A year brings with it perspective and insight that the actions (or non-actions) of an entity define. Although trite, the adage "actions speak louder than words" rings true. Since my February 15 blog Trash Talk Redux, I've somewhat reassessed my own perceptions of what is going on at the Toronto Humane Society.
Upcoming in May is the Annual Board Meeting - an opportunity for members to talk with their votes - to support new and existing Board members whose vision coincides with their own. But, to do so, you have to be a member and the deadline is almost here - you MUST have your membership application and payment in by TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 AT 5:00 P.M.
Link to the membership page
I urge anyone with their own vision of where the THS should venture to become a member and vote!!
I also note that there are several unelected Board members on the website. Based on their blurbs, I assume they are going to run for positions in the May AGM. It bothers me that unelected members were brought in with no announcement or even a press release explaining who these individuals were and who suggested their inclusion. As someone who believes implicitly in accountability and clarity- I am not impressed that this information was not provided to members - even a simple press release on the actual site would have provided me with a measure of comfort that the Board was following through on its promise to be above-board.
I'm also very displeased with the VERY tardy minutes from the Board meetings. As I know that these meetings are fairly frequent, I am curious as to why the most recent minutes posted were from LAST AUGUST. That is not acceptable. I, for one, would like a chance to peruse minutes in order to judge for myself where the Board members stand with respect to issues which are important to me. This is particularly important in view of the upcoming AGM. Having spoken to a Board member, he has indicated he is looking into this - but concurs that the massive delays in publishing minutes which are to be made available to members is unacceptable.
Frankly, I'm not a happy camper in many respects with the THS.
It is no secret I walked away more than a year ago because of philosophical differences. My vision of the THS has been, remains and always will be of a shelter that welcomes all the animals of Toronto - and in fact, provides refuge and care to many animals who would otherwise have nowhere to go. That, in my view, is becoming increasingly rare. There simply is no denying that the number of animals up for adoption are severely limited... that more needy animals (with some exceptions) just aren't there .... and to my mind, there is "fudging" (to be kind) in what is termed "special needs" .
I have been told by several people that this is due primarily to budgetary restraints - the drop in membership, the squabbling and the continued perception that things are not entirely good at the THS have all contributed to a considerable drop in revenue.
Yet, I do not believe that is the whole picture.
I have (and continue to be) very disappointed in the lack of positive press the THS garners - and feel that their communications department and individuals within the organization have really done a poor job of letting the people of Toronto know what is going on in the shelter. My own opinion is they have really passed up some excellent opportunities to let the people of Toronto know that the THS is there and willing to help .... because while I'm not thrilled with everything going on there, there has also been some remarkable effort made on the part of the THS to do some wonderful things for animals in the past year. The fact that they missed the chance to show the world they are a great organization in many respects is both short-sighted and plain bad business.
One thing I will say for Trow (and I do not in any way or manner want to see him back) is the man was a genius at promoting the shelter. That and his vision of a no-kill shelter were two things I respected in him; unfortunately, "no-kill" as he interpreted became (in my opinion) twisted and cruel.
I think probably the best thing I could say about the "new" THS is it is mediocrity personified.... faint praise indeed to an organization that from its inception was intended to challenge the status quo and bring to the forefront the importance of animal welfare - that challenged the people of Toronto to step up and say I CARE what happens to the animals in our City.
I do not see the issues as insurmountable. Based on my reading of the minutes, my various conversations with different individuals and my own vision, I believe there are current Board members with the passion and the resolve to create a THS that could become a shining example of what animal advocates can achieve. There are other Board members for whom I have no respect and whose actions over the tenure of their appointments have not, in my opinion, reflected promises made when they were first elected.
I believe, implicitly, that the THS is at a crossroads.
The Trow Years are becoming a memory; the travails of what in essence was a new organization at this juncture should no longer be used as an excuse for not moving forward and creating the type of shelter promised to those of us who have remained stalart defenders of the THS; counselling people to be patient, to wait and see - to trust that the type of organization we envisioned will come to pass.
Be warned - I for one am tired of waiting.
Time to step up and be heard THS - and that means the Board members still in position and those to be elected in the upcoming AGM in May.
I know I will be looking for individuals who put their actions into reality - not those who simply mouth platitudes and pretend compliance.
I didn't sign up for a pet store, THS - I signed up for a haven for all the animals of Toronto.
