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Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

  • 1.  Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-04-2024 11:04 AM

    Greetings Animal-Wellbeing Unicorns!

    One thing I always hear is that the only constant in life is change. With change comes uncertainty, excitement, and sometimes fear. Often, when talking with shelter staff, rescue workers, and other stakeholders, they mention that one of the most challenging parts of their work is managing people through change.

    This is where we want to hear from you: What has been the greatest change you've navigated? What did you learn?

    Our intention is to feature 3-4 stories at our upcoming June 24th Community Conversation call.

    I look forward to hearing your stories and learning from the collective wisdom of this community.

    All my best,

    José Ocaño

    Jose@hatching.me


    #OrganizationalManagement

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    José Ocaño
    Founder and CEO
    Hatching
    CA
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  • 2.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-11-2024 01:55 PM

    The first big change I navigated was working for a large municipal shelter. This  organization that had historically been heels in the ground and navigating change was known to be...erm... difficult. At the time, behavior departments were new and few. Cue in a new department head that would focus specifically on behavior and enrichment programs and hire a team to handle it at each location.. They brought in "Dogs Playing for Life" - a program unheard of at the time. I remember being excited to interview, hoping that I'd be selected as a Behavior Team member. Once I got the position - I knew it'd be smooth sailing. But.. I was wrong.

    Some staff members and leadership open spoke poorly of the program to those working within it. They'd openly talk about how the dogs would hurt themselves or others, with a focus on certain breeds. The shelter at the time wouldn't even house blocky headed dogs together for "safety". Leadership refused to assign the support staff needed for it to be successful per the agreement, in lieu of other task they deemed more important;  They openly asked me "what qualifications do you have to even make these decisions?", as if I hadn't applied and interviewed for the position fairly with a background in dog training. I felt like we'd never have a successful program. But eventually we did.

    I remember relying heavily on those that did support me, including my manager to find wins every day in the work we did. Dogs that were successfully matched in playgroup, overcoming my own doubts during dog introductions, helping my coworkers grow through theirs, watching dogs go home with notes that I had written. I'd take video and photos of the work we did and share it as much as I could. There were still nay-sayers, but I made sure that I spoke louder of the success and impact of the program than they ever could. This culture shift adjustment was the foundation for how I approach difficulties now.

    I learned to speak up for myself, and for others to proper channels even if they didn't listen. I learned to celebrate my wins and the wins of those around me, because our support fueled our desire to keep doing the good work. I learned do focus on doing good things and telling people about it. 



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    Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA
    Program + Operations Management
    Behavior Manager
    Operation Kindness
    www.operationkindness.org
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  • 3.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-22-2024 03:50 PM

    I do remember a program called Dogs Playing for Life being implemented at the shelter where I worked. This was met with mixed feelings from staff and I imagine that some of that apprehension must have been felt by some of the dogs involved in those initial first sessions because they were a bit chaotic, to put it mildly, In fact, there were a significant enough number of fights (dogs and people alike) that it was advised to abandon the program. However, much was learned from that experience and it was later revised with a better understanding  of the program itself, of how dogs interact, and how to progress as an organization. Also, thinking back on that, it was just one of the many ways that the field of animal sheltering has progressed. 
       Well done, sticking up for yourself, your beliefs and abilities, and of your coworkers.



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    Debbie (Hogan) Johnson
    [Former Animal Care Associate]
    Newark, Ca
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  • 4.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-20-2024 01:10 PM

    Well, after over 18 years working for the same nonprofit animal shelter here in the Cali East Bay, I've had to "retire" due to osteoarthritis and chronic lower back problems.  Aging and wear and tear from almost two decades at an extremely rewarding but physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing position, which evolved from a Kennel Attendant to an Animal Care Associate. 

         Yes, in all of my 18 years in animal sheltering, I have seen many, many changes. Kennels went from metal bars and concrete with a long trench at the back of the rows of intake cages with nothing more than a big ol' fan for ventilation to state of the art OSHA standard wards and proper environmentally sound individualized ventilation and irrigation/drainage systems and sound proofing. Cat enclosures went from open rooms that were too close to dogs for comfort with metal cages that provided no hiding space away from humans or their litter boxes to sound proof condos with shelf space, hiding areas, and their own space both in the Adoption area and intake/holding/isolation, blissfully apart from dogs. We went from animal care staff basically winging animal behavior protocol to a specialized behavior department.  Volunteers used to have to essentially shadow staff in order to learn until the Volunteer department was able to develop a well structured training program which I had the privilege to help structure at one point, as far as protocol was concerned. This helped me immensely to come out of my extremely introverted shell, develop leadership skills as well as some very meaningful friendships with a diverse group of people through the years.  Even during the pandemic, when the world was sheltering in place, the organization adapted, keeping staff connected, paid, insured, educated and involved, for which I was truly thankful. I have learned so much from the privilege of working for that shelter from day to day duties to webinars and seminars, meaningful interactions between both the two-legged and four-legged. I have seen animal sheltering become a legitimate, well respected profession, as it has always deserved to be. 

       Although I have been "retired" from my position at this particular shelter, I am forever grateful for the experience and, in spite of my (slowly) aging body, I am still dedicated to the animal sheltering/animal welfare field. This is not the sort of career that one can just toss aside for another. I realize this and would gladly welcome the opportunity to remain relevant and involved.  That being said, if anyone knows of any way that I can still be of service, I would appreciate it...as I appreciate you all for what you do.  Thanks.,



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    Debbie (Hogan) Johnson
    Shelter or rescue staff
    East Bay SPCA Oakland
    Oakland
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  • 5.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-21-2024 08:47 AM

    Hi Debbie,

    Congratulations on your "retirement"! Your insights into the evolution of animal shelters inspire hope that we will continue to work toward a more compassionate world of sheltering. As we learn more about dogs' behaviors through science, I am optimistic that we will prioritize their welfare and well-being. We deeply appreciate your 18 years of dedicated service, your enthusiasm, your tenacity, and your commitment to understanding both two-legged and four-legged beings. The next chapter awaits, and we are excited for what's to come.



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    Julielani Chang
    The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
    Davis CA
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  • 6.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-22-2024 02:57 PM

    Thanks so much, Julielani. I like the name. :-) Really, I don't feel retired. I've just had to slow down a bit on the physical side of animal sheltering…but after so many years and experiences in the field, I'm not ready to hang it up just yet. This work really gets into you; it stays with you. And yes, animal sheltering, animal rescue, animal welfare…It’s all come so far and there’s still so much to learn and to be done.  Keep calm and soldier on.



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    Debbie (Hogan) Johnson
    [Former Animal Care Associate]
    Newark, Ca
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  • 7.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-21-2024 10:37 AM

    Debbie - what a courageous story. I support CCAS and CCHS as dog walker and counselor. Would you be willing to advise on "rally for rescues" to advance kennel volunteer tools like better intake photos, walker logs and framing the ideal playbook for dog adoption from shelters? 

    Rally for Rescues image



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    Peter Buck
    Founder
    Cortex
    CA
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  • 8.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-22-2024 02:48 PM

    Hello, Peter. Thanks very much for the compliment and for what you do to help animals at the CCAS and CCHS (Contra Costa, yes?). I was unaware of a "rally for rescues" in that area but would welcome the opportunity to help in any way that I can. I'm flattered for the invitation to advise, even though I do not presume to be an expert or authority. :-) Please let me know how I might be of assistance. I am actually located in Newark, CA, which is in Alameda County. Again, thank you. 



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    Debbie (Hogan) Johnson
    [Former Animal Care Associate]
    Newark, Ca
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  • 9.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-22-2024 05:02 AM

    The biggest change over the last 10  plus years has been going from the model "We can't save them all"  to elevated thinking of "Save Them All" in geographical areas where strays are  not as overwhelming (notheast in particular) and institutions with employees and volunteers who have evolved and kept up with  all the research and successful models out there used by progressive shelters throughout the country.   When we work from that mindset, we no  longer can justify excuses/reasons for killing an animal for behavior without intervention be it a stray or owner surrender. This intervention also saves countless other animals as each one of these animals(usually dogs) teach us so much to help the next dog more easily.   We use to kill for food aggression, jumpy/mouthy behavior, even dogs that growl.  When we stopped killing these dogs and learned to ask what they need  and provided that to them, it allowed a whole population of future jumpy/mouthy, food aggressive, growly dogs to be saved b/c we now have protocols in place to teach these dogs acceptable behavior. We use to do dog evaluations using fake hands and push the dogs to 'make sure'  they wouldn't react.  Now we use evaluations to assess what the dog needs not rather we should kill him or not.

    Next to elevate will likely be shelter statistics where we keep track  of not only dogs euthanized because  of behavior but a breakdown of dogs euthanized for behavior with no intervention and dogs euthanized for behavior after intervention.    Of course there are dogs that need to be euthanized with no intervention based on severity of an incident/s or circumstance, but keeping statistics nationwide would open the door even wider to giving us a picture of how far we have come or need to go. 



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    Mary Lou Maraganis
    President
    Animal Rescue Konnection
    Gloucester MA
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  • 10.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-22-2024 09:07 AM

    Thank you Mary Lou for reminding us that we are striving to do better. My Northstar is Maya Angelou's famous quote: When you know better, do better! Progress is slow and there are so many ups and downs but the needle is moving. 



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    Julielani Chang
    The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
    Davis CA
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  • 11.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-22-2024 04:08 PM

    I agree. Animal sheltering has come so far as a profession. In fact, it's come a long way to be regarded and respected as a profession, period. The shelter that I worked for, itself, progressed so substantially as an organization. Back when I started in 2005, they didn't even have a behavior department and consequently fewer resources to correct the troubling behaviors that once, as you say, more often than not resulted in euthanasia. I was fortunate enough to see that changed for the better with a dedicated behavior department, more behavior education, many more resources and partnerships, and as a result, much more positive outcomes for animals. I myself remain educated, dedicated, and hopeful for the future of this vital, rewarding, progressive field. 



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    Debbie (Hogan) Johnson
    [Former Animal Care Associate]
    Newark, Ca
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  • 12.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-26-2024 08:20 AM

    Debbie,

    I remember going to the Humane Academy and explicitly being told that what we do is not a profession, and I always found that to be a hard pill to swallow. 



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    Christina Avila
    Animal Control Supervisor
    City of Perris
    Perris, California
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  • 13.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-26-2024 01:52 PM

    Christina,  speaking as someone who spent nearly two decades in animal sheltering  -granted, starting with no degree or previous experience other than being born and raised around cats and dogs- I beg to differ about animal sheltering "not being a profession".  Throughout my many years at the shelter, I received steady training in various aspects of animal sheltering, such as sanitation, volunteer leadership , feline and canine behavior, zoonotic diseases, and community relations. I attended webinar and seminars, became certified in Fear Free Animal Sheltering, and took several courses in animal shelter animal behavior and management. I continue to keep myself updated, educated, and informed to this very  day. 

         We are no longer merely dog catchers or "pounds". We are educated, dedicated professionals with a common goal ;  to help animals within our communities (and beyond, if and when possible). 



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    Debbie (Hogan) Johnson
    [Former Animal Care Associate]
    Newark, Ca
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  • 14.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 06-25-2024 12:03 PM

    I have worked at our local shelter and with a small nonprofit that is laser focused on spay neuter for our local, rural TN county.  I love thinking about the far reaching impact of truly affordable spay neuter including TNR. The lady who just called me  had one stray show up this spring, and now has 6 maturing kittens. At a full price vet, she is up a creek. We can (and will) turn her situation around with free surgeries and vaccinations. We can and do make a real difference in people's lives and their pets lives too.

    To get back to the topic though, the challenge we face is reduced grant availability for spay neuter.  We have a model we have used for years, pay what you can, if you can't pay it's free. No income guidelines, no qualifications. This has reduced shelter intake locally from 15/month to 5/month. This amount of intake is manageable and dogs can be placed at this rate. We face setting income limits or required copays so we can continue to meet our budget. Major grantors have shifted focus and a foundation who has been our mainstay is looking to shift to fund only larger organizations, we would not qualify. Our challenge is to continue to look to address what we feel is the most pressing need in animal welfare, reducing the overpopulation BEFORE they are born. It's a dollars and sense issue :)  Spay neuter is where it's at for us!



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    Lisa Steva
    President
    Fix Trousdale
    TN
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  • 15.  RE: Share Your Stories: Navigating Change in Animal Welfare

    Posted 07-09-2024 06:48 PM

    When I join other organizations, I always try to fit into the existing work environment they have. However, sometimes our volunteers feel that they don't belong to the shelter, which can make them feel somewhat repelled. Most of the time, they decide not to return for the next event.

    To make things worse, during our last participation in the ATVR program at one of the most important shelters, we experienced a very negative environment. The shelter staff were fighting, and one of our volunteers had to remind them that their behavior was inappropriate. They needed to calm down because people who brought feral cats were waiting for more than two hours and could see what was happening inside the shelter. It was terrible. When our volunteer spoke up, a staff member told her it wasn't her business and that she should either be quiet or leave. So, we decided not to return for now.

    Despite challenging environments, our goal is to help our community, feral cats, and wildlife. No matter what we feel, we have a dream to make this world better, so we move forward and leave the past behind.



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    Myriam Martinez
    President
    Mujeres Latinas SC
    SC
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