now and then. Citing historical tracking, he thinks it may be that climate change is a stage that the earth will come out of one day, perhaps richer in vegetation and minerals, which might, in the end, be helpful. Providing recent research on spite, Hoge shares that virtue and vice both result from malice. In the examples studied, it was found that spitefulness created a more reasonable and just society.

Using the author’s experiences of life and work, and the knowledge that life-long learning and empirical evidence bring, Hoge’s book reads like a well-organized biography that moves beyond just his family’s interest. Any veterinarian or animal lover will likely enjoy having this book on their shelf. The index can help the reader to move by topic, and the quotes with citings encourage further reading at will. The reader will also undoubtedly appreciate the motivation and advice from notable personalities. A set of questions that can be used by anyone wishing to ask their family elders about the past will be useful in creating their own family narrative. Photos of family and precious artifacts provide a deeper meaning and help to make the text come to life. All combined, Hoge’s work shares a consistent theme of a compassionate and grateful life.

— USRB

An illuminating follow-up to the author’s moving autobiography Thoughts on My Thoughts: The TALES That Wagged This Veterinarian

Walter R. Hoge’s Thoughts on My Thoughts II is an enlightening book which is a follow up to the author’s very engaging autobiography. The author’s ruminations in this book will make readers think about a lot of things, especially when it comes to animals, medicine, science, and life. Of note is the author’s spirituality and faith in God which is rare when it comes to people who are involved in science. This is an added appeal for readers who are fascinated with the idea of science and spirituality.

Hoge’s vast knowledge is truly commendable, and his thoughts and opinions serve to educate and enlighten readers. The humor injected in Hoge’s narration is a huge plus given the fact that the things discussed in the book are quite serious in nature. The subject about addiction and inebriation was particularly interesting to me, especially when I found out that hamsters prefer drinking alcohol over water. This knowledge made me chuckle. All throughout the book, the author succeeds in getting my attention as his stories are really engaging. There is never a dull moment in the book.

And just like the first book, Hoge also talks about his life, family, and friends. Hoge’s loyalty and love for his wife is an inspiration to all. Not so many people can say that their partner is their best friend, thus, it is enviable and admirable at the same time that Hoge and his wife treated each other with so much love and respect. You can almost feel his heartbreak when his wife died and not see their children blossom into good human beings.

Thoughts on My Thoughts II is a must have book. The amount of information I gathered from reading this book is simply astonishing. Knowledge and additional information aside, Hoge was also able to tug my heartstrings when he shared and opened his life to us. This is truly an inspiring and uplifting book. — In house Book Review

Thoughts on My Thoughts III

The Tales That Wagged This Veterinarian

“In Reverence of Life and Love: A Gold Seal Review of ‘Thoughts on my Thoughts III: The TALES that
Wagged this Veterinarian’ by Dr. Walter R. Hoge”

“Thoughts on my Thoughts III: The TALES that Wagged this Veterinarian” by Dr. Walter R. Hoge, is a
heartwarming and thought-provoking masterpiece that takes readers on an extraordinary journey
through the lens of a veterinarian who has not only cared for animals but also discovered profound
lessons about life, love, and the human spirit.
Dr. Hoge’s storytelling is nothing short of captivating. With each tale, he weaves a rich tapestry of
experiences that range from poignant to downright hilarious. His ability to blend humor, wisdom, and a
deep sense of empathy is truly commendable. As I delved into the pages of this book, I found myself
laughing out loud at one moment and wiping away tears the next.
What sets this book apart is its universal appeal. Whether you’re an animal lover, a seeker of life’s
truths, or simply someone looking for a heartwarming read, Dr. Hoge’s tales will resonate with you. He
effortlessly translates the intricate bond between humans and animals into lessons that are both
relatable and inspiring. His musings on love, family, and the importance of forgiveness are profound and
resonate deeply.
One of the remarkable aspects of this book is Dr. Hoge’s ability to infuse each story with genuine
emotion. His compassion for the creatures he treats, his dedication to his family, and his unwavering
commitment to his principles shine through brilliantly. His reflections on family, particularly his
emphasis on the enduring nature of family relationships, are both heartening and deeply moving.
As an author, Dr. Hoge’s writing style is incredibly engaging. He possesses a unique talent for drawing
readers into his world, making you feel like a close friend sharing stories over a cup of coffee. His words
have a way of touching your heart and leaving a lasting impact.
“Thoughts on My Thoughts III” is not just a book; it’s a testament to the power of love, compassion, and
the resilience of the human spirit. Dr. Hoge’s stories will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last
page, reminding you of the beauty in the world around us and the boundless capacity of the heart to
love.
In closing, “Thoughts on my Thoughts III: The Tales that Wagged this Veterinarian” stands as a shining
example of the power of storytelling. Dr. Walter Hoge, DMV, has masterfully crafted a collection of
stories that resonate with the essence of life, love, and resilience. His dedication to his craft is evident
on every page, and as a reader, you will undoubtedly find yourself deeply moved and inspired. This book
is a testament to the enduring beauty of the human-animal bond and the profound wisdom that can be
gleaned from it. It is with utmost sincerity and respect that I bestow upon this book the esteemed Gold
Seal.
— In house Book Review

“In Reverence of Life and Love: A Gold Seal Review of ‘Thoughts on my Thoughts III: The TALES that
Wagged this Veterinarian’ by Dr. Walter R. Hoge”

“If you are offended let it go. If you let it fester it can destroy your life, but not the
offender’s.”
True to the spirit of the title, the author undoubtedly runs the gamut of topics, yet each one, from the prism
of the fictional McEaster Valley to the stories he told his children, speaks to the overall human experience
and our responsibility to understand nature. The text appears to point to a better understanding of
ourselves when we understand nature, which then can lead to understanding those with whom we interact.
The inspiration, or rather catalyst, for the author envisioning McEaster Valley derives from tragedy—the
loss of the mother of his children.
Right from the onset, Hoge’s discussion of out-of-body experiences assures readers that this isn’t a typical
exploration of one’s thoughts. On the contrary, it is deeply researched with examples that probe deeper
than what is at the surface level. Perhaps what makes the narrative so intriguing is Hoge’s ability to add
descriptions for the layman to understand. There are rarely complex scientific terms but rather well-placed
examples of imagery, such as “a feeling of floating outside your body, an altered perception of the world,”
to create instant relatability with the audience. Of course, the most narrated out-of-body experience is in
the operating room, where life and death hang in the balance, and the patient nearly always reports seeing
a bright light among their other details.
As the work progresses, Hoge makes the reader at home with a soothing, conversational tone as he
journeys into discussions of parallel universes—even attempting to explain them from a theoretical physics
standpoint—and origin stories. His fearlessness in tackling notoriously polarizing topics with tact and
knowledge is commendable. Interestingly, the work is far from barbershop fodder. Rather, it references
renowned, influential figures like psychiatrist Raymond Moody Jr., author of Life after Life, works such as
Viktor Frank’s Man’s Search for Meaning, and the Bible itself to add evidentiary support to his claims.
Further, contemporary figures that made national headlines, like Damar Hamlin and his public health
scare, keep youth audiences engaged and connected as well.
https://www.theusreview.com/reviews-1/Thoughts-on-My-Thoughts-Book-III-by-Dr-Walter-R-Hoge.html[11/16/2023 3:00:16 PM]
From the travails of Wilford Woodruff and Phoebe Whittemore Carter to the chaos surrounding four
neurosurgery residents whose lives are nearly cut short yet intricately tied to near-death experiences,
every new revelation, new story, and discussion is illuminating. In the case of Michael McLean, the direct
commentary dives into faith and sexual orientation, one’s own identity, and the notion that praying harder
would “correct” McLean’s son. The anecdote is even further magnified because of McLean’s deeply
entrenched role within the church as a filmmaker and songwriter. In short, the author’s narratives impel the
audience to react and discuss, to probe within themselves, and to challenge the status quo. Yet, each one
takes the author back to McEaster Valley, where seemingly his innocence, peace, and nostalgia reside and
where his fears are put to rest. Unsurprisingly, Hoge has a knack for connecting unrelated ideas, but the
green light being emitted from the valley leads to a conversation on radioactivity, and how nuclear energy
is likely the pathway into the next frontier for the world.
Aside from Hoge’s dissection of world issues, his reflections on McEaster Valley present a biblical utopia
where the law of love resonates with all beings in this valley in as authentic a manner as humanly possible.
Regardless, the communal nature of ants is given the same shine as the use of lasers and the discovery of
the Yeti in the Himalayas. Truly, nothing is off limits for Hoge and his infinite reservoir of thoughts and
commentaries on what makes our world tick. Including, but not limited to, talks on peer pressure, kindness,
grief, ambition, and commitment, this text is filled with emotions that bridge birth and death.
— In house Book Review

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