GHS now can focus on its mission
The recent decision by the Glendale City Council will have no
effect on the Glendale Humane Society, except that we will no longer
be the city’s “dog catcher.” Instead, we consider it a positive stop
in that it will allow the GHS to refocus all of our attention more
directly in areas of pet adoption, education and animal advocacy.
Dealing with the complexities of animal control and a city
contract actually took us farther and farther away from the very
purpose of our organization -- to find animals loving homes and
development of programs that would directly assist and benefit the
animals of Glendale.
The good news is that our shelter will directly assist and benefit
the animals of Glendale. The good news is that our shelter, at 717 W.
Ivy St., will remain open. We will continue to accept animals for
adoption and continue to place them in loving homes. Additionally, we
will be offering no-cost spay and neuter programs for animals adopted
from our shelter; dog-obedience classes; and community education
about the care of animals.
Our “Raise with Praise” program, where a dog from our shelter is
trained and visits schools to interface with at-risk children, also
will be expanded. It will also afford us the opportunity to directly
work with local animal-rescue agencies to bring you, the residents of
Glendale, lovable animals to a community-based shelter located in
your own backyard.
The city contract drained our financial resources severely. Every
month, the expenses of animal control far exceeded the monthly rate
the city was willing to pay us. In the end, we could no longer afford
to continue to provide services at a loss each month, and therefore
informed the city that we would no longer be the “dog catcher” as of
midnight Sept. 30. A city contract is presently being negotiated
with another agency located outside Glendale, at a rate of $22,000
more a month than what we were being paid.
Now, we need to redirect our efforts toward fund-raising, in order
to continue to keep our Glendale shelter facility viable. We seek
your help. Please visit our shelter and see for yourself what we do
and how we do it. Become a member for $20. Adopt an animal. Volunteer
your time. Offer donations of money and supplies. In the coming
months, we will need your support as never before, as we refocus and
redirect our efforts to humane activities that will directly benefit
the animals and their caregivers in this community.
In whatever form the Glendale Humane Society chooses to pursue its
mission of animal welfare, with your help and renewed support, we
will be able to refocus and redirect our efforts in improving the
quality of service that we provide animals of Glendale, without the
distraction of a city contract. It is our intention to remain a vital
and prominent voice on behalf of the animals in Glendale and their
Glendale families.
For more information, contact Paulette Ramsay Wood, board
spokeswoman, at 242-1128.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Glendale Humane Society