To clarify...

I think it somewhat obvious at this point, I am NOT a fan of the Trow crew.  Conversely, it is reasonable to assume I support the current Board including their recommended slate of characters.  I think it time to clarify where I stand.

First and foremost, I DO support the current Board with some reservations.  The reality is that for all my passion, I am hard-headed and practical.  Having had first-hand experience of the THS during the three years I volunteered as a dog walker - albeit I was not, of course, privy to the ins and outs of the financial or management issues - it was obvious to me that ego was driving the Shelter.  Without getting into details (which I've discussed at length elsewhere), the reality was that the ratio of animal to staff was simply not viable - not when you expected a humane, caring environment for the animals you took in. Further, there was a HUGE divide between what those of us in the trenches actually experienced and what was being vocalized by management.  Sometimes, I would read directives or articles and think, WOW, what shelter is THAT, not THIS one.

When the contemptible, politically corrupt and inhumane OSPCA made such a spectacular MESS of the "raid", things were bad - NOT as bad as the OSPCA eventually ensured it would become - mass euthanizations, rigid imposition of inhumane directives, the creation of what in essence became a police state - but a mess nonetheless.

When the dust settled and the new Board came in, I was THRILLED, but as much as I wanted things to change quickly, I am realistic enough to know that what I knew was simply the tip of the iceberg - that there were so many areas that had to be researched, fixed, explored and rebuilt that it was all going to take TIME.

A year has gone by (and my heart still aches at the murder of all the animals - especially those to whom many of us were so attached - we REMEMBER you Peti, Smokey, Socks, Captain, Tiger, and little Janey and there are tears in my eyes even now) and while the progress seems so slow that at times it is frustrating, I know that there is a massive amount of behind-the scenes work going on that is required and necessary in order to create a stable, solid foundation for the Toronto Humane Society.  I KNOW the Board has been working tirelessly, putting in long hours,

Having said that, there are still MANY changes that I (and I know many others) would like to see - when the dust settles next week it will be interesting to see the outcome.  But we all have a "bucket" of wishes and dreams and goals and here are a few items from mine - my vision of what i would like to see the THS become:

1.  I would like to see the THS become a no-kill shelter based on Winograd's very successful model - it can and has been done in many cities that have far more to deal with than Toronto.  Actually, addiing a link to Crystal's blog on this subject .... because she says it perfectly.

2.  In the short-term, though I will be PUSHING and VOCALIZING to Board members (given they get in) that the intake policy MUST change!!  Owners must be able to come in and surrender their animals without a burdensome, offputting demand for setting up appointments and then requiring TWO hours for each surrender.  The reality is that a conscientious owner brings an animal they can no longer keep to a shelter - BAD owners simply abandon them!  Making it difficult for people to surrender will deter many who do not have the time or are in situations that require immediate action. For owners that love their animals (because circumstances DO arise where loving people have to give up their pets) it is cruel - to find the courage to walk in then be told to come back. For others who simply want to dump their pet, being told to return at a specified time may result in the animal being abandoned, dumped or even killed. 

3.  Increased pressure on the City of Toronto to allow the THS to take in strays! The THS has always been a beacon to the animals of Toronto.  While I have a great deal of respect for what Toronto Animal Services is becoming (massive improvements there over the past several years), by nature they are what they are - a city service without the same amount of freedom somewhere like the THS is blessed with.  Irregularities, contravention of regulations, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law under the old guard meant the RIGHT to take in strays was lost under Trow (NOT, as claimed under the new Board).  The THS deserves to get it back - they have done what was required and more and the City must recognize that and allow them to do what they do BEST.

4.  The unfortunate reality is that the corrupt, inept and INHUMANE politically driven OSPCA controls who investigates cruelty. That is not only wrong it is criminal.  That NEEDs to change, so I am hoping that politically astute and well-connected Board members will step up to the plate and start pushing for changes that will allow more leeway and provide a broader directive from an organization OTHER than the OSPCA to appoint cruelty investigators.  The THS deserves to have its own investigators. It has had a sterling record in the past for exposing cruelty and should again be at the forefront as examples of organizations that care.

What I DO like and want to see continued and/or expanded are:

1.  The facilities!! They are FAR more animal-friendly, enriched and kinder.  Animals are provided not just with shelter but with environments that engage their health, mental, physically and emotionally. 

2.  The amazing new K9 department; enriched environments, training, socialization, dealing with behavioural and other issues - follow up after adoptions to ensure a smooth transition and a resolution of any adjustment issues.  Continued training of volunteers and staff to ensure a consistent and positive experience for the dogs and many other improvements.

3.  The cats!! So much happier now! No longer stacked like cordwood. Groomed and petted, played with and allowed to explore in a wonderful room, health monitored and cared for, more volunteers and more expertise so each kitty receives the maximum they can from their stay.

4.  The fast turnover in adoptions!!  They seem to barely get animals in before they're in new loving homes!

There are more... but a word to the Board members ... IF all goes well and the new Board is formed as myself and many others hope it will, don't get too comfy on your laurels.... a thorn called selkie is going to be poking your butts within short order ....

More on the candidates themselves later.