Sunday, March 3, 2013

And the times, they are a changin'


The past few weeks, I've been spending a lot of time at Southern Pines Animal Shelter...well, more time than usual.  Which is a lot.  We've been delivering food and supplies to the community families and their pets that were most affected by the F-4 tornado that went through town three weeks ago.  You can see Steve and me in this picture in the middle on the left hand side of the picture.

More and more, I feel my heart being tugged by the shelter, its staff, volunteers and of course the animals.  This week, I will be serving at the interim shelter manager, a position that was vacated a few weeks ago when our manager left to run a larger facility in Atlanta.  For the past four or five years, I have devoted more and more of my time and resources to SPAS, and have done everything from pick up poop and bathe flea-infested babies to serve on committees and the board, including assisting with crisis management and offering advice to volunteers, staff members, management and the board.

I will be applying for the shelter manager position in a week, as I want to see how this coming week goes.  What that means for Shakespeare's Peddler is uncertain right now.  I am working on moving more and more of my business to my eBay store, which makes it easier for me to fulfill orders by taking out a lot of the steps.  If I am hired for this position, I will continue to design and use eBay to sell some needlework supplies.

I've been working in the industry for 17 years, and although I dearly love my customers, distributors, designer friends, and all the rest, I see such a need in my community for more help for the animals and community members who support and work for our shelter.  I will let you know more as I know more.


In the meantime, we've had a topsy-turvy foster month.  I lost two kittens to a terrible stomach virus in February.  I took in four from this litter.  They were covered in fleas (and in fact were anemic) when I picked them up at the shelter.  And they were very sick.  Two of them suffered greatly, and the infection was too great for them to battle.  But I have put up pictures of the two that remain: Muffin (above) and Claire (below).  I have never seen two kittens SO close to each other as these two.  They are always within about four feet of each other.  They are funny little girls, and I am hoping I can find them a home together.


I hope you all are doing well and are happy.  I feel very happy about the possible changes in my life, and have even had a hard time sleeping at night.  There is a lot for me to think about, and it may be time for me to re-invent myself.  I hope I have your support!

18 comments:

barbara said...

I wish there was a way to get them up to Maine, Theresa - we have been hoping to find two littermates to add to our feline family. Our last adoptees were brother and sister and their togetherness and support of each other have been a delight to be part of. Best wishes with your new endeavor - and I better get a Shakespeare's Peddler order placed now, just in case!

Sharon said...

Theresa, you would be fantastic at that job because you have such a heart for the animals. In the end, we must do what truly makes us happy and you wouldn't be disappearing completely. I wish you the best and if Alexis wouldn't kill me I would take those two adorable kittens. I am only looking for one special kitty to add to my cat family as I feel that with five I would be complete.

Tabasco is laying right here beside me-so sweet!

Ginger said...

It sounds like you might be finding your life's calling. I think you will be able to make an informed decision based on all the time you have spent with the shelter. I could not imagine a more dedicated individual for the job and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. (And my fingers crossed!)

Now I wish I lived closer as the "two peas in a pod" kitties would be perfect for me. When I finally get two more kitties, that is what I am looking to find. (We have been catless of almost three years now!) I love it when my kitties love each other!

Keep us posted, as we will all be wondering!

Natalia said...

Thanks for loving these animals, Theresa, you do have a heart for helping them and that is wonderful. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

kellyr said...

These sort of changes often require leap of faith. I still remain involved with my shelter after 14 years wearing many hats over those years. I have never regretted the time or energy I have spent. Thank you for all you do for the animals!

Melody said...

I wish you luck on the possible changes ahead. I totally admire you for your work with the animals. They need you and your husband. I hope should you get this position you find time to continue blogging, it's wonderful to read your stories.

Elizabeth said...

I think all the work you and your family do is amazing and a part of the community that is necessary whether we think of it every day or not. I hope your upcoming week goes well - I wish you all the best! Please keep us posted on all those adorable fur-babies you have.

Debbie said...

What cuties! I am afraid my 16 year old Tigger would NOT be happy with 2 new kittens! As for your new venture, I wish you all the best! Change is hard sometimes, but i know you love your kitties! Please don't stop designing/reproducing those lovely antique samplers, though! I hope you can find room for both!

Debbie in Kansas

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Good luck with your change in direction - it sounds perfect for you.

Cath said...

Good luck . I know how much the kitties and the shelter mean to you, so our loss is their gain. Please continue to blog and let us know what's happening though . I love to see your stitchy and kitty pics . All the best .XXX

Lynn said...

You definitely have my support. I think this is the perfect opportunity for you! With your big heart and the experience you've gained in your work with the shelter I think this job is tailor made for you. Good luck!

Jeanne said...

Good luck Theresa....I have seen more and more over the last year how your devotion to the animal shelter has grown. I hope you don't leave the needlework community entirely because you would be sorely missed but understand you must do what makes you happy. Look at all the little lives you have already saved! God bless you.

Cindy said...

Theresa, you must follow your heart it will led you in the right direction. Good luck! I love the pictures of your fur babies.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

It is said that to find your passion is to find what you can do to give back. I do believe you have found yours! I'm a true believer in doing the thing that you love most, and let the other things come as they may. Peace!
PS:
These girls are adorable! You should have no problem keeping them together.

Anonymous said...

Go for it! It's where your heart is.

Tiffany

Suzanne said...

I think Muffin has expressed her feelings about your photography pretty clearly! LOL. I think it's wonderful that you want to work in animal rescue...I'm not a "cat person" but I have 4 rescue dogs who are my little furry children. There is such a need. Please don't stop designing...you are one of the designers whose charts I collect! :)

P.J. said...

I see the window of opportunity has been FLUNG wide open! I wish you all the best. The shelter could not ask for a more passionate and dedicated woman to be at their helm. You are an inspiration to us humans and an angel for the animals. <3

Jacqueline Korteland Boller said...

Theresa,

So admire your dedication to animals and so proud of your accomplishments! Good luck and much happiness in your change of direction! I'm feeling the pull myself as I explore the Beagle Freedom Project who frees beagles from labs and gives them a second chance at life. Animals certainly need protection and love. My best to you!