Well, it is official. The Boro of Helmetta and I have parted - TopicsExpress

Well, it is official. The Boro of Helmetta and I have parted company. I received a call last Sunday afternoon from Herb Massa, the business administrator, telling me I was not to report for work at the shelter this week, as they were “reassessing” the situation. After four days in employment purgatory, I called him today, and he confirmed that I was being released. Why? Haven’t a clue. Did I anger the wrong person? Was I a professional threat somehow? Was it all politics? I admit that, though I can certainly be diplomatic, I’m far too honest to be able to play politics effectively. I was hired because the Boro needed someone to come in and revamp the office; get all the records straight and keep them that way, provide quality customer service for the shelter, see that calls were answered and returned, and all the other day-to-day tasks that a good office administrator performs. That’s what I was trying to provide, even though I was only partially trained on the shelter process and the management software. I put my heart and soul into the job, went well above and beyond…and here I am. Patently, what they asked for and what they really wanted are not the same thing, at all. That said, this is not a reflection on the care and welfare of the homeless pets in the shelter. Though I believe the director, Michal, could have handled our professional relationship much more effectively, she is not particularly good with people (and in all fairness, always honestly admitted that). If there were problems, she could have communicated that to me; though, if it was purely political, she may not have had a voice. One of the questions I may never have an answer for. Michal is, however, very good with animals. I have seen her in action, and though I may have lost respect for her as a supervisor, I absolutely respect the job she does at the shelter. She has to make tough decisions due to the framework of a municipal shelter, and I believe she feels them deeply. She truly does care for our unwanted animals, and would like to see them all in forever homes. Of this, I am certain. Indeed, the staff at the shelter, both paid and volunteer, are unquestionably dedicated to caring for the animals in the best way possible. Shelters exist because selfish, neglectful, and abusive humans have created the need for them. Thank the Michael Vicks of the world, and the people who, when they tire of their cats, toss them out to fend for themselves. The Helmetta Regional Animal Shelter may have some things that need improving; every entity does. It is, however, far from being the worst shelter out there, and is much, much better than many I’ve heard about. Cindy, Mary, “Little” Rich, Pat, John, Josh…these are wonderful folks who do an outstanding job, and I will miss working with them. I wish them all well, and I will, of course, continue to be an advocate for homeless pets in every way I can. Moving on…