President’s Letter – February 2020 – Rancho Coastal Humane Society

Dear RCHS Friends and Family,

I see opportunity.

Everywhere I look, I see the chance for Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) to do more and better. We are always open to suggestions. Recently, Best Friends Animal Society, a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare, paid a visit and made a few suggestions. Now, we are even better – at kennel cleaning, adoption counseling, foster support, and even match-making. It has opened up new possibilities for responding to the urgent needs of our shelter pets while satisfying the desires of our adopters. Change brings progress.

Some of the best ideas come from our volunteers who start a conversation with a gentle, “I know you have always done ________ this way, but have you ever considered……?” The answer generally is, “No, never really thought about it.. . .” We are learning from you because you bring a world of experience every time you put on a RCHS apron, grab a paintbrush or a leash, or serve as an ambassador. We won’t stop listening. Opportunity creates new possibilities.

Our Thrift Shop is changing, almost daily. We forged ahead under new leadership, but were slow to share our vision with staff and volunteers. Change is often hard, but made easier when we explain a new direction. We have stopped to listen to your input and shall continue to evaluate whether or not a proposed change respects our history while pursuing our new goals. Inspiration brings innovation.

Opportunity is defined as an occasion or situation that makes it possible to do something you want to do or have to do, or want to do differently. I am not afraid to fail, but I am afraid to not try. RCHS founder Maria K. Lloyd identified the need for rehoming companion animals. She seized the opportunity and built a shelter focused on the importance of the human-animal bond. We cannot just stand in her footprints. We must carve a new path so that the animals and people who depend on us every day are not left behind.

Our thanks to each of you who helped us shape our history, believe in our future, and are ready to participate in new RCHS opportunities.

Sincerely,