A new day dawns ... Congratulations to Faces of Change - and MOST OF ALL to the Members who believe in them

By now, many are aware that the entire slate of Faces of Change were voted to the Board of the Toronto Humane Society.  A very BIG congratulations to a group of people who have stepped forward with passion, intent and hands-on knowledge to guide the THS on a new path.

But most of all, congratulations to ALL the members who voted for them.

In the often unsavoury and distasteful bad politiquing leading up to this election, it was easy to forget that there were thousands of people out there, honest people, caring people, people with commitment and ideology and vision of a haven for animals, that are, at the HEART of it the REAL THS.

People, many of whom have contributed time, effort, years and passion to a vision of a THS which included compassion, caring and a chance for every animal. Who believe in a refuge for all animals.

People who were betrayed and ignored by former management. People whose honest, caring support was twisted and used for personal vendettas, whose vision was shattered in the harsh light of reality; who no doubt were horrified, grief-stricken and incredulous that their hard-earned dollars, their BELIEF was so sorely betrayed.

It is THOSE people who have now spoken.

Despite the myriad attempts of those who would twist and distort facts, the many caring Members of the Toronto Humane Society have chosen to believe that the 15 people on Faces of Change mean what they say when they talk passionately, with conviction and knowledge, of the path now to be taken.

I have no doubt that among the members are those who were, are and have been volunteers, who have cleaned cages, walked dogs, given sad, abandoned cats a kind word, a soft caress.  But whether intimatley acquainted with the corridors, the byways and rooms of the THS, Members are in the end, individuals who truly care about animals - not metaphorically or from a distance, but are willing to stand behind their beliefs with financial support, with passion and with dedication.

Thank You to all the Members who stood up this day and are the REAL heroes for leading the THS in the direction it was meant to go - Members, YOU ROCK.