With some of the talk that has been happening about shelters and rescues and such, I thought I would post this and give some major props where props are due...
This is Kenzie.
Kenzie came to the St. John's SPCA three quarters of a month ago. She came with a bite history.
My first experience with her was not a positive one. She would not let me touch her, was very very skittish about being approached, especially if it was a male approaching. She would not accept treats even after a half an hour of being in the room with her. On the assessment, she rated fairly high risk. HOWEVER, she was showing signs of wanting to interact with Brittany Victorino and Heidi Peddle. I balanced what was reported with what was being seen, talked to the girls about a plan forward to work with her to try to address some of these issues. It was not going to be easy. She was very fearful.
Fast forward 3 weeks, I went back today for a reassessment. This is what I was faced with. Kenzie went from not being able to be approached to inviting attention and handling. Keep in mind...this was with ME. With the girls, Kenzie even better. The girls could do anything they wanted to her. She has been hanging out with the rest of the staff and volunteers including a bunch of males. She LOVES walks and treats and quickly warms up when either is presented.
I was soooooo pleased. This was a dog that could have easily been euthanized 3 weeks ago. All the warning signs were there. On paper, it would have been justifiable. However, there were factors presented which potentially mitigated the risk. Brittany Victorino and Heidi Peddle worked her through a structured behaviour modification program and the results are evident. She will soon be advertised for adoption. With a little more work, she will be set up for success and will make somebody a great dog.
I write this to share props. Sometimes people are quick to criticize rescue. It is very easy to say "animals are just euthanized" or "they don't care". Trust me when I say at the rates the workers and volunteers are paid, there is nobody working with a quality rescue that does not care. Yes, sometimes animals need to be euthanized. Some due to illness, some because the safety of the staff, volunteers and general public needs to be paramount. A decision like this, when taken, is NEVER easy. It is NEVER taken lightly and there is always justification for it.
Kenzie is a great example of the work, time and commitment that goes into quality rescue work.
The St. John's SPCA release/adoption rate I am told, is over 90 percent. I am also told this is one of the highest in the country. So HUGE props to them.
On a more specific note...huge props to Heidi and Brittany. I have worked closely with both of them over the last couple of years. From the time a dog enters the shelter, to the assessments being done, to the behaviour modification happening, to the aftercare which occurs...the work they put in, the care they show to the animals is top notch. I would confidently match it against any work going on in rescue in this country. Good on the two of you.
Next time you see any of the staff of volunteers there...do them a favour and thank them on behalf of the animals who cannot verbalize it.
And in case anybody is thinking..."Ken has no idea what he is talking about"...
I helped establish the assessment process being used, I have worked closely with the staff and veterinarian services in developing the working protocols used as well as developing behaviour practices. I have been volunteering there for the last two years and sit on the board of directors. I am intimately involved with the St. John's SPCA and know exactly what I am talking about. Is there room for improvement and growth? Yes, of course. There always is. That is one of the signs of quality work. There needs to be a constant push to grow and improve.
BUT THIS HERE..this is GREAT work!!!!!