Cecile Blucker-Smithson

Cecile has always had a love for animals. This stems from growing up on a farm and living in the country. As a young child, she was always bringing little puppies, kittens, baby opossum (much to her mother’s chagrin), baby squirrels, and turtles home. Around Easter each year she would talk her mother into letting her get a duck or chicken from the local store. Living in the country and on a gravel road often served as a place where people would discard unwanted dogs or puppies. She never could understand how people could do this. If only they could view them with a warm heart vs. a calloused heart.

Her love for animals has continued into her adulthood. She and her husband Todd live on the farm she grew up on where they have numerous animals.Throughout her professional career, she held positions responsible for the care and wellbeing of vulnerable populations which included abused and neglected children and the aging population. Caring for the vulnerable comes naturally for her.

Through the story of Bella, she hopes people see and understand that pet ownership should not be taken lightly. Animals have feelings just like we do as humans. They hurt, feel sadness, want to please, want to feel love, need shelter, food, and water and at times they too need a doctor. They can be your best friend, they do not judge, they don’t talk about you, and they are always happy to see you and they love you. In return, we should show them kindness and love.