Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The Organization
Welcome to my final presentation on the North County Humane Society. NCHS is non-profit organization that relies solely on generous contributions from the public. Its mission is to provide support and compassionate care for the well being of animals and people. Every year thousands of animals are abandoned, abused, neglected, lost or relinquished by the their owners. Our duty at NCHS is to provide a warm, safe environment as they wait for the perfect family to adopt them. Available to our animal clients are warm kennels and beds, twice daily feeding, water, exercise, play time, vet care and lots of love. For our human clients we provide humane education, a safe place for pet relinquishment, or a new best friend.
Staff and Clientele
NCHS provides support to both the animal and human client. A typical animal client is one who has been relinquished by an owner, lost, or picked up by animal control as a result of neglect, abuse or abandonment. Since animals are without the literal voice, their fate is held in the hands of humans. NCHS provides full-service care to these animals in need, as well as compassion and love so that each animal is given the chance to be adopted in to a loving home. We have a variety of animals ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, critters, lizards and livestock. Below are some of our actual clients, available for adoption this very moment!
The human client is either the potential adopter or the owner who can no longer care for their pet and needs a safe and caring place to relinquish them. We offer them peace of mind that their beloved pet will have a wonderful temporary home while waiting for their permanent one. To the adopter, we provide a loving companion and a best friend.
As a student of sociology, I understand that many times there are extenuating circumstances (sickness, loss of job, housing foreclosures, financial troubles, family break-ups, lack of education and so on) that prevent an owner from being able to provide the care they would like. Many times staff and volunteers are quick to judge the owner without full understanding of the circumstances behind it. In my meetings with the Executive Director, I was made aware that she is very informed about the need for these social services. Her education, training and experience has taught her the sociological issues that necessitate these animal care facilities. She is also aware that without the proper teaching, other staff is unaware of the sociological circumstances that cause pets to be relinquished and desires to implement that into staff training.
The functioning of the facility relies on both staff and volunteers. There is a hierarchy of staff, with each position meeting a different need of the facility. Top positions such as the Executive Director or Director of Operations handle the business aspects of the facility and are responsible for the major decision making, yet they have the least contact with the actual clients. Below them, are other administrative positions such as Office Manager, Volunteer Coordinator or Shelter Supervisor. These positions oversee the rest of the staff (front desk, lost and found, kennel staff) and the daily functioning of the facility. They have a balanced amount of contact between both human and animal clients, and have a good deal of decision-making power. The rest of the staff and volunteers have very little to no decision making powers, although they have the most contact with clients. In my observation, the power structure of the organization promotes the idea that some positions are superior to others, much like the power structure in society as a whole. This creates strife and bitterness amongst staff and affects the way in which services are delivered. Staff members or volunteers who are out of the loop or left to do mostly "dirty work" (Cleaning kennels, scooping poop, doing laundry) are not going to be happy within their work environment and therefor less willing to go the extra mile for both animal and human clients.
The human client is either the potential adopter or the owner who can no longer care for their pet and needs a safe and caring place to relinquish them. We offer them peace of mind that their beloved pet will have a wonderful temporary home while waiting for their permanent one. To the adopter, we provide a loving companion and a best friend.
As a student of sociology, I understand that many times there are extenuating circumstances (sickness, loss of job, housing foreclosures, financial troubles, family break-ups, lack of education and so on) that prevent an owner from being able to provide the care they would like. Many times staff and volunteers are quick to judge the owner without full understanding of the circumstances behind it. In my meetings with the Executive Director, I was made aware that she is very informed about the need for these social services. Her education, training and experience has taught her the sociological issues that necessitate these animal care facilities. She is also aware that without the proper teaching, other staff is unaware of the sociological circumstances that cause pets to be relinquished and desires to implement that into staff training.
The functioning of the facility relies on both staff and volunteers. There is a hierarchy of staff, with each position meeting a different need of the facility. Top positions such as the Executive Director or Director of Operations handle the business aspects of the facility and are responsible for the major decision making, yet they have the least contact with the actual clients. Below them, are other administrative positions such as Office Manager, Volunteer Coordinator or Shelter Supervisor. These positions oversee the rest of the staff (front desk, lost and found, kennel staff) and the daily functioning of the facility. They have a balanced amount of contact between both human and animal clients, and have a good deal of decision-making power. The rest of the staff and volunteers have very little to no decision making powers, although they have the most contact with clients. In my observation, the power structure of the organization promotes the idea that some positions are superior to others, much like the power structure in society as a whole. This creates strife and bitterness amongst staff and affects the way in which services are delivered. Staff members or volunteers who are out of the loop or left to do mostly "dirty work" (Cleaning kennels, scooping poop, doing laundry) are not going to be happy within their work environment and therefor less willing to go the extra mile for both animal and human clients.
A Framework for Understanding
The current hierarchy implicitly segragrates staff into superior and inferior positions. Although it would be difficult to structure the organization in a way that held each position equally (as certain positions require more education and training), there are ways in which to establish less "us versus them" and incite more teamwork. One change could be staff location. The “higher” ranking positions have large offices, in areas relatively distanced from the “lower” positions. We can bring about a closer sense of equality by mixing up office location and having each staff contribute some of their time to other positions – even if it means the Director of Operations cleans poop out of the kennels. This creates a sense amongst the organization that no one is too good for any one job, limits oppression and bitterness, and in turn will hopefully reflect the ways in which the animals are handled and potential adopters are dealt with.
Myths and misunderstandings about dog breeds, dog behavior, and dog responsibility, hinder the way in which our services are delivered. Although we have a wide range of animals, the most common face is that of a Pitbull. Due to bad press and breed ignorance, people assume that these dogs are aggressive and not suitable for adoption. What most people don't realize is that they make wonderful companions, are great with kids and that bad behavior is mostly related to bad training and ANY dog is capable of bad or aggressive behavior when trained in such a way. The following video will give you an idea of breed distortions:
This also reflects the distortions of dog responsibility. Many people underestimate the reality and commitment required in owning a pet. When their dogs become unruly (because they haven't been trained or socialized properly) they turn them in to the shelter instead of taking the time to work with them. These issues greatly affect the population that we serve because most often, people do not want to adopt a dog that isn’t trained well enough nor do they want a dog that is perceived to be aggressive. As a result, these dogs remain at the shelter for extended periods of time –sometimes to the point of developing a sickness, becoming depressed or developing kennel neurosis.
A sociological framework that helps me understand my site is the strict following of "policy". I often find that the the shelter is run more like a business than what a social service should be. As volunteers, our sole purpose is to be there for the well-being of the animal. We are there because we want to be and receive no compensation, therefore we do what we feel is best for the animals. This often leads to conflict with lower-level staff and reprimand from upper-level staff for not following the shelter's "policies". Shelter policy is also what has decided staff hierarchy - the hierarchy that promotes oppression of certain staff members, creating undesirable working conditions and thus preventing them to go the extra mile for the welfare of the animal.
Myths and misunderstandings about dog breeds, dog behavior, and dog responsibility, hinder the way in which our services are delivered. Although we have a wide range of animals, the most common face is that of a Pitbull. Due to bad press and breed ignorance, people assume that these dogs are aggressive and not suitable for adoption. What most people don't realize is that they make wonderful companions, are great with kids and that bad behavior is mostly related to bad training and ANY dog is capable of bad or aggressive behavior when trained in such a way. The following video will give you an idea of breed distortions:
This also reflects the distortions of dog responsibility. Many people underestimate the reality and commitment required in owning a pet. When their dogs become unruly (because they haven't been trained or socialized properly) they turn them in to the shelter instead of taking the time to work with them. These issues greatly affect the population that we serve because most often, people do not want to adopt a dog that isn’t trained well enough nor do they want a dog that is perceived to be aggressive. As a result, these dogs remain at the shelter for extended periods of time –sometimes to the point of developing a sickness, becoming depressed or developing kennel neurosis.
A sociological framework that helps me understand my site is the strict following of "policy". I often find that the the shelter is run more like a business than what a social service should be. As volunteers, our sole purpose is to be there for the well-being of the animal. We are there because we want to be and receive no compensation, therefore we do what we feel is best for the animals. This often leads to conflict with lower-level staff and reprimand from upper-level staff for not following the shelter's "policies". Shelter policy is also what has decided staff hierarchy - the hierarchy that promotes oppression of certain staff members, creating undesirable working conditions and thus preventing them to go the extra mile for the welfare of the animal.
Problems and Solutions
Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is an organization in the forefront of the fight for animal rights. Although criticized for their extreme methods, they have uncovered atrocities and brought to light many truly heartbreaking stories most of us would prefer not to know about. To find out anything you have (or haven't) ever wanted to know about the inhumane treatment of animals and what can be done to prevent it, click here
If you're a pet owner or interested in becoming one, watch this video to learn how you can be a responsible pet owner. Help keep animals out of shelters and help animals in the shelters by not supporting pet store puppies that are products of puppy mills.
The North County Humane Society provides many on-site, literary and personal resources to help pet owners and prospective owners understand proper pet responsibility and care so that the loving companion they decide to take home will not end up back in the shelter. With each adoption, our pets are spayed or neutered to help control the animal population and limit the number of dogs who can potentially end up in shelters. Help support shelter animals, and visit the North County Humane Society!
If you're a pet owner or interested in becoming one, watch this video to learn how you can be a responsible pet owner. Help keep animals out of shelters and help animals in the shelters by not supporting pet store puppies that are products of puppy mills.
The North County Humane Society provides many on-site, literary and personal resources to help pet owners and prospective owners understand proper pet responsibility and care so that the loving companion they decide to take home will not end up back in the shelter. With each adoption, our pets are spayed or neutered to help control the animal population and limit the number of dogs who can potentially end up in shelters. Help support shelter animals, and visit the North County Humane Society!
Get involved!
Progression towards a more just society for animal welfare requires being an ally to both people and animals. First and foremost, we must have an understanding of the sociological factors that surround the need for animal welfare. It is imperative to be open-minded as we often are quick to point the finger of blame to the pet owner. The factors that encompass the oppression of people reflect the way in which animals are viewed or treated. Once we understand the larger picture surrounding animal welfare, it is our duty to educate the public so that we can reach the ultimate goal of animal justice.
I wish I would have seen this video before I started the semester as it perfectly explains the link of social justice and animal welfare and what we can do. While in this class I've learned more about social justice than I could have ever imagined, watching this clip would have given me a great headstart! In 30 minutes you can learn month's worth of information.
As you've seen throughout this project, becoming an ally to animals can happen in a number of ways: Spay/neuter your pet, don't breed or buy when shelter dogs die and educate, educate!! Become a volunteer at your local Humane Society. There are many animals in need of love and exercise. Or, if you just don't have the time - Sign Petitions or Donate!
I wish I would have seen this video before I started the semester as it perfectly explains the link of social justice and animal welfare and what we can do. While in this class I've learned more about social justice than I could have ever imagined, watching this clip would have given me a great headstart! In 30 minutes you can learn month's worth of information.
As you've seen throughout this project, becoming an ally to animals can happen in a number of ways: Spay/neuter your pet, don't breed or buy when shelter dogs die and educate, educate!! Become a volunteer at your local Humane Society. There are many animals in need of love and exercise. Or, if you just don't have the time - Sign Petitions or Donate!
Goodbye for now.....
My experience at the North County Humane Society, coupled with this course has opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on social justice. It has prompted me to become more pro-active in not only animal rights, but human rights also as I've finally recognized the relationship between them both. I've never seen a more passionate and dedicated group of volunteers than at my site and for that my faith in people has been restored. After this course I'm going to continue my volunteer work at the North County Humane Society and work towards starting my own rescue group for older dogs. Thank you all for taking the time to learn about my organization and its clientele. I hope I have influenced you to join the fight for animal justice! Jericho thanks you for taking the time to learn about his furry (and scaly) friends!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)