Animal Welfare Professionals

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Hello Everyone!

😆 I'm excited to share insights and discuss an interesting topic that impacts all aspects of animal welfare and what we do moving forward.

Come and join the conversation on Monday! 🤔 Be sure to bring questions about handling uncertainty, and I will share some interesting bits about neuroscience and decision-making research 🧠.

See you then! 

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"We have annual meetings with volunteers & staff at a shelter & state our issues/ideas. However, one of the Mgrs has been there for decades & is ready to retire. Any ideas on communicating with a person who is just riding out their time?" - Marion Barbato

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"We have annual meetings with volunteers & staff at a shelter & state our issues/ideas. However, one of the Mgrs has been there for decades & is ready to retire. Any ideas on communicating with a person who is just riding out their time?" - Marion Barbato

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"When I think of aversion to uncertainty, can you explain how trauma is or not related to a person's aversion to certainty?? How does strength based approaches work to remedy a person's uncertainty?" - @Christina Veloz

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA

Original Message:
Sent: 02-02-2026 07:39 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 02/09/2026 - Managing the Unknown

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Hi Christina, 

I'm not a clinical psychologist so I am approaching this purely from the lens of behavioral cognition and decision-making. Recall the term, heuristics (i.e., mental shortcuts), that I used in the call.

One of the most common heuristics that people use is "anchoring and adjusting", which means we start with (anchor) an image or thought in mind and adjust our perception of the immediate environment from there. For example, a person may anchor in the memory of their old dog and review any adoptable dogs through comparison or contrast to their previous dog. So, they make judgments based on how the dogs in their immediate environment relate to their "old dog" memories.

When facing uncertainty, trauma can become the anchor since there may be unknowns that arise during or right after a traumatic event. There may be a response to anchor in the trauma, which may be the most accessible anchor (availability heuristic), and look to judge the pending uncertainty from that point. 

Conceptually, strength-based approaches replace the trauma anchor with a strength as an anchor, which can change the adjustment that follows. For instance, facing uncertainty by anchoring in trauma could prompt someone to be more protective or conservative and perceive things from a negative or threatening outlook. But if anchoring in a strength, something positive, then the outlook may be more positive and less threatening because the there's more comfort and confidence in the anchor point.

There's certainly much more behind the approach, from a clinical perspective.

------------------------------
Lawrence Minnis
George Mason University
DC

Original Message:
Sent: 02-09-2026 11:55 AM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 02/09/2026 - Managing the Unknown

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"When I think of aversion to uncertainty, can you explain how trauma is or not related to a person's aversion to certainty?? How does strength based approaches work to remedy a person's uncertainty?" - @Christina Veloz

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA

Original Message:
Sent: 02-02-2026 07:39 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 02/09/2026 - Managing the Unknown

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Thank you Lawrence for answering my question thoughtfully and providing an example. I very much enjoyed your conversation and find your research compelling. I especially was interested in the mention of checking our values and feelings when we are working with people because everyone's adjustment to uncertainty is situational. I am following you on FB, Instagram and maybe may try and reach out to you in the future when I am starting my pet business. Thank you for caring! 

Hi Christina, 

I'm not a clinical psychologist so I am approaching this purely from the lens of behavioral cognition and decision-making. Recall the term, heuristics (i.e., mental shortcuts), that I used in the call.

One of the most common heuristics that people use is "anchoring and adjusting", which means we start with (anchor) an image or thought in mind and adjust our perception of the immediate environment from there. For example, a person may anchor in the memory of their old dog and review any adoptable dogs through comparison or contrast to their previous dog. So, they make judgments based on how the dogs in their immediate environment relate to their "old dog" memories.

When facing uncertainty, trauma can become the anchor since there may be unknowns that arise during or right after a traumatic event. There may be a response to anchor in the trauma, which may be the most accessible anchor (availability heuristic), and look to judge the pending uncertainty from that point. 

Conceptually, strength-based approaches replace the trauma anchor with a strength as an anchor, which can change the adjustment that follows. For instance, facing uncertainty by anchoring in trauma could prompt someone to be more protective or conservative and perceive things from a negative or threatening outlook. But if anchoring in a strength, something positive, then the outlook may be more positive and less threatening because the there's more comfort and confidence in the anchor point.

There's certainly much more behind the approach, from a clinical perspective.

------------------------------
Lawrence Minnis
George Mason University
DC

Original Message:
Sent: 02-09-2026 11:55 AM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 02/09/2026 - Managing the Unknown

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"When I think of aversion to uncertainty, can you explain how trauma is or not related to a person's aversion to certainty?? How does strength based approaches work to remedy a person's uncertainty?" - @Christina Veloz

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA

Original Message:
Sent: 02-02-2026 07:39 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 02/09/2026 - Managing the Unknown

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Can you speak to embracing uncertainty? We've often worked in systems that claim more certainty than we may actually have (shelter behavior predicting community behavior, the "right" way to prosecute animal "crimes" for prevention). How do you help teams and communities to transition to more acceptance of uncertainty?" - @Emily Wood

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"I volunteer for Against All Oddz Animal Alliance, a rescue/sanctuary in NYS.  I'm interested in donor relations since I am helping with raising funds.  How much of the uncertainty faced by organizations can be communicated to donors and potential donors whose support can alleviate that uncertainty?   Would that be seen as a weakness and actually discourage donors?" - @Joann Steinmetz

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"I volunteer for Against All Oddz Animal Alliance, a rescue/sanctuary in NYS.  I'm interested in donor relations since I am helping with raising funds.  How much of the uncertainty faced by organizations can be communicated to donors and potential donors whose support can alleviate that uncertainty?   Would that be seen as a weakness and actually discourage donors?" - @Joann Steinmetz

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

I would acknowledge bu not dwell on the uncertainty created by....  what?  National trends?  Other stuff?... and move on to what you know with certainty:  more animals in need, monthly sponsor support as a foundation for budgeting, committed and talented volunteers/staff, your cost-effectiveness, and specifically what their donation of X will provide for an animal(s) in your care.

Uncertainty can be addressed at each level by acknowledging our resources and strengths.  That is what I took from Lawrence's presentation, talking about the "top- down" approach and the need to address things at each level within the system

Look to your strengths and approach things with optimism generated by what you have already accomplished .

Warm regards,

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"I volunteer for Against All Oddz Animal Alliance, a rescue/sanctuary in NYS.  I'm interested in donor relations since I am helping with raising funds.  How much of the uncertainty faced by organizations can be communicated to donors and potential donors whose support can alleviate that uncertainty?   Would that be seen as a weakness and actually discourage donors?" - @Joann Steinmetz

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Updated 2/9/26 at 2:03 pm - Recording now available to watch on-demand!

Enter here for a chance to win the February Community Conversations giveaway after watching live or on-demand.

Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie's Fund.

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Managing the Unknown: Uncertainty, Behavior, and Better Outcomes in Animal Welfare" a conversation with @Lawrence Minnis, Graduate Student at George Mason University. 

Animal welfare organizations operate under constant uncertainty. Funding needs, staff and time limitations, adoption pressures, and the nonstop demands of animal care all shape how decisions get made. Uncertainty isn't just a challenge; it's the system that drives behavior across organizations, adopters, and communities.

This conversation looks at how uncertainty shows up in animal welfare and how it influences the choices organizations make. We'll explore the critical uncertainties AWOs face, how common responses are shaped by resource constraints and values-driven decision-making, and where those responses may unintentionally work against desired outcomes. We'll also examine uncertainty from the adopter's perspective, where decisions hinge on  comfort level and predictability rather than simply having more information.

This session invites audience members to step back and have more deliberate conversations about the uncertainties they're managing, their tolerance for uncertainty and change, and where small, intentional shifts could lead to better outcomes for animals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing & communications staff, senior & executive leaders - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Uncertainty for AWOs is systemic and environmental, not event-driven

• Uncertainty is the overarching umbrella under which pet seekers operate

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------