Why I left Harbor Humane Society. Because I feel an obligation to the animal community, I feel I owe you an explanation. A lot of people have been asking why I left and I feel my silence will do more harm than good to an organization I love. When I was asked to join the BOD last September, Harbor was in trouble. I thought I could make a difference. Being a dog trainer, Im a very hands on person, and did not consider myself much of a board politics sort of person, but there was a lot of work to be done on the forefront, so I rolled up my sleeves, stuck my professional neck out and got to work. Jeff Stiegman was hired as our interim Operations director and within 6 months Harbor was a different place, thanks to a team of very dedicated people!! We were off to an amazing start but it soon became time to take a look at board activity and function and why Harbor seemed to have the same issues over and over. This is where I felt like a fish out of water. When it came time to make some tough decisions, there was condescension amongst board members and little long term goals and/or planning. Personal agendas quickly entered the picture, finger pointing, blame, mutiny amongst the staff, key people left the organization and it was impossible to focus on what was right for the animals, which is exactly what Harbor seems to repeatedly struggle with!! I was not supported. I agonized over what to do to a point it affected my business, my health and my relationships. If I could not continue to be part of a change for the better, I for sure did not want to sit back and become part of the problem. I was helpless, so it was time for me to go! I lent my heart, my name and my reputation to this organization, left my mark and the animals will be forever better for it with Operation Sunshine and the enrichment program. I feel good about that and I wish I could have done more. Im afraid what the future holds for Harbor. There are still good people there trying very hard and they need your support more than ever. The animals will be innocent victims if Harbor fails. I dont have the answer, Im so sorry.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 22:34:27 +0000
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