Children of the War is a collection of four true stories drawn from the author’s years as a veterinarian. During routine visits for dogs and cats, elderly clients sometimes began sharing memories they had carried quietly since childhood during World War II.
These are not battlefield stories. They are intimate accounts of survival, loss, guilt, and memory—told by people who lived through the war as children and carried its effects throughout their lives. Through small moments in veterinary practice, the narrator becomes an unexpected witness to these deeply personal histories.
Gentle, reflective, and sometimes confronting, the stories explore how the past lingers in ordinary lives, and how listening can reveal hidden truths long kept silent.
Rod spent five decades at the heart of veterinary medicine.
Beginning his journey in the rural paddocks of Australia’s Yarra Valley, Rod’s
career has been defined by a tireless commitment to the animals in his care
and a keen observation of the human condition.
Known for his "vet’s eye" and a dry Aussie wit, he has treated
everything from elite performance horses to the beloved companions of city
dwellers.
Today, Rod continues to practice in Melbourne, blending medical precision
with five decades of wisdom and a deep understanding of the enduring bond
between humans and animals.View all by Rod Graham
