I will be the first to turn a challenge into an opportunity. I will get out of the way of those people who want to save lives. Take killing off the table, give people permission to help, create an environment which allows them to do so, give them the tools they need.
We do see the great things that happen. That is how we started, simply by being committed to no kill, showing our compassion and desire to make it a reality. We will succeed.
A timeline is in our plan to achieve our goal, but ultimately we succeeded right away. Our change in direction and embracing our No Kill plan means we will empty our shelter of animals the right way and the good way. Our No Kill plan contains programs that include comprehensive adoption programs, public relations/community involvement, volunteers, rescue groups, proactive redemptions and the most important, leadership.
What are the hallmarks of leadership? A love of animals, a passion for saving lives, hard working, effective, determined, willing to take risks, solution oriented, demanding excellence, leading by example, doing a lot with a little. More than all of that is having the imagination.
Imagination is a key point. We are creative with every program in our plan. I instill the ACE concept within our staff.
ACE is the acronym for Accountability, Civility and Ethics. This provides a simple mantra for each of us. Our county administrator, Ed Hunzeker, has instilled this philosophy in his leadership team. Staff and volunteers come up with creative and innovative ideas. Using imagination, we make each idea and program unique. By being unique, we can bring attention to the program.
Look at our adoption programs, for example. Each month we have a different adoption special. We promote all of our dogs and cats, giving anyone a chance to look at not only our available adoption dogs and cats, but our impounded dogs and cats as well. We welcome the public to our shelter in Palmetto to look at the impounded dogs and cats. Potential adopters may place their name and contact information with staff for a dog or cat that interests them. If the impounded pet’s family does not come for them, the people on the list will be given a chance to adopt the dog or cat.
We make sure each dog and cat has a second chance to live. Our website shows stray and found dogs and cats, adoption dogs and cats and a list of predisposition dogs and cats which shows the actual date the dog or cat is available from impoundment. I am confident we have the dog or cat you have been looking for. If you haven’t checked out our website yet, please take a look.
We are not only saving the animals in our community, we are helping to achieve a No Kill nation. The more people see the success of No Kill, the more easily and isolated killing will become. No Kill has been said to be impossible. When others have succeeded, especially those comparable to our shelter, it became probable. When other counties see the successes and follow suit, No Kill will become inevitable.
If you never have to look into the eyes of a dog or cat and make a choice, you are lucky. One day, we all would like to be lucky too.
Adopt your new family member from Manatee County Animal Services today. Don’t forget about our February adoption special. What a better way to enjoy the end of football season than with a new pet. Manatee County is in the process of becoming a “No-Kill Community” and for the month of February all adoption prices are “Half Off for Half Time.”
All adopted animals will be spayed/neutered, have a current health check, vaccinations and a microchip. Prices include a license certificate/tag for Manatee County residents.
For information on free and low cost spay and neuter programs, call our information line at 941-749-3067.
Check out Manatee County Animal Services on Facebook. Like us and share us with all your friends. Our web site www.mymanatee.org/pets has a wealth of information, including your new family member for adoption.
Kris Weiskopf, chief of Manatee County Animal Services, writes this weekly column for the Bradenton Herald.
