Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Harrington.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My background is a zoo keeper and I really loved doing the educational programs there. Once I moved on, I started to miss doing the animal presentations, so I started collecting animals that folks were giving away or rehoming, so I cold start doing these programs at libraries, schools and such. Word must have gotten out, and people started calling me to take there animals. Somewhere along the way, I turned this idea into a rescue. I got our USDA License, and 501(c)3 status, and here I am 15 years later. Creatures By Theresa (CBT for short) takes in small pets like rabbits, tortoises, guinea pigs, small birds and more. I try to find homes for them, and some due to medical issues or age might stay in the rescue for the rest of their lives. CBT has a group of ambassador animals as well, so everyone can meet a variety of animals, because sometimes I have just rabbits and guinea pigs in the shelter.
I go all over the Kansas City area, St Joseph and beyond doing educational programs, birthday parties, and adoption events to get the word out about these great exotic pets and their care. I, also, teach animal classes at Northland Career Center in Platte City for young students wanting to learn more about animals and meeting some up close.
Today, the rescue is bigger and better, but still has room to grow. The rescue relies on donations, grants and the revenue from the programs and adoptions to keep helping with animals in need.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not really. Struggles are when the economy changes, people start giving up animals in droves, and I can’t help everyone, and donations are hard to come by. The dog and cat shelters and rescues get most of the donation dollars, somewhat because of size and the media attention. Rabbits, reptiles and the other animals have the same issues – starved, abandoned in a house with no food or water, tossed into the street, etc. I have seen all of the bad situations.
Of course, Covid shutdown impacted everyone including us. The one I remember the most is the class room pets – teachers were scrambling to find a place for them. Some animals were still in the schools, and we had to wait until they were able to get back in and get them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I don’t get paid to do rescue work. I work like everyone else, so to speak, and I do all of the other stuff, fundraising, programs and other events, outside my job.
Animal care is specialized, especially when I take in such a wide variety of animals. I have a degree in animal science and I worked as a zoo keeper and other animal fields my entire adult life, until now. I currently do not work (paid work) with animals, just the rescue work. I always hoped that I could not work a job and make enough from the animal programs to help pay me a wage.
I am proud that I have kept this rescue open – between thick and thin – for 15 years.
There are very few rescues that take in just the small animals, most deal with dogs and cats, and the small animal rescues are in great need. One like CBT that rescues most of the small critters, a lot of them specialize in just birds or just rabbits or reptiles.
After my job, I come home and check every animal. I clean cages, feed them all, clip nails or give medications if needed. Then I can spend time on computer to engage people on social media, set up fundraisers, or find grants or donation money.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Volunteers are always needed to help clean cages, or feed them. Or even help with events,
Donations are always needed, money, supplies or food. This runs just like any business, so there are so many things we need donation dollars for, like insurance both business and vehicle, electric bills, water bill, veterinary bills, building repairs or replacement.
Supporting us by come to our fundraisers, hire us for a educational event, help find programs for grants or donations, spread the word about the rescue!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://teescritters.weebly.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572996630067
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@creaturesbytheresacbtzoore7135
