On the misnamed "Support the Animals" page we have an individual who is sadly devoid of balls (using the term euphemistically and in a non-gender specific way!) and hasn't the chutzpah to stand up and be counted, yet has the ‘courage’ to speak on behalf of the animals. Of course, that is in the World of Trow where every day is sunny and he rules like a benevolent god … perhaps our STA guys sees himself as the right hand man – a sorta of modern Jesus – although truth be told Jesus was never reticent about admitting who HE was.
With the mish mash of pseudo-information flying about, it is hard for anyone not directly involved with the Shelter to form an opinion. To that end, I thought I would address some of the accusations levelled against the NEW and IMPROVED THS in the hopes that the truth will be apparent. The questions below are a few of the more salient enquiries and the source of much of the Trowogolites bleating and whinnying.
1 .IS there a kitten-feeding program in effect right now (at the height of kitten time)- or NOT?
If not, why not?
According to Board member and kitten feeder extraordinaire Jennifer Downe, yes, there is a kitten feeding program.
Our limitation is to get kittens from a. surrenders, b. from TAS. We can't accept a box of kittens that has been "found" as there is no ownership, and thus they are "stray". TAS is aware of our program and we are actively seeking to have them relinquish immature kittens. The volunteers have all been retrained as per the vet and technicians guidelines. We have a dedicated tech to support the kitten nursery. We have established a contract (terms of agreement) with TCR and ACR so hopefully this will lead to them giving us more kittens. THS has established space for +14 litters.2. Why are there so FEW animals in the THS?
Actually, Interim CEO Christopher Barry answers it very well here on the THS blog. If you don’t feel like reading it- in a nutshell, the shelter “The number of animals that THS can care for is based upon the Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters produced by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. That number for THS is 350 at any given time.”
Further,
We currently have approximately 300 animals in our care at the shelter. An additional 133 animals are in foster homes and will be returned to us as they become available for adoption. However, the number of animals we should be looking at is not the number of animals in the shelter, but the number of animals that go through the shelter and ultimately find forever homes. Since June 2010, we’ve helped approximately 2,500 animals.So, first, there are LOTS of animals in the THS, many more that are in its care and responsibility just not physically in the shelter and most importantly, the turnover and adoption rate is so successful, the turnover is considerable.
Now the reason from THS President Michael Downey as to ONE reason why there are not as many the THS would in itself like:
As you know we cannot accept strays nor do investigations without being an affiliate of the OSPCA. This impacts intake. We are also seeing quite an improvement in turnover with dogs staying on average less than 5 days and cats less than 25. We have relationships with many shelters -dogs from Montreal is one I aware of where we are saving dogs - that is trying to feed our population. The quick turnover is a great sign because in the end we want forever homes for all this animals. But we do want more animals and management is constantly working on this issue.3. WHAT is the story on Dakota? Why did a letter go out stating he was in his home when he
was sitting in a cage??
Mr. Downey provided a thorough and exhaustive explanation for the MIX-UP (which is what it was, not a wholesale attempt at deception) respecting Dakota. I would be more than happy to forward the entire explanation but in the interests of space restraint, here are the highlights:
• The Board believed Dakota was in his new home. Communication fell through before they were apprised of the delay.
• Step 1 – a realistic plan was created
• Step 2 – delay in conferring with the vet and the medication he was being assigned.
• Step 3 – the medication administered and then the cat had to be assessed for the effects of it
• Step 4 – Dakota received his foster check-up, bloodwork
• Step 5 – Dakota’s results came back and he was released to his foster to adopt home
4. What is being done to fundraise/prepare for a low cost spay/neuter clinic?
other than the Pepsi challenge?
Mr. Downey indicated that approximately $30-35,000 has been raised to date for the SN clinic . Due, however, to numerous factors including good fiscal guardianship, there is a necessity to ensure inflows match outflows. Mr. Downey further indicated that due to the chaos and negativity resulting from the allegations, evidence and erosion of faith resulting from an exposure of the realities of the shelter under Tim Trow, there is a LOT less money pre-OSPCA raid.
He indicated that the Board has been actively been seeking donations and gifts but there is a definite indication that many individuals who would otherwise donate are hesitant due to the continued uncertainty facing the THS. Thanks Tim, your egotistical, overweening desire to rule continues to derail a solid and real future for the THS.
5. Has there been a higher incidence than normal of staff quitting? If so, are the reasons
similar (i.e. unhappy with management, dissatisfied with policy, etc).
To his knowledge, there is no unusual movement of staff. One staff member moved on because she was worried about the treat of Trow the Terrible returning. She indicated to Mr. Downey it was not a question of money.
I will interject here from my own PERSONAL experience while at the THS as a volunteer for close to three years. In that period of time- under Trow - I myself witnessed MASS firings at least three times. At times, volunteers (the few of us that managed to survive the machinations and tantrums and managed not to impale ourselves on the egos) scrambled to take care of animals as we would walk in and find ACWs slashed by two-thirds or more on more than one occasion.
6. What about volunteers? A little bird tells me volunteers are being made to feel unwelcome
or being discouraged? I am pretty certain this is BS as I know several and they haven't
mentioned it, but need something solid.
Again, the Board members I spoke to have no knowledge of dissatisfaction or discouragement of volunteers. As I am in frequent contact with many currently actively volunteering, I would have to concur. In actual fact, one reason I have not felt compelled to return too quickly is because I am well aware that there are actually so many MORE volunteers than when I was there for three years. For those readers who care, I have not returned since the raid due to a severe injury I received last June and from which I am still recovering (the type that ended up with me in a wheelchair for 5 months).
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So, there you have it - straightfoward answers to straightforward questions.
Not rocket science.
No attempt to obscure, dissimulate or spin.
Based on facts, real figures and honesty - you know, the NEW THS versus the old....
Oh.. and a final word from my husband who is currently attending Sam Malatesta's Sunday night dog training class at the THS with our bad shepherd Llyr .... "you know what I notice? the place doesn't STINK any longer ...."
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