New Board, New Attitude

After attending the first meeting of the Lakeshore Humane Society’s newly-elected board of directors, I can honestly report that I firmly believe this is the best board the Society has had in years, if not decades.  Not only did the board conduct its discussion in front of an audience of Society members, it actually focused its conversation on the animals…the dogs and cats currently in the Society’s care as well as those who will be in the future.

With nothing on the meeting’s agenda that directly related to animals, the Society’s board members launched into a dialogue about pet adoptions.  After some debate, the board members agreed to reduce the cost of pet adoptions.  Senior citizens will receive a 50 percent discount off of the Society’s adoption fees.

The board also decided to extend an invitation to members of the general public to adopt pets in exchange for reduced fees during the months of December, 2011 and January, 2012.  During this time period, a person can adopt a dog for approximately $70, half off the Society’s usual adoption fee.  During these months, the price of adopting a cat from the Lakeshore Humane Society will be reduced from $95 to $20.12 as well. 

After taking the huge step of adjusting the Society’s adoption fees, the board moved onto another  subject, boarding.  Soon after broaching the subject, the board decided to no longer allow the Society to board animals.  The board continued by dedicating the space formerly used to board animals to the specific use of quarantining dogs when they arrive.  Finally!

The board also formed a desperately needed public relations committee, discussed approaching the county to revisit previously abandoned negotiations, described the seemingly fair numbers included in city contracts and debated what information will be presented to individual cities.  Oh, did I mention that while all of this talk was going on, the board’s members actually made those of us in attendance laugh a time or two?

While I am not naïve enough to think the Lakeshore Humane Society’s board of directors can overcome all of the obstacles it inherited from previous boards in a single year, I am optimistic that the current board can and will undo years of inappropriate, ineffective policy-making and make significant headway in improving the Society’s horrible reputation.  Being a No Kill advocate, I am further encouraged by overhearing one board member ask if they should speak about the life-saving No Kill matrix, even though that was deferred to the closed session.

I invite you to attend the next monthly meeting of the Lakeshore Humane Society’s board of directors so you, too, can witness real, meaningful progress in action.  It’s invigorating to hear board members talk about the reasons they have their positions, the animals, instead of themselves.  

Personally, I can’t wait to attend next month’s meeting.  I’m hoping the conversation includes finding a new Executive Director for the Lakeshore Humane Society!  Join me there to see if it does!

Lakeshore Humane Society Has A New Board

Some of you may remember me writing about the election of the Lakeshore Humane Society’s board of directors in recent weeks.  Well, now that the election is over, I think it is time for me to comment on its results.

I am happy to report that I am very pleased with the election’s results!  I have full confidence in the individuals who were awarded seats on the board and their collective ability to make sweeping changes to the Lakeshore Humane Society.  Failing to win a seat on the board myself, I will have to rely solely on my faith that the new board will not just retain its ability to make changes, but will use its new dynamic to develop a willingness to make the necessary changes as well. 

Personally, I hope the board begins its term addressing some of the problems the shelter has with its operations.  I look forward to the day when the board hires an executive director, for instance, and hope this day is not too far off in the future.  I hope the future executive director of the Lakeshore Humane Society will put an end to the rude treatment of the shelter’s volunteers, myself included, and the seemingly random, senseless killing of animals the shelter is supposed to protect… the animals who would have made excellent companions had their lives been spared.

Until the Lakeshore Humane Society has a new executive director in place and the organization’s leader remedies the current dysfunction that remains obvious at this point despite the success of the recent election, I regret to write that I will continue to suspend my charitable donations and my involvement with the organization.

Even though I am disappointed with the way the Lakeshore Humane Society operates at the moment, I feel very, very confident in the Society’s new board of directors at the same time. I am looking forward to telling you all about the changes the board succeeds in making during the upcoming year and, hopefully, about my renewed giving and involvement with the shelter.

Time is Running Out

Do you think you have the power to change organizations like humane societies? Our local humane society has a board of directors that normally consists of 12 members. Those directors are voted into office by the membership of the humane society. If you are not currently a member of the Lakeshore Humane Society in Manitowoc, WI, I urge you to buy a membership for $35 and help change the way things operate. Membership secures a vote for you in the annual election on October 18, 2011. The thing is your membership needs to be purchased before August 19, 2011 in order to have the right to vote in the annual election. The current bylaws of the Lakeshore Humane Society state that you must be a member in good standing 60 days prior to the election. I think this is a fair rule. But we need you to act fast! You do not have to live in Manitowoc County, or even Wisconsin, to buy a membership and vote. You can live on the other side of the world and still be a voting member. How's that you ask? All that you have to do is request an absentee ballot, have it notarized and get it back to the nominating committee by October 18, 2011 (Please don't wait that long!). One thing I would suggest if you’re buying a membership from out of state, do not pay via PayPal. Use a check, money order or cashier’s check. Record keeping is not the best at the shelter. If you go into the shelter itself and pay cash, ask for a receipt. At any rate, you should receive a thank-you card from the Lakeshore Humane Society within a week of paying for your membership. Here is the link to the Lakeshore Humane Society Membership Form.



This election is important as 8 positions open this October. There are many issues at stake. The Lakeshore Humane Society needs an Executive Director. They need a director who does this type of work as their passion, not just as a job. There are many problems at the shelter that are not being addressed. I don't think the board needs to be involved with day to day operations but currently it is and it's not working well. That's where an Executive Director comes in. Currently the society is run like a secret society. The membership is not kept informed of what goes on. In 2002 the bylaws were changed by the board of directors and they voted out the quarterly membership meetings. This can be added back if a motion is made at the annual membership meeting on October 18, 2011. The membership needs to be more informed about what is happening to the animals at the humane society. Oddly enough, I received in the mail yesterday a postcard from an unknown sender that stated the following: "Lakeshore Humane Society Should Not Be Euthanizing Healthy Dogs & Cats! They Say You Don't Care? PROVE THEM WRONG 1. Purchase a Membership For LHS For $35 2. Purchase Before August 13th So Your Vote Counts! 3. Attend the Annual Meeting On October 19th, 2011 4. VOTE Out Old Ideas Leadership! 5. Vote For Progressive Leadership! MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT AND BE HEARD!” That was it. A very pointed message. One I would say I agree with. So kudos to whomever had these made up and mailed out! I do want to point out, however, that the postcard has a few dates incorrect. You actually have up until August 18th to purchase a Lakeshore Humane Society membership and still be able to vote in the election. As well, the postcard had the election-day off by one day (It's October 18th). Of course, getting your membership early is always the better route to take.

At this point in time I do not know who is running for the board of directors of the society. But when I do, I will tell you. I will also tell you what my opinion is of each and every candidate. But remember, I will only be giving my opinion. Everyone has an opinion.



So, I encourage you to take the time and help turn the Lakeshore Humane Society around. Please, purchase a membership and watch my blog to find out who is running for the board of directors. This election could be determined not only by those who attend the annual meeting but by those who live anywhere in the world! As the postcard said, "MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT AND BE HEARD!"