Were James Herriot's stories were based on his own life?

James Herriot's stories are semi-autobiographical, especially the stories contained in the collection known as "All Creatures Great and Small." He was a veterinary surgeon, and his stories about animals and their owners are based on his experiences as a veterinarian.

James Alfred Wight, known by his pen name James Herriot, was born in Sunderland, England, in 1916. He delayed pursuing his ambition to be a writer due to his professional and familial obligations. His wife challenged him to start writing in 1966 when he was 50 years old. He published his first story, entitled "If Only They Could Talk," in 1969.