A Biology teacher at Edison High School, Ms. Kathleen Stellakis says she takes great pleasure in moments with her family, friends, and animals. She also appreciates the beauty of the outdoors and spends a lot of her free time outside walking her dogs. Stellakis says that her love for the outdoors is deeply intertwined with her love for animals.
A special place in her heart, however, is held by her horse, Curley, a warmblood thoroughbred cross who is soon to be 26. He has a white star on his face and two white “socks” on his hind legs.
Stellakis and Curley have been companions for almost twenty-one years. Their relationship started with a PowerPoint presentation from Stellakis, convincing her parents to get a horse.
Ever since Stellakis’ teenage years, she has found solace in spending time with Curley. Taking him for rides and walks along trails, Stellakis alleviates stress and sadness by simply visiting and talking to him.
“Whenever I’m upset or stressed, I just hang with him. I know Curley can’t talk, but I still tell him what’s going on and go outside with him. I feel immediately happier,” said Stellakis.
Throughout their twenty-one-year relationship, Stellakis says that she and Curley have endured a number of challenges, but they were always there to support one another. When Curley developed a fungus in his guttural pouch, he required surgery at the University of Pennsylvania for four months. Stellakis visited him every week to ensure Curley’s speedy recovery. When Curley developed colic, a condition that requires extreme care, Stellakis was there to aid him.
“Yeah, once I even slept in the barn with him,” she said.
Today, Curley has found a way to fit in with Stellakis’ daily work schedule. Two or three days a week, Stellakis visits Curley to feed and clean him. She loves to take her children to the stables and watch as they make happy memories. Although horses can be wild or unpredictable, Curley has always been gentle towards children. Stellakis now shares her happy memories with other children by teaching horse riding lessons.
Through hardship and triumph, Stellakis believes she and Curley are destined to be lifelong friends.
