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8 2 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E . C O M A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 that might be for me. I figured out I might be smart after all," Hodges said. Hodges graduated from FVSU with a degree in fisheries biology and spent a summer in Nepal and India working for the Agency for International Development to create an aquaculture program that would grow fish as an inexpensive protein source for residents. Being accepted into the Veterinary Medicine program at Tuskeegee was a high point in his life, and following that path led him to a career both inspirational and deeply fulfilling. Hodges' whip-smart 14-year-old son, Vernard II – he goes by VJ – already has plans to follow in his father's career footsteps. "at's pretty cool," Hodges said about VJ, who he also refers to as "the Robin to my Batman." "He's a sharp kid, and I'm excited about him being next in line." 'BET ON YOURSELF ' Hodges feels an obligation to pass on the hands-on, real-life knowledge he's acquired over the years. He's been a guest speaker at Middle Georgia State University, Central Georgia Technical College, and many other schools and organizations around the midstate. In 2018, he wrote and published the highly acclaimed book, "Bet on Yourself: From Zero to Millions," which blends autobiographical stories of Hodges' past with practical, accessible financial advice. He stresses the importance of multiple income streams, gives a primer on the stock market, and discusses how to get started investing in rental property – something he began to dabble in when buying land and buildings for Critter Fixers' first location 20 years ago. Now, he owns multiple houses and apartment buildings, choosing to rent to local families for sustained cash flow rather than flip them for a quick buck. ere's also plenty of inspiration and motivation, as the title would suggest. Hodges' life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, and in his book he underscores the importance of kindness, faith and self-esteem even in the face of failure. When people look at me, they only see the end game, and I want them to know my mistakes, to see how I stumbled along the way but didn't give up." – Vernard Hodges " ◆ Dr. Hodges and a bunny; ◆ Dr. Hodges and his partner Dr. Terrence Ferguson, who showed up to work with a fake mohawk, which is Dr. H's trademark hairstyle; ◆ Dr. Hodges and his son VJ with a cute little fox. "When people look at me, they only see the end game, and I want them to know my mistakes, to see how I stumbled along the way but didn't give up," he said. 'THE REAL DEAL' About the time his book was released, Hodges had planned to take a step back from his vet practice. His real estate portfolio was doing well, he had good, trustworthy doctors working for him, and after 20 years, he thought the time was right for him to fade into the background and relax a little. en came a phone call from a stranger, asking if he'd like to be on television. Hodges ignored the call at first, dismissing it as a prank, but it was real. Someone from National Geographic had become intrigued by Hodges' life story and enamored of his Instagram feed (@drhodges_critterfixervet) filled with pics of the photogenic vet and a fascinatingly eclectic assortment of critters. ey wanted to come down from New York with a camera crew and shoot a pilot. e pilot was a hit, and Nat Geo Wild ordered a season's worth of episodes of "Critter Fixers," which will air in early fall.