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Reg Clearwater

Positive change at HumaneSociety

By DSTEINLEN
Published June 27, 2006

The focus and title of your June 23 story, Humane Society changes cause stir, are misplaced. The real story at the Humane Society of Pinellas is not the personal issues of certain individuals based upon their own personal perspectives and motives, but the positive changes taking place.

As a volunteer at the shelter, I first met Bill Mazurek, interim director, after (former executive director) Rick Chaboudy resigned in early May. Since that time, I have been continuously impressed by Bill's integrity, professionalism, knowledge and unflinching dedication to the care of the animals.

His efforts to improve conditions at the shelter have been commendable. Bill has put in long hours at the shelter, aided by Leslie Patterson, another dedicated board member.

In less than two months, Bill and the board of directors have initiated a review of all aspects of shelter operations, including, but not limited to, animal care, behavior, adoptions, cleaning and disinfecting of cages, housing, office administration, policies, procedures, staff and volunteers, and have been setting in motion agendas for positive change.

Bill and the board of directors have conducted open forums at the monthly volunteer meetings and have provided information to everyone in attendance about the conditions at the shelter and the changes taking place. All volunteers have been invited to ask questions, and those asking questions have received frank, courteous and informative answers.

Bill Mazurek and the board of directors deserve our heartfelt thanks and gratitude. They are working diligently and unselfishly to make a positive difference in the lives of the animals that come to the shelter. I believe the changes will benefit the animals, which is what the Humane Society is all about.

Our community has always been very supportive of the Humane Society, and I think everyone will be pleased with the changes taking place on behalf of the animals. I hope you will do another article about the shelter in the future, highlighting the many improvements.

Jane Phillips, Palm Harbor

Humane Society will succeed with the public's support

Re: Humane Society changes cause stir, story, June 23.

The Humane Society of Pinellas has been and will continue to be an advocate for all sick and homeless animals in North Pinellas. All major organizations experience transition when the management structure changes. It is no different with a nonprofit business like the HSP.

The new organization will succeed with the continued support and generosity of the public, as it has in the past, and the animals will be the beneficiaries.

It is a shame that personalities had to enter into it. Most volunteers and employees will continue to follow the philosophy that (former executive director) Rick Chaboudy created for the shelter: that the animals' care and well-being is what is most important.

Changes will continue to occur at the shelter, but I am sure they will be changes for the better and the overall care of the animals will continue to improve.

Lynn Harmon, Safety Harbor

Editorial on manager was clear, but it went too far

Re: Change is right for Dunedin, editorial, June 18.

Your editorial position on the city manager of Dunedin was clear, but did you have to bring out all the guns? In a brief campaign of shock and awe, you also denied the honor of a devoted public servant and tried to strip her of her personal integrity. This is the power of the press, and it is frightening.

Thomas Spillett, Dunedin

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[Last modified June 27, 2006, 11:17:49]