Good-Bye to M. Christie Smith at the Potter League

MIDDLETOWN, RI — Saturday was M. Christie Smith's last day on the job as executive director of the Potter Animal League.

She has retired after 35 years with the shelter.

Smith said she does plan to take a trip but not right now. In a message to the volunteers on Dec. 31, she wrote:

"After 35 years, I am taking many important friendships and lessons with me. The most important lesson, and my advice to each of you, is to believe in the essential goodness of everyone, to believe in the intrinsic value of the lives of all species of animal, and to do as our cats and dogs do — sleep whenever possible, eat with gusto, run and play in the sun, and greet loved ones with joy every single day. "

She will come back to Potter League to help with the transition when a new director is hired, she said. But now, she is looking forward to reading books, watching Netflix and doing the things she didn't have time to do before.

Staff Photo: Margo Sullivan