President’s Letter Summer 2023
Dear RCHS Friends and Family,
Change in all things is sweet – Aristotle.
Some people claim that they do not want anything to change, just “get better!” I claim that change is a sign of vitality and, if you have not noticed yet, there is a lot changing at Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS).
We heard (often) about your dislike of the “color coding” for our adoptable pets. We went there during COVID to help our adoption counselors to pre-screen dogs and cats for an expectant adopter who is participating in a computer or phone interaction, not scratching a furry chin! Our adoption promotion has been changed to include a Report Card, complete with training notes, a list of favorite things, a scale of energy level, an introduction, and a great photo. A change that brings joy to the adoption process!
We also changed our network software to a new system that will help us communicate better with you. The software platform is called Every Action and it’s not just a name – it’s a labyrinth of pathways to improve our outreach! In our first campaign since launching Every Action, we told you that we needed permanent shade for our Dog Yards, offering Knockaround “Shades” to the first donors who helped us raise $15,000. That campaign topped out at more than $16,000 in less than 24 hours. We raised cold cash for cool shade and gave away some slick shades, all in a day’s work!
Oh, yeah, we are also changing Fetch! Sometimes, less is more. With more frequent updates through Every Action, we are moving our online newsletters to a seasonal publication. This is our Summer edition, and we’ll be back in September for our Fall edition. In the meantime, we will keep you up-to-date and “in the know” through our emails, social posts and personal contacts.
Finally, anyone who has scuffed their way through our parking lot knows – there are physical changes at the shelter these days. Construction has expanded past protective fences to disrupt our parking lot with underground trenches, block our gate, create mounds of dirt and asphalt, and generate lots of noise from earthmovers, grinders, sawblades and backhoes. All these changes bring forth new facilities that will enhance our programs that support the animal-loving community that has changed around us.
Change often takes time, but time well-spent leads to new beginnings. Change is sweet when it arrives with hope for a better tomorrow for companion animals in our care and in our community. . .and the humans who love them!
