Animal and nature lover Kelly Thomas spends time educating and rehabilitating
Compiled by Catherine Myers
Kelly Thomas loves and respects animals and nature.
“My passion is animal behavior and helping abused and abandoned animals transform into the happy, healthy animal that they should be,” the Avon resident said.
After working for a pharmaceutical company for 20 years, Thomas decided to work closer to home and her son Sam, 24, who also lives in Avon.
Thomas was hired as the naturalist at the new Pecar Nature Center in Avon, owns and operates a small exotic and farm animal pet sitting and boarding business and serves as vice president of Plainfield-based A Critter’s Chance Exotic and Farm Animal Rescue.
“Educating others about nature and respect for animals is important, and I enjoy being able to do that,” she said.
What do you consider your greatest virtue? Empathy
What do you most deplore in others? Greed and materialism
What do you like most about living in Hendricks County? I like the country roads and farms but also being very close to the city.
If you had to live elsewhere than in Hendricks County, where would it be? Idaho, northern Utah or Wyoming. The mountains are incredible, and the wildlife is fascinating.
If you could begin life over, what would you change? I would have gotten involved with animals and nature as a profession much sooner.
If money were no issue, how would you spend it? I would of course financially take care of my family first. Then I would focus on the needs of nonprofit organizations, supplying them with their greatest need to continue helping the community.
What makes you happiest? When those I care about the most are happy and smiling.
What is your favorite vacation spot? France
What do you do with idle time? Care for rescued animals on my farm.
What is it that makes you angry? People who hurt animals physically or mentally.
What do you do to escape from reality? I go outside and explore nature.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Traveling is what I love most. Exploring a new place is so exciting. Life is short, and experiencing as much as possible is my goal.
My son, Sam is who I love most. He’s pretty awesome.
Which living person in Hendricks County do you most admire? I think it would have to be Adele Head from Brownsburg. I admire her strength and commitment. She owns her own business (Animalsink.com) and helps her daughter manage Oinking Acres Farm Rescue. She has four outstanding kids. She has taught each one of them to fight for what they believe in. She supports their interests 100%. She works harder than anyone I know, and her kids work just as hard. They work for what they want and don’t stop until they reach their goals.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Kindheartedness
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Kindheartedness
What is your greatest extravagance? Traveling abroad. I love to experience different cultures and land.
What are your fears, phobias? Roller coasters, I’m terrified of them.
What has been the happiest time of your life? I have had many happy times. Visiting my son Sam in Wyoming for his birthday was one of my favorite times. Seeing him happy makes me happy.
Which talent would you most like to possess? Portrait painting. I would love to be able to capture a specific emotion of a person or animal in a portrait other than a photograph.
What do you most value in your friends? Supporting and helping each other when needed.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Jane Goodall
What is your greatest regret? Not focusing on my own passions sooner. I tended to focus on what others were interested in instead.
What tenet do you live by? Live simply. Less is more.