Animal Welfare Professionals

Thanks to the 169+ people and paws that joined us on today's Community Conversations call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand. 

Below you'll find a recap of the agenda, resources and highlights from the chat. Be sure to complete this grant giveaway form after attending live or watching the recording to enter to win up to a $5,000 grant: https://www.maddiesfund.org/weekly-community-conversations-apr25-giveaway.htm

• Welcome from Hosts
  • @Geraldine D'Silva, Human and Animal Wellbeing Consultant
  • @Nadia Oseguera-Ramon, California Program Manager at UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
    
    
• March Grant Winners
  • Weekly Community Conversations - 2 winners of $2,500 each
    • Kay Fellow, Dear Old Geezers, Burlington, TX
    • Rachel Shields, Handicapped Pets Foundation, Nashua NH
  • Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly $3,000 Giveaway
    • @David Diaz, Santa Barbara Animal County Services, Santa Barbara, CA
  • Maddie's Pet Forum Quarterly $1,000 Giveaway
    • @Alyssa Rodriguez, Cat Guardians TNR & Rescue, Salinas, CA
  • Maddie's Fund 30th Anniversary $1,000 Cuddly Prize Pack Giveaway
    • @Shelby Schulz (She/Her), Kentucky Humane Society, Louisville, KY
      
      
• National Updates
  • Join us this Thursday at 2 p.m. for a Pet Reunification with Field Services chat with Jace Huggins from San Diego Humane and Mike Wheeler from Cabot Animal Support Services. We have also added office hours after the presentation for those that have more in-depth questions or scenarios on Friday at 2 p.m. ET. You will receive the link after the webinar. Register here! https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8217386095602/WN_kcSfw6pNSo-SnOOIqK7sbA
    
    
  • Maddie's Fund Monthly Giveaways!  Enter here for a chance to win CA$H: Open to all who are watching live or on-demand! Be sure to enter each week you attend! https://www.maddiesfund.org/weekly-community-conversations-apr25-giveaway.htm
    
    
  • Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly Giveaway: Maddie's Fund^® is giving away a $3,000 grant each month to one lucky Maddie's^® Pet Forum member. You'll automatically be entered to win each month when you start a new discussion, reply to a new post. More info:  https://maddies.fund/mpfmonthlygiveaway
    
    
  • In celebration of Maddie's Fund 30th anniversary, Maddie's Fund and Cuddly have partnered to provide $1,000 in prizes monthly, for engaging on a special anniversary-related post on Maddie's Pet Forum. This April, we're celebrating Maddie's legacy together on Maddie's Pet Forum by honoring the pets who've inspired us to do more. Simply comment on this thread and you'll be entered to win a $1,000 Cuddly prize pack: https://maddies.fund/30YearsGiveawayApril2025
    
    
• Today's Presentation:  Integrating Social Workers Into Animal Welfare
  • Guest Speakers:
    • Alexis Telfair-Garcia, LMSW, Director of Social Work, Austin Pets Alive
    • Dillon Dodson, Director of Social Work, Toronto Humane Society
    • Monika Khuc, Community Support Manage, WAGS Pet Adoption
    • Raquel Bernaldo, Veterinary Social Worker and Program Manager, Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS)
      
      
  • Key Takeaways:
    • Cultural Agility and Compassion: Drawing on a social work perspective, Monika promotes accessible support systems that bridge cultural gaps and foster community bonds, ensuring inclusivity for all.
    • Strengthening Pet-Community Bonds: Through efforts like participation in the Tet Parade and outreach within Westminster's Vietnamese community, Monika helps keep pets, families, community members, and animal welfare organizations united.
    • Volunteer and Youth Engagement: Through tailored opportunities, Monika engages youth volunteers in meaningful roles such as animal care and community outreach, nurturing future advocates for animal welfare.
    • Language Accessibility: Monika offers on-the-spot translations, to ensures essential services remain accessible to all members of the community, reflecting on dedication to inclusivity and adaptability.
    • Emotional Support for Caregivers: Facilitating bi-weekly support groups, Monika provides a safe haven for staff, fosters, and volunteers to process the emotional challenges of their work.
    • Meaningful Connections: Thoughtful gestures like sharing pet loss resources and offering gratitude stones foster a compassionate and supportive community.
      
      
• Highlights from the Chat
  • "I'm so excited that we're here - I didn't know about these but now have my calendar blocked. I love to learn and discuss with other friends in animal welfare!" - Aaron Walker
  • "We are so honored for the grant!  A little bit about Handicapped Pets Foundation (hpets.org) - We provide wheelchairs nationwide to pets in families who cannot afford to buy the device on their own.  We recognize that having a disabled pet can be difficult to navigate, both emotionally and financially so our goal is to provide support to those wanting to help their disabled pet but are unable to afford to do so. We have also started recycling wheelchairs by connecting those with gently used mobility devices to pets in need.  So if any of you know of some extra pet wheelchairs, please feel free to reach out directly to me or complete the wheelchair donation form on our website." - Rachel Shields
  • "Thank you so much on behalf of Cat Guardians TNR & Rescue for the grant and building an amazing community! We are a relatively new non-profit (4 months). We recently rescued a cat who was found dragging his hind legs, unable to urinate or defacate on his own. We drove 9 hours to get him care and he's been at the hospital for about two weeks and is steadily improving under their care and daily physical therapy. This grant will help us help him and other special needs cases. Thanks again!" - Alyssa Rodriguez
  • "David Diaz here! From Santa Barbara County Animal Services ! Santa Barbara CA.  I've dedicated my time and life to rescuing and rehoming animals in need. Background: my career started as an Animal Control Officer, after a couple years I became a Veterinary Technician working in veterinary care for 4 years. I was blessed to partner with a Rescue group called SoCal Ausie networking group that pulls from hi risk shelters and helps dogs in neglect and abuse bringing them back to a loving full filled life ! I was giving an opportunity with Santa Barbara County Animal Services.  In my work and 8 years of experience I've learned humility and self-love, compassion for others and the impact from different cultures and perspectives on how to help every animal.  It's an honor to be selected as the 3000$ grant winner for March 2025.  Thank you all for everything you do for people and animals." - David Diaz
  • "In reference to an answer to the question, my passion strives from the love of animals I had growing up on a farm with dogs cats, pigs cows horses and chickens." - David Diaz
  • "Just wanted to say here at Santa Barbara County Animal Services, not passing judgement, breaking barriers for access to resource's and creating and community network has built a huge trust in our communities to our organization. I am the translator for our spanning speaking community members and often times I hear the community often saying about the old times and how now services are way better ." - David Diaz
  • "I wish these services had been available in my area back in 2012 when I was illegally evicted and had to surrender my dogs. I begged our local SPCA to help me and instead they ended up citing me for animal neglect and abandonment. At the time, I was suicidal and dealing with severe mental health issues. I needed compassion not punishment." - Wanda Miller
    • "Wanda, thank you for your bravery and for sharing your experience. Sending lots of love" - Robin O'Brien
    • "I am so sorry Wanda" - Geraldine D'Silva
      • "Thank you. It was a horrible experience, but it's driven me to help others in similar situations." - Wanda Miller
  • "If I may say, one thing SBCAS does amazing is checking in with our staff and recognizing the importance of compassion fatigue. We dedicate 30 minutes every morning 7days a week to have an active engagement meeting via Teams, updates are the focus however the last 15 minutes we do group stretching, breathing, and icebreaker questions unrelated to the work. Our director Sarah Aguilar attends these meetings and a few days a week a self-care coach volunteers her time to give us tips on how to reset and thrive mentally" - David Diaz
  • "To Raquel's point... It's important to encourage poor, vulnerable and marginalized people to take their seat at the table. Some people just need a little help learning how to advocate for themselves." - Wanda Miller
  • "Thanks so much to our panelists & hosts for this important conversation! I wanted to share information about the One Health Forum that is focused on continuing conversations like these through inter-professional collaboration. This brings together social service providers, animal welfare professionals and veterinary care all in one place. You can learn more here: https://forum.maddiesfund.org/onehealth/home. This is through a collaboration with the University of Tennessee Program for Pet Health Equity and Maddie's Fund. If you have a Maddie's Pet Forum / Maddie's University account, you can use your same login to join the One Health community." - Charlotte Otero
  • "100% thanks so much!" - Lucy Fernandez
  • "I've experienced the "old institutional way of thinking" and deterring from that mind set is important." - David Diaz
  • "Thank you so much for this presentation!!!" - Mary Flores
  • "Thank you, panelists and facilitators, for this amazing hour together" - Robin O'Brien
  • "Thank you all! Love the work you do :)" - Kathy Johnson Bruno Project
  • "Just amazing work!!!" - Emily Wood

Thank you for providing the playback.  I missed the live call, but I am curious about the calls (I've never participated before) and what to expect.  

Thanks to the 169+ people and paws that joined us on today's Community Conversations call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand. 

Below you'll find a recap of the agenda, resources and highlights from the chat. Be sure to complete this grant giveaway form after attending live or watching the recording to enter to win up to a $5,000 grant: https://www.maddiesfund.org/weekly-community-conversations-apr25-giveaway.htm

• Welcome from Hosts
  • @Geraldine D'Silva, Human and Animal Wellbeing Consultant
  • @Nadia Oseguera-Ramon, California Program Manager at UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
    
    
• March Grant Winners
  • Weekly Community Conversations - 2 winners of $2,500 each
    • Kay Fellow, Dear Old Geezers, Burlington, TX
    • Rachel Shields, Handicapped Pets Foundation, Nashua NH
  • Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly $3,000 Giveaway
    • @David Diaz, Santa Barbara Animal County Services, Santa Barbara, CA
  • Maddie's Pet Forum Quarterly $1,000 Giveaway
    • @Alyssa Rodriguez, Cat Guardians TNR & Rescue, Salinas, CA
  • Maddie's Fund 30th Anniversary $1,000 Cuddly Prize Pack Giveaway
    • @Shelby Schulz (She/Her), Kentucky Humane Society, Louisville, KY
      
      
• National Updates
  • Join us this Thursday at 2 p.m. for a Pet Reunification with Field Services chat with Jace Huggins from San Diego Humane and Mike Wheeler from Cabot Animal Support Services. We have also added office hours after the presentation for those that have more in-depth questions or scenarios on Friday at 2 p.m. ET. You will receive the link after the webinar. Register here! https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8217386095602/WN_kcSfw6pNSo-SnOOIqK7sbA
    
    
  • Maddie's Fund Monthly Giveaways!  Enter here for a chance to win CA$H: Open to all who are watching live or on-demand! Be sure to enter each week you attend! https://www.maddiesfund.org/weekly-community-conversations-apr25-giveaway.htm
    
    
  • Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly Giveaway: Maddie's Fund^® is giving away a $3,000 grant each month to one lucky Maddie's^® Pet Forum member. You'll automatically be entered to win each month when you start a new discussion, reply to a new post. More info:  https://maddies.fund/mpfmonthlygiveaway
    
    
  • In celebration of Maddie's Fund 30th anniversary, Maddie's Fund and Cuddly have partnered to provide $1,000 in prizes monthly, for engaging on a special anniversary-related post on Maddie's Pet Forum. This April, we're celebrating Maddie's legacy together on Maddie's Pet Forum by honoring the pets who've inspired us to do more. Simply comment on this thread and you'll be entered to win a $1,000 Cuddly prize pack: https://maddies.fund/30YearsGiveawayApril2025
    
    
• Today's Presentation:  Integrating Social Workers Into Animal Welfare
  • Guest Speakers:
    • Alexis Telfair-Garcia, LMSW, Director of Social Work, Austin Pets Alive
    • Dillon Dodson, Director of Social Work, Toronto Humane Society
    • Monika Khuc, Community Support Manage, WAGS Pet Adoption
    • Raquel Bernaldo, Veterinary Social Worker and Program Manager, Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS)
      
      
  • Key Takeaways:
    • Cultural Agility and Compassion: Drawing on a social work perspective, Monika promotes accessible support systems that bridge cultural gaps and foster community bonds, ensuring inclusivity for all.
    • Strengthening Pet-Community Bonds: Through efforts like participation in the Tet Parade and outreach within Westminster's Vietnamese community, Monika helps keep pets, families, community members, and animal welfare organizations united.
    • Volunteer and Youth Engagement: Through tailored opportunities, Monika engages youth volunteers in meaningful roles such as animal care and community outreach, nurturing future advocates for animal welfare.
    • Language Accessibility: Monika offers on-the-spot translations, to ensures essential services remain accessible to all members of the community, reflecting on dedication to inclusivity and adaptability.
    • Emotional Support for Caregivers: Facilitating bi-weekly support groups, Monika provides a safe haven for staff, fosters, and volunteers to process the emotional challenges of their work.
    • Meaningful Connections: Thoughtful gestures like sharing pet loss resources and offering gratitude stones foster a compassionate and supportive community.
      
      
• Highlights from the Chat
  • "I'm so excited that we're here - I didn't know about these but now have my calendar blocked. I love to learn and discuss with other friends in animal welfare!" - Aaron Walker
  • "We are so honored for the grant!  A little bit about Handicapped Pets Foundation (hpets.org) - We provide wheelchairs nationwide to pets in families who cannot afford to buy the device on their own.  We recognize that having a disabled pet can be difficult to navigate, both emotionally and financially so our goal is to provide support to those wanting to help their disabled pet but are unable to afford to do so. We have also started recycling wheelchairs by connecting those with gently used mobility devices to pets in need.  So if any of you know of some extra pet wheelchairs, please feel free to reach out directly to me or complete the wheelchair donation form on our website." - Rachel Shields
  • "Thank you so much on behalf of Cat Guardians TNR & Rescue for the grant and building an amazing community! We are a relatively new non-profit (4 months). We recently rescued a cat who was found dragging his hind legs, unable to urinate or defacate on his own. We drove 9 hours to get him care and he's been at the hospital for about two weeks and is steadily improving under their care and daily physical therapy. This grant will help us help him and other special needs cases. Thanks again!" - Alyssa Rodriguez
  • "David Diaz here! From Santa Barbara County Animal Services ! Santa Barbara CA.  I've dedicated my time and life to rescuing and rehoming animals in need. Background: my career started as an Animal Control Officer, after a couple years I became a Veterinary Technician working in veterinary care for 4 years. I was blessed to partner with a Rescue group called SoCal Ausie networking group that pulls from hi risk shelters and helps dogs in neglect and abuse bringing them back to a loving full filled life ! I was giving an opportunity with Santa Barbara County Animal Services.  In my work and 8 years of experience I've learned humility and self-love, compassion for others and the impact from different cultures and perspectives on how to help every animal.  It's an honor to be selected as the 3000$ grant winner for March 2025.  Thank you all for everything you do for people and animals." - David Diaz
  • "In reference to an answer to the question, my passion strives from the love of animals I had growing up on a farm with dogs cats, pigs cows horses and chickens." - David Diaz
  • "Just wanted to say here at Santa Barbara County Animal Services, not passing judgement, breaking barriers for access to resource's and creating and community network has built a huge trust in our communities to our organization. I am the translator for our spanning speaking community members and often times I hear the community often saying about the old times and how now services are way better ." - David Diaz
  • "I wish these services had been available in my area back in 2012 when I was illegally evicted and had to surrender my dogs. I begged our local SPCA to help me and instead they ended up citing me for animal neglect and abandonment. At the time, I was suicidal and dealing with severe mental health issues. I needed compassion not punishment." - Wanda Miller
    • "Wanda, thank you for your bravery and for sharing your experience. Sending lots of love" - Robin O'Brien
    • "I am so sorry Wanda" - Geraldine D'Silva
      • "Thank you. It was a horrible experience, but it's driven me to help others in similar situations." - Wanda Miller
  • "If I may say, one thing SBCAS does amazing is checking in with our staff and recognizing the importance of compassion fatigue. We dedicate 30 minutes every morning 7days a week to have an active engagement meeting via Teams, updates are the focus however the last 15 minutes we do group stretching, breathing, and icebreaker questions unrelated to the work. Our director Sarah Aguilar attends these meetings and a few days a week a self-care coach volunteers her time to give us tips on how to reset and thrive mentally" - David Diaz
  • "To Raquel's point... It's important to encourage poor, vulnerable and marginalized people to take their seat at the table. Some people just need a little help learning how to advocate for themselves." - Wanda Miller
  • "Thanks so much to our panelists & hosts for this important conversation! I wanted to share information about the One Health Forum that is focused on continuing conversations like these through inter-professional collaboration. This brings together social service providers, animal welfare professionals and veterinary care all in one place. You can learn more here: https://forum.maddiesfund.org/onehealth/home. This is through a collaboration with the University of Tennessee Program for Pet Health Equity and Maddie's Fund. If you have a Maddie's Pet Forum / Maddie's University account, you can use your same login to join the One Health community." - Charlotte Otero
  • "100% thanks so much!" - Lucy Fernandez
  • "I've experienced the "old institutional way of thinking" and deterring from that mind set is important." - David Diaz
  • "Thank you so much for this presentation!!!" - Mary Flores
  • "Thank you, panelists and facilitators, for this amazing hour together" - Robin O'Brien
  • "Thank you all! Love the work you do :)" - Kathy Johnson Bruno Project
  • "Just amazing work!!!" - Emily Wood

Thanks to the 169+ people and paws that joined us on today's Community Conversations call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand. 

Below you'll find a recap of the agenda, resources and highlights from the chat. Be sure to complete this grant giveaway form after attending live or watching the recording to enter to win up to a $5,000 grant: https://www.maddiesfund.org/weekly-community-conversations-apr25-giveaway.htm

• Welcome from Hosts
  • @Geraldine D'Silva, Human and Animal Wellbeing Consultant
  • @Nadia Oseguera-Ramon, California Program Manager at UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
    
    
• March Grant Winners
  • Weekly Community Conversations - 2 winners of $2,500 each
    • Kay Fellow, Dear Old Geezers, Burlington, TX
    • Rachel Shields, Handicapped Pets Foundation, Nashua NH
  • Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly $3,000 Giveaway
    • @David Diaz, Santa Barbara Animal County Services, Santa Barbara, CA
  • Maddie's Pet Forum Quarterly $1,000 Giveaway
    • @Alyssa Rodriguez, Cat Guardians TNR & Rescue, Salinas, CA
  • Maddie's Fund 30th Anniversary $1,000 Cuddly Prize Pack Giveaway
    • @Shelby Schulz (She/Her), Kentucky Humane Society, Louisville, KY
      
      
• National Updates
  • Join us this Thursday at 2 p.m. for a Pet Reunification with Field Services chat with Jace Huggins from San Diego Humane and Mike Wheeler from Cabot Animal Support Services. We have also added office hours after the presentation for those that have more in-depth questions or scenarios on Friday at 2 p.m. ET. You will receive the link after the webinar. Register here! https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8217386095602/WN_kcSfw6pNSo-SnOOIqK7sbA
    
    
  • Maddie's Fund Monthly Giveaways!  Enter here for a chance to win CA$H: Open to all who are watching live or on-demand! Be sure to enter each week you attend! https://www.maddiesfund.org/weekly-community-conversations-apr25-giveaway.htm
    
    
  • Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly Giveaway: Maddie's Fund^® is giving away a $3,000 grant each month to one lucky Maddie's^® Pet Forum member. You'll automatically be entered to win each month when you start a new discussion, reply to a new post. More info:  https://maddies.fund/mpfmonthlygiveaway
    
    
  • In celebration of Maddie's Fund 30th anniversary, Maddie's Fund and Cuddly have partnered to provide $1,000 in prizes monthly, for engaging on a special anniversary-related post on Maddie's Pet Forum. This April, we're celebrating Maddie's legacy together on Maddie's Pet Forum by honoring the pets who've inspired us to do more. Simply comment on this thread and you'll be entered to win a $1,000 Cuddly prize pack: https://maddies.fund/30YearsGiveawayApril2025
    
    
• Today's Presentation:  Integrating Social Workers Into Animal Welfare
  • Guest Speakers:
    • Alexis Telfair-Garcia, LMSW, Director of Social Work, Austin Pets Alive
    • Dillon Dodson, Director of Social Work, Toronto Humane Society
    • Monika Khuc, Community Support Manage, WAGS Pet Adoption
    • Raquel Bernaldo, Veterinary Social Worker and Program Manager, Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS)
      
      
  • Key Takeaways:
    • Cultural Agility and Compassion: Drawing on a social work perspective, Monika promotes accessible support systems that bridge cultural gaps and foster community bonds, ensuring inclusivity for all.
    • Strengthening Pet-Community Bonds: Through efforts like participation in the Tet Parade and outreach within Westminster's Vietnamese community, Monika helps keep pets, families, community members, and animal welfare organizations united.
    • Volunteer and Youth Engagement: Through tailored opportunities, Monika engages youth volunteers in meaningful roles such as animal care and community outreach, nurturing future advocates for animal welfare.
    • Language Accessibility: Monika offers on-the-spot translations, to ensures essential services remain accessible to all members of the community, reflecting on dedication to inclusivity and adaptability.
    • Emotional Support for Caregivers: Facilitating bi-weekly support groups, Monika provides a safe haven for staff, fosters, and volunteers to process the emotional challenges of their work.
    • Meaningful Connections: Thoughtful gestures like sharing pet loss resources and offering gratitude stones foster a compassionate and supportive community.
      
      
• Highlights from the Chat
  • "I'm so excited that we're here - I didn't know about these but now have my calendar blocked. I love to learn and discuss with other friends in animal welfare!" - Aaron Walker
  • "We are so honored for the grant!  A little bit about Handicapped Pets Foundation (hpets.org) - We provide wheelchairs nationwide to pets in families who cannot afford to buy the device on their own.  We recognize that having a disabled pet can be difficult to navigate, both emotionally and financially so our goal is to provide support to those wanting to help their disabled pet but are unable to afford to do so. We have also started recycling wheelchairs by connecting those with gently used mobility devices to pets in need.  So if any of you know of some extra pet wheelchairs, please feel free to reach out directly to me or complete the wheelchair donation form on our website." - Rachel Shields
  • "Thank you so much on behalf of Cat Guardians TNR & Rescue for the grant and building an amazing community! We are a relatively new non-profit (4 months). We recently rescued a cat who was found dragging his hind legs, unable to urinate or defacate on his own. We drove 9 hours to get him care and he's been at the hospital for about two weeks and is steadily improving under their care and daily physical therapy. This grant will help us help him and other special needs cases. Thanks again!" - Alyssa Rodriguez
  • "David Diaz here! From Santa Barbara County Animal Services ! Santa Barbara CA.  I've dedicated my time and life to rescuing and rehoming animals in need. Background: my career started as an Animal Control Officer, after a couple years I became a Veterinary Technician working in veterinary care for 4 years. I was blessed to partner with a Rescue group called SoCal Ausie networking group that pulls from hi risk shelters and helps dogs in neglect and abuse bringing them back to a loving full filled life ! I was giving an opportunity with Santa Barbara County Animal Services.  In my work and 8 years of experience I've learned humility and self-love, compassion for others and the impact from different cultures and perspectives on how to help every animal.  It's an honor to be selected as the 3000$ grant winner for March 2025.  Thank you all for everything you do for people and animals." - David Diaz
  • "In reference to an answer to the question, my passion strives from the love of animals I had growing up on a farm with dogs cats, pigs cows horses and chickens." - David Diaz
  • "Just wanted to say here at Santa Barbara County Animal Services, not passing judgement, breaking barriers for access to resource's and creating and community network has built a huge trust in our communities to our organization. I am the translator for our spanning speaking community members and often times I hear the community often saying about the old times and how now services are way better ." - David Diaz
  • "I wish these services had been available in my area back in 2012 when I was illegally evicted and had to surrender my dogs. I begged our local SPCA to help me and instead they ended up citing me for animal neglect and abandonment. At the time, I was suicidal and dealing with severe mental health issues. I needed compassion not punishment." - Wanda Miller
    • "Wanda, thank you for your bravery and for sharing your experience. Sending lots of love" - Robin O'Brien
    • "I am so sorry Wanda" - Geraldine D'Silva
      • "Thank you. It was a horrible experience, but it's driven me to help others in similar situations." - Wanda Miller
  • "If I may say, one thing SBCAS does amazing is checking in with our staff and recognizing the importance of compassion fatigue. We dedicate 30 minutes every morning 7days a week to have an active engagement meeting via Teams, updates are the focus however the last 15 minutes we do group stretching, breathing, and icebreaker questions unrelated to the work. Our director Sarah Aguilar attends these meetings and a few days a week a self-care coach volunteers her time to give us tips on how to reset and thrive mentally" - David Diaz
  • "To Raquel's point... It's important to encourage poor, vulnerable and marginalized people to take their seat at the table. Some people just need a little help learning how to advocate for themselves." - Wanda Miller
  • "Thanks so much to our panelists & hosts for this important conversation! I wanted to share information about the One Health Forum that is focused on continuing conversations like these through inter-professional collaboration. This brings together social service providers, animal welfare professionals and veterinary care all in one place. You can learn more here: https://forum.maddiesfund.org/onehealth/home. This is through a collaboration with the University of Tennessee Program for Pet Health Equity and Maddie's Fund. If you have a Maddie's Pet Forum / Maddie's University account, you can use your same login to join the One Health community." - Charlotte Otero
  • "100% thanks so much!" - Lucy Fernandez
  • "I've experienced the "old institutional way of thinking" and deterring from that mind set is important." - David Diaz
  • "Thank you so much for this presentation!!!" - Mary Flores
  • "Thank you, panelists and facilitators, for this amazing hour together" - Robin O'Brien
  • "Thank you all! Love the work you do :)" - Kathy Johnson Bruno Project
  • "Just amazing work!!!" - Emily Wood

I came to the shelter I work at, The Kentucky Humane Society, having been burned out working as a domestic violence shelter social worker. I am thankful every week that I was able to use my knowledge and experience from social work, since I started working for KHS in 2014 to advocate for, develop and implement:

• A positive and compassionate organizational culture
• De-escalation and Trauma-informed care training for all public facing staff
• Pet Retention programs provided with social work inspired case management

It is so satisfying and heartening to see the animal welfare industry finally understand, embrace and advocate for social work principles. We cannot help pets without helping people!

I am so excited to use what I have learned through this webinar and last week's webinar on Cultural Agility to inform and improve our organization and my department, Pet Retention Services, in particular.

Thanks to the 169+ people and paws that joined us on today's Community Conversations call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand. 

Below you'll find a recap of the agenda, resources and highlights from the chat. Be sure to complete this grant giveaway form after attending live or watching the recording to enter to win up to a $5,000 grant: https://www.maddiesfund.org/weekly-community-conversations-apr25-giveaway.htm

• Welcome from Hosts
  • @Geraldine D'Silva, Human and Animal Wellbeing Consultant
  • @Nadia Oseguera-Ramon, California Program Manager at UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
    
    
• March Grant Winners
  • Weekly Community Conversations - 2 winners of $2,500 each
    • Kay Fellow, Dear Old Geezers, Burlington, TX
    • Rachel Shields, Handicapped Pets Foundation, Nashua NH
  • Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly $3,000 Giveaway
    • @David Diaz, Santa Barbara Animal County Services, Santa Barbara, CA
  • Maddie's Pet Forum Quarterly $1,000 Giveaway
    • @Alyssa Rodriguez, Cat Guardians TNR & Rescue, Salinas, CA
  • Maddie's Fund 30th Anniversary $1,000 Cuddly Prize Pack Giveaway
    • @Shelby Schulz (She/Her), Kentucky Humane Society, Louisville, KY
      
      
• National Updates
  • Join us this Thursday at 2 p.m. for a Pet Reunification with Field Services chat with Jace Huggins from San Diego Humane and Mike Wheeler from Cabot Animal Support Services. We have also added office hours after the presentation for those that have more in-depth questions or scenarios on Friday at 2 p.m. ET. You will receive the link after the webinar. Register here! https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8217386095602/WN_kcSfw6pNSo-SnOOIqK7sbA
    
    
  • Maddie's Fund Monthly Giveaways!  Enter here for a chance to win CA$H: Open to all who are watching live or on-demand! Be sure to enter each week you attend! https://www.maddiesfund.org/weekly-community-conversations-apr25-giveaway.htm
    
    
  • Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly Giveaway: Maddie's Fund^® is giving away a $3,000 grant each month to one lucky Maddie's^® Pet Forum member. You'll automatically be entered to win each month when you start a new discussion, reply to a new post. More info:  https://maddies.fund/mpfmonthlygiveaway
    
    
  • In celebration of Maddie's Fund 30th anniversary, Maddie's Fund and Cuddly have partnered to provide $1,000 in prizes monthly, for engaging on a special anniversary-related post on Maddie's Pet Forum. This April, we're celebrating Maddie's legacy together on Maddie's Pet Forum by honoring the pets who've inspired us to do more. Simply comment on this thread and you'll be entered to win a $1,000 Cuddly prize pack: https://maddies.fund/30YearsGiveawayApril2025
    
    
• Today's Presentation:  Integrating Social Workers Into Animal Welfare
  • Guest Speakers:
    • Alexis Telfair-Garcia, LMSW, Director of Social Work, Austin Pets Alive
    • Dillon Dodson, Director of Social Work, Toronto Humane Society
    • Monika Khuc, Community Support Manage, WAGS Pet Adoption
    • Raquel Bernaldo, Veterinary Social Worker and Program Manager, Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS)
      
      
  • Key Takeaways:
    • Cultural Agility and Compassion: Drawing on a social work perspective, Monika promotes accessible support systems that bridge cultural gaps and foster community bonds, ensuring inclusivity for all.
    • Strengthening Pet-Community Bonds: Through efforts like participation in the Tet Parade and outreach within Westminster's Vietnamese community, Monika helps keep pets, families, community members, and animal welfare organizations united.
    • Volunteer and Youth Engagement: Through tailored opportunities, Monika engages youth volunteers in meaningful roles such as animal care and community outreach, nurturing future advocates for animal welfare.
    • Language Accessibility: Monika offers on-the-spot translations, to ensures essential services remain accessible to all members of the community, reflecting on dedication to inclusivity and adaptability.
    • Emotional Support for Caregivers: Facilitating bi-weekly support groups, Monika provides a safe haven for staff, fosters, and volunteers to process the emotional challenges of their work.
    • Meaningful Connections: Thoughtful gestures like sharing pet loss resources and offering gratitude stones foster a compassionate and supportive community.
      
      
• Highlights from the Chat
  • "I'm so excited that we're here - I didn't know about these but now have my calendar blocked. I love to learn and discuss with other friends in animal welfare!" - Aaron Walker
  • "We are so honored for the grant!  A little bit about Handicapped Pets Foundation (hpets.org) - We provide wheelchairs nationwide to pets in families who cannot afford to buy the device on their own.  We recognize that having a disabled pet can be difficult to navigate, both emotionally and financially so our goal is to provide support to those wanting to help their disabled pet but are unable to afford to do so. We have also started recycling wheelchairs by connecting those with gently used mobility devices to pets in need.  So if any of you know of some extra pet wheelchairs, please feel free to reach out directly to me or complete the wheelchair donation form on our website." - Rachel Shields
  • "Thank you so much on behalf of Cat Guardians TNR & Rescue for the grant and building an amazing community! We are a relatively new non-profit (4 months). We recently rescued a cat who was found dragging his hind legs, unable to urinate or defacate on his own. We drove 9 hours to get him care and he's been at the hospital for about two weeks and is steadily improving under their care and daily physical therapy. This grant will help us help him and other special needs cases. Thanks again!" - Alyssa Rodriguez
  • "David Diaz here! From Santa Barbara County Animal Services ! Santa Barbara CA.  I've dedicated my time and life to rescuing and rehoming animals in need. Background: my career started as an Animal Control Officer, after a couple years I became a Veterinary Technician working in veterinary care for 4 years. I was blessed to partner with a Rescue group called SoCal Ausie networking group that pulls from hi risk shelters and helps dogs in neglect and abuse bringing them back to a loving full filled life ! I was giving an opportunity with Santa Barbara County Animal Services.  In my work and 8 years of experience I've learned humility and self-love, compassion for others and the impact from different cultures and perspectives on how to help every animal.  It's an honor to be selected as the 3000$ grant winner for March 2025.  Thank you all for everything you do for people and animals." - David Diaz
  • "In reference to an answer to the question, my passion strives from the love of animals I had growing up on a farm with dogs cats, pigs cows horses and chickens." - David Diaz
  • "Just wanted to say here at Santa Barbara County Animal Services, not passing judgement, breaking barriers for access to resource's and creating and community network has built a huge trust in our communities to our organization. I am the translator for our spanning speaking community members and often times I hear the community often saying about the old times and how now services are way better ." - David Diaz
  • "I wish these services had been available in my area back in 2012 when I was illegally evicted and had to surrender my dogs. I begged our local SPCA to help me and instead they ended up citing me for animal neglect and abandonment. At the time, I was suicidal and dealing with severe mental health issues. I needed compassion not punishment." - Wanda Miller
    • "Wanda, thank you for your bravery and for sharing your experience. Sending lots of love" - Robin O'Brien
    • "I am so sorry Wanda" - Geraldine D'Silva
      • "Thank you. It was a horrible experience, but it's driven me to help others in similar situations." - Wanda Miller
  • "If I may say, one thing SBCAS does amazing is checking in with our staff and recognizing the importance of compassion fatigue. We dedicate 30 minutes every morning 7days a week to have an active engagement meeting via Teams, updates are the focus however the last 15 minutes we do group stretching, breathing, and icebreaker questions unrelated to the work. Our director Sarah Aguilar attends these meetings and a few days a week a self-care coach volunteers her time to give us tips on how to reset and thrive mentally" - David Diaz
  • "To Raquel's point... It's important to encourage poor, vulnerable and marginalized people to take their seat at the table. Some people just need a little help learning how to advocate for themselves." - Wanda Miller
  • "Thanks so much to our panelists & hosts for this important conversation! I wanted to share information about the One Health Forum that is focused on continuing conversations like these through inter-professional collaboration. This brings together social service providers, animal welfare professionals and veterinary care all in one place. You can learn more here: https://forum.maddiesfund.org/onehealth/home. This is through a collaboration with the University of Tennessee Program for Pet Health Equity and Maddie's Fund. If you have a Maddie's Pet Forum / Maddie's University account, you can use your same login to join the One Health community." - Charlotte Otero
  • "100% thanks so much!" - Lucy Fernandez
  • "I've experienced the "old institutional way of thinking" and deterring from that mind set is important." - David Diaz
  • "Thank you so much for this presentation!!!" - Mary Flores
  • "Thank you, panelists and facilitators, for this amazing hour together" - Robin O'Brien
  • "Thank you all! Love the work you do :)" - Kathy Johnson Bruno Project
  • "Just amazing work!!!" - Emily Wood

Unanswered questions from the chat:

"Aaron Walker from Kansas Humane Society on the call today. Super excited about this topic. I'm hoping we can talk, in some way, about what resources might be available for funding a position like this in the animal welfare world." - Aaron Walker 

"Sol Dog Lodge's mission is to support all dogs and the people who love them. We are GREAT with dogs! But sometimes their people need more than we can provide. We refer these people out to other organizations, of course. But we also feel that we could do better if we had professional social worker staff. That's a big leap for us! So where might we start???" - Mary Flores

Hi Aaron, and hello to the team at Sol Dog Lodge!

Your question about funding is one I hear often from organizations interested about  integrating a social work lens into animal welfare. A few considerations for where to start:

• Local or regional foundations with an interest in community health, housing, or mental health are often very open to cross-sector innovation-especially when it aligns with One Health or violence prevention.

• Look into grant opportunities through human service networks-especially those focused on family violence prevention, housing security, or underserved populations. When you centre the human-animal bond, your proposal often resonates deeply across multiple funders.

• Consider university partnerships-you may be able to bring on a BSW or  MSW intern through a placement or pilot project, which can help demonstrate impact before funding a permanent position.

• Consider posting a volunteer position specifically for a social worker who's interested in building out this type of role.

• Some animal welfare orgs have had success including social work positions in municipal budget proposals, especially where the role intersects with community outreach or public health or safety.

• I have also heard of a  rescues/orgs in similar geographic regions pooling their funds so they hire 1 social worker and share among their organizations.
• Hiring a social worker is a great step, but not the only option. You might also consider skilling up your existing team with some targeted training on how to support clients facing crisis, trauma, or systemic barriers, alongside building strong referral partnerships with local human service providers. This can be a great way to start integrating a social work lens into your work.

I admire your acknowledging your strength with dogs and the needs of the people who love them. That's the perfect foundation. You don't need to do it all at once-start small. Maybe it's building a relationship with a local social work program, developing an info guide to give out to clients on local resources, or hosting an info session with community partners about common barriers pet guardians face and seeing if they have interest/ideas on collaboration or even exchanging expertise.

You're absolutely on the right track. It takes bold steps to bridge these worlds, and I'd be more than happy to connect 1:1 if helpful.

Finally, please do consider reaching out to the International Association of Veterinary Social Workers; we'd be happy to speak with you about locating regional social workers in your area.   Dillon Dodson ddodson@torontohumanesociety.com; www.iavsw.org

Unanswered questions from the chat:

"Aaron Walker from Kansas Humane Society on the call today. Super excited about this topic. I'm hoping we can talk, in some way, about what resources might be available for funding a position like this in the animal welfare world." - Aaron Walker 

"Sol Dog Lodge's mission is to support all dogs and the people who love them. We are GREAT with dogs! But sometimes their people need more than we can provide. We refer these people out to other organizations, of course. But we also feel that we could do better if we had professional social worker staff. That's a big leap for us! So where might we start???" - Mary Flores

Great conversation, I do agree that we should call it an "animal food bank", giving it a more elevated name/service.   These animals are equally in need of shelter, food, and respect just as humans when homeless or in financial crisis.  Also agreeing with Alexis's point of view on how we look at people in shelters who have pets. Sometimes it has been voiced, if you are homeless or in need get rid of the animal.  That is not always the answer, yet a cold statement, at that. These individuals are trying to keep their pet (like a family member) with them.  These animals sometimes are what keeps the people going. It is heart breaking to just give them up and at times will forfeit their food to feed the pet.  Just as parents eat less to feed their children.  Also adding in, with Raquel, some individuals who have animals get strength from them and steer them from suicidal thoughts/attempts/etc. It gives them, something to hold onto, sense of respect/responsibility and belonging. Integrating social workers into animal welfare is fantasic, as we do this for people, and animals are a living thing as well, deserving just as much respect, help, aide, and services.  

Thank you so much for your thoughts and participation in the conversation, Terri. Animal wellbeing and human well being  are not separate worlds-human and animal needs are deeply intertwined. Just as we engage wraparound supports for people, we must extend the same compassion and infrastructure to animals  with their people who are affected by the same social issues.

Great conversation, I do agree that we should call it an "animal food bank", giving it a more elevated name/service.   These animals are equally in need of shelter, food, and respect just as humans when homeless or in financial crisis.  Also agreeing with Alexis's point of view on how we look at people in shelters who have pets. Sometimes it has been voiced, if you are homeless or in need get rid of the animal.  That is not always the answer, yet a cold statement, at that. These individuals are trying to keep their pet (like a family member) with them.  These animals sometimes are what keeps the people going. It is heart breaking to just give them up and at times will forfeit their food to feed the pet.  Just as parents eat less to feed their children.  Also adding in, with Raquel, some individuals who have animals get strength from them and steer them from suicidal thoughts/attempts/etc. It gives them, something to hold onto, sense of respect/responsibility and belonging. Integrating social workers into animal welfare is fantasic, as we do this for people, and animals are a living thing as well, deserving just as much respect, help, aide, and services.