Wednesday, April 1, 2009
UAF & The Chino Valley Animal Shelter
Mornin' folks. As some of you may have heard, UAF has been approached by the town of Chino Valley about taking over / supporting the CV Animal Control shelter. If UAF doesn't step in to take over the shelter, the facility and all its animals will "be reduced along with the town's budget cuts." The problem is that the town of Chino Valley can't lend any financial support to the effort, so if it's going to work, UAF will need a whole slew of new volunteers who can help run the shelter. So, what are your thoughts? Should UAF take this on? What would it take to garner all the necessary volunteers? Post your comment below and weigh in on the discussion. To see the entire article about the proposal switch-over in the Chino Valley Review, click here.
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I think the Chino shelter idea is a good one but we need a huge base of volunteers that will commit to the cause. The commitment of the volunteers is what will make or break the success of the shelter. UAF will also need a grant writer that can bring in the funds UAF needs to support such a large endeavor. I am for the idea in concept but many things need to fall into place before it becomes a doable reality.
ReplyDeleteJoellyn
I agree . . . however the funds come in, I think at least one paid position would be necessary to run the shelter. All our volunteers do so much and most have other jobs or other things going on. The best way to ensure the shelter would be run no matter what would be at least one staff person.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Katie - UAF NEEDS to have a least one paid staff position. This person will be the volunteer coordinator and be responsible for the overall welfare of the animals. As they always do, volunteers will come and go - this person needs to provide the continuity in the care of the animals.
ReplyDeleteThis would appear a first glance to be a good idea but as we look closer the logic falls apart.
ReplyDelete1) The Chino area is growing by leaps and bounds and if this saves any money, it will not be much. Within a VERY short time a more efficient alternative will be necessary.
2) Volunteers are wonderful but are exactly that...volunteers and cannot be compelled to show up. It will be great at first but this is tough work and as the volunteers tire of the routine, they will fall away and the animals will suffer.
3)The administration of the volunteers will be HUGELY time consuming and will distract from other UAF projects.
4) CV has NEVER spent much on their AC program and local volunteers have always had to step in. Angela, the current AC officer, has done a temendous job and has worked with local groups(plural) to re-home MOST of the animals that wind up at the shelter. I think Chino is taking advantage and using this as a short term solution for a problem that is much larger in scope than they are willing to admit.
Angela (ACO) already has a group of dedicated volunteers that currently walk the dog’s everyday, transport them to vet appointments, keep dogs over night after spay/neuters, go to adoption events and help raise money with fundraisers. They are currently involved in building a larger dog play area. Also they have renamed the facility Chino Valley Animal Shelter.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, since Angela would stay on as the ACO and these volunteers are not going anywhere UAF is already a step ahead. With hard work, a paid employee and a following of volunteers this could be a great opportunity for UAF to expand exponentially.
If the Powers-that-be at UAF truly believe they cannot afford to have another paid employee, then they shouldn't even be considering trying to "take over" CVAC. If they can't do the job right, then don't do it.
ReplyDeleteWho says they cannot afford another employee? Nothing has been ruled out. If CVAC closes its doors the animals will suffer. Someone needs to step up and try to make it work. Why not UAF? UAF is an ever growing organization. I am sure they can find the resources needed to make this merge a success. (They are not taking over anything)
ReplyDeleteNancy and Toby have said many times that UAF cannot afford another paid employee - they are the only ones that matter.
ReplyDeleteTake over is in quotes and if you read the summary up above the same words are used.
for everybody information,the shelter will not close now or in the future,that was promised by the mayor.Angela and the current volunteers plus a part time town worker are doing a great job,the dogs are well taken care
ReplyDeleteCool - I hope that's true. If it is then the article in the paper was VERY misleading.
ReplyDeletePlease go by the shelter and see for yourself how the dogs are doing
ReplyDeleteI have been to CVAC a number of times unannounced and each time the Officer greeted me with smile and welcomed me to visit the critters. I noticed the critters appeared healthy, the water containers were clean and full, the kennels clean as well as the outdoor play areas.
ReplyDeleteI think Chino Valley ought to budget properly so they are able to hire two full time Control Officers and continue accepting the help of the giving & kind volunteers who walk the critters and give them the extra attention that helps each of them get through yet another day without a loving home of their own.