By KORI SCIANDRA
ksciandra@batavianews.com
Updated
ARCADE — Growing up in the rural farming town of Pawlet, VT., Stacy Gertis was no stranger to animals.
Her grandfather, who was an influential figure in her life and had a strong love for all animals. He raised farm animals including cows, horses, chickens, cats and dogs.
“I remember when I was little, I would help feed the calves,” Gertis said. “I saw calves born right next to our house and I helped herd the cows by carrying a bucket of grain down the pasture.
“At my mother’s house, we had baby ducks, a lamb — named Buster, and he lived in the house with us — kittens, hamsters, guinea pig, rabbits, even an iguana,” she continued. “You name it, we had it, so I had a lot of exposure to all kinds of animals from an early age.”
Gertis called Vermont home until she moved to New York. She resides in Arcade with her two daughters, Adaline and Avery.
She graduated from Castleton University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and is working as a digital marketing coordinator for GenTech Scientific LLC, in the village.
During last year’s statewide COVID-19 shutdown, Gertis seized the opportunity to utilize her spare time to write a children’s book.
The book, “How Abby Found Her Home,” allows readers to enjoy the tale of how Abby, an adopted kitten, found her way into the Gertis family home to stay evermore.
“We adopted our kitten, Abby, in May of 2020,” Gertis said. “She was sick and needed a home. Our family was able to provide that for her. Adaline and Avery fell in love with her and seeing them interact with our newest family member influenced me to create something they will be able to have forever.”
As both the author and illustrator of the book, Gertis noted she doesn’t have a background in writing, but she loves to read.
“This book was a project I wanted to create for my two girls as something they would always have,” she said. “The COVID shutdown was the perfect opportunity for me to get started and given the free time I was able to produce the book rather quickly,” said Gertis.
With the intent of sharing her family’s love for animals with readers, Gertis hopes her audience understands the commitment caring for an animal can entail.
“Believe me when I say, ‘taking on a pet can be a big responsibility and should not be taken lightly.’ Never would I have imagined that we would have ended up taking Abby in, but now I cannot picture our little family without her,” Gertis said.
When Abby was found, she was malnourished, very dehydrated, and had an eye infection.
“We had to nurse her back to health, which included feeding her with an eyedropper multiple times a day,” said Gertis. “Now, she is happy and healthy.”
Though Gertis has no set plans to write a sequel, she hasn’t ruled out the possibilities. She’s happy to share her passion with others.
“Art is my true passion,” she said. “I have always enjoyed creating both as a fine artist and a graphic designer. Illustrating is new to me but something I have become fond of.”
“How Abby Found Her Home” can be purchased directly through the publisher, Dorrance Publishing Inc., on Amazon, as well as Barnes and Noble.
“… I want to thank my girls for being my inspiration, and I hope they will cherish this book forever,” said Gertis, who plans to host a book signing in the near future.
