Saturday, January 21, 2006
I am so honored to work with them.
Sometimes it is hard to remember how good you have it. Specifically, when you have five open positions, candidates not showing up for interviews, and others who do show up, not wanting to work the schedule that is needed (despite being asked directly before the interview if they can work that schedule), it is difficult to remember how great your staff is.LC, a fellow blogger, has recently stepped up to the plate to fill the role of Interim Canine Manager while our CM is on leave. She is doing a fantastic job with basically no training and no warning.
CM is going to step in for ND when she goes on leave in a few weeks to celebrate her recent addition to her family. CM is also finishing up the last touches on the new cat cage design, which she selected on her own.
FC, a former Canine Associate, and now our Volunteer Manager, is just fabulous. She has taken that department to new heights, done an outstanding job making needed changes and polishing existing programs.
BMS, our Foster Coordinator, is now tackling feral cats (not literally...ouch!) since foster season is pretty slow right now. She is creating protocols, writing manuals and training materials, and is studying up on her feral cat knowledge so we can have the best feral cat program.
JD, a new Customer Care Associate, was put on the Safety Committee recently and had really insightful comments on her first meeting. I'm so glad she was there.
CS, a Customer Care Associate, recently became a blog contributor on his own and routinely takes great pictures for our websites.
AB, a Canine Associate, not only does extra tech duties at the shelter, but she takes home animals that need a break to her home on her weekend.
CW, another Canine Associate, helps clients in a way that is above and beyond our hopes. She shows off her dogs with pride and really gets to know her clients and dogs to be able to facilitate a great match.
SC, our amazing employee long term (20 plus years!) in Tri Valley, cleans the cat areas so well, you could eat off them. Not because someone tells her to, but because she wants to.
VT, who first came to us as a temporary employee and who has been promoted twice, not only works long hours with us, but then volunteers at her City animal care facility on her days off. Incredible.
TF, who was our maintenance technician before being promoted, fostered a dog that had a urinary problem and 'went' everywhere. Tom's patience and calm manner was just what this dog needed.
So, when I get depressed about turnover or being short staffed, I try to remember just how truly lucky we are to have such an outstanding team of dedicated professionals. They care deeply about our animals and our clients and I am so honored to work with them.
