They said a woman couldn’t
be a cow veterinarian...
“…a deeply emotional journey, making
hard choices and moving on and taking it all in—”
—Andrew Hoffman, Gilbert S. Kahn Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
COMING FEBRUARY 17, 2026
About the Book
IN THE LATE 1970s Utah was home to some of the best dairies in the country. That was where Linda Rhodes, a newly minted large animal veterinarian, had to prove that a woman could do what the Mormon dairymen were sure was a man’s job. She was often scared that they were right. Every bovine life she saved helped her confidence grow, but each failure left her feeling defeated—as did the mounting tensions between pursuing a demanding career and saving a crumbling marriage. This is the story of how a woman, through grit and tears, made her way in a man’s world.
About the Author
The path to a career as a large animal veterinarian went from a childhood in Rochester, New York, to the hippie communes of Northern California, vet school at University of Pennsylvania, and finally a job taking care of cows in Utah.
Praise for Linda’s Memoir
Masterful Storytelling
“...Breaking the Barnyard Barrier is a wildly entertaining and inspiring ride through lifeʼs defining moments shaped by curiosity, courage, and a steadfast moral compass—a true testament to whatʼs possible!ˮ
—Kristin Peck, CEO, Zoetis
A Fascinating Account
This is a fascinating account of the struggles and successes of a woman veterinarian entering large animal practice in the 1970s... Anyone interested in veterinary medicine or womenʼs struggles to obtain equality in the health professions will enjoy this well-written book.ˮ
—Katheryn Houpt, veterinarian, professor emeritus, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine
Emotional Journey
“As the book describes—life is what you make it, a deeply emotional journey, making hard choices and moving on and taking it all in—the landscapes and the relationships. The story is told beautifully…”
—Andrew Hoffman, Gilbert S. Kahn Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
A Stunning Memoir
Despite doors closed to her post graduation, and then through the challenges of young marriage, this wonderful veterinarian definitely (and defiantly) is honest to a fault... Rhodes shares how she practiced medicine with dignity and the kindest of hearts...
—Marcia Bradley, author of The Home for Wayward Girls, Faculty, Sarah Lawrence Writing Institute
[A] woman veterinarian in a manʼs world...
“If you have ever wondered what it takes to be a veterinarian, much less a woman veterinarian in a manʼs world, and to come out on top, this is a must read!ˮ
—Douglas Mader, author of The Vet at Noahʼs Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital
You get to
ride shotgun with Dr. Rhodes
Dr. Rhodes does an incredible job taking the reader along her journey to achieving her dream of becoming a large animal veterinarian... You get to ride shotgun with Dr. Rhodes as she navigates the challenges and prejudices and her personal struggles on her way to fulfilling her lifeʼs dream.
—Douglas Mader, author of The Vet at Noahʼs Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner City Animal Hospital
Facts & Stats for US Veterinary Schools
Percentage of women in veterinary school in the 1970’s
Approximate percentage of women in veterinary school today
Number of Women Deans of Vet Schools in the 1970s
Out of 34 Veterinary Schools, Number of Women Deans Today
Video
A conversation with Dr. Linda Rhodes, the Lady Cow Vet
Substack
Follow Dr. Linda Rhodes on Substack and stay up to date with her latest posts.