KINDRED SPIRITS SUPERSTARS There are so many wonderful people we have come to know through our work with wildlife. If we could, we'd list every last one of them. Unfortunately our web space is limited, so we only have room for a few. To be a Kindred Spirits Superstar requires three things: they offer a talent or service you may be interested in, they love animals, and they donate significant time to at least one animal cause (not necessarily ours).  Dr. Chuck Miller - veterinarian Triangle Veterinary Hospital, Durham, NC phone: 919-489-2391 website: www.trianglevet.com why we love him: We met Dr. Miller when trying to find help for a very sick neonate bear cub. It became obvious very quickly that Dr. Miller is an amazing person and fantastic vet. He genuinely loves animals and isn't the least bit shy talking baby talk or loving on every creature that comes his way. We were so impressed that in spite of the long drive, he became the vet for our special needs dogs. why you'll love him: He is an extremely intelligent vet and very loving.  He's particularly good with complicated cases.  He will cuddle and love on your pet whether she looks like a show dog or a sick, old, dog near death.  We do not recommend vets per se.  We have a lot of good vets in the area (there's some not so good ones, too, but we won't get into that!) but because Dr. Miller does volunteer work for various animal causes, he is a Kindred Spirit Superstar. Ellen Jareckie - artist House Mouse Designs website: www.housemouseantics.com why we love her: Ellen Jareckie is not only an amazingly talented (and well-known!) artist, she is also a wildlife rehabilitator in Vermont. We are fortunate to have her as a friend. If you aren't familiar with her work, you need to be. The darling mice and other creatures she creates are so delightful, you may just find yourself laughing out loud at their antics. She has also in recent years added a line of bunnies and a line of bears.  We keep thinking she can't possibly outdo the designs she's already done, yet she does it again and again and again. why you'll love her: Ellen's notecards, address labels, stationery, magnets, tote bags, etc. are the cutest ever.  Once you've placed an order, you will undoubtedly be back for more.  Her designs are addictive.  You'll soon be able to name each of the characters and you'll forget, at times, that they aren't actually real.  It's nice purchasing animal inspired items from someone who genuinely loves animals. Mary Anne Butler - owner Treasure House 1358 Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215 website: www.treasurehouseshoppes.com why we love her: Mary Anne is one of those breathtakingly beautiful women that only gets younger-looking and prettier with age!  We got to know her when her neighbor's dog got hit by a car and severely injured.  The owner couldn't afford a vet bill so instructed authorities to put the dog down.  Mary Anne offered to pay the vet bill.  As it turned out, the injuries were so massive, her original family could not take care of her, either through her many surgeries (which left her with 2 3/4 legs) or after with her life long needs.  We offered to foster the dog through her surgeries, but it became apparent she would need special care thereon out, and the incident left her terrified of people, so we adopted her.  Mary Anne helps animals in any way she can.  Her latest venture is running the Treasure House (see details under "Ways to Help") and utilizes the store to help Kindred Spirits, as well as domestic animal causes.    why you'll love her:  The Treasure House is so much fun to shop.  It's like a safari for treasures.  She has fixed up the shop so it's not only a wonderful experience for shoppers, it's nice for the sellers, as well.  She cares far more about making the business a pleasant place to visit than making money.  You enter the shop and can fix yourself a cup of hot cocoa (or tea or whatever), saunter through at a leisurely pace, chat with the person working that day, help yourself to a piece of candy from the many candy dishes scattered throughout the shop.  Even the restroom is delightfully decorated.  If you have a question and she doesn't know the answer, she'll get on the phone and call one of her booth owners and find out.  I guarantee you won't shop just once.  You'll find yourself there time and again.