You hit the nail on the head Cynthia. Just look at all the dogs in animal control not just in Douglas County but the neighboring counties as well that aren't neutered because the own just doesn't want to do it for their own personal reasons, such as "it will change their personality or they will get fat." There also is a problem ( and has been) with dogs allowed to roam free. I am hoping that the new DCAC enforces the laws so family dogs and citizens of Douglas County can safely walk, jog or simply be safe on their own property. Those who have access to a computer can search "dogs attacks in Douglas County, GA" to see what happens when dogs are allowed to roam free.

*owner*

The key to people being responsible pet owners is EDUCATION. And that should start with the children in the schools. There should be volunteer programs that get therapy dogs into the schools for programs on pet ownership and care. I disagree that people should be forced to spay and neuter their animals, as this is a personal choice. If they are responsible owners, there should never be a problem. If the laws that are on the books are just enforced then the pets at large problem would cease. We do have a leash law in this county. And, if you have ever been to "dog court", you would see that many people are being hit with exorbitant fines for their dogs running at large. Unfortunately, this money that could be used to help with shelter expenses, is going into the general fund for the BOC to spend as they see fit. Nothing will change at the shelter until the BOC take this problem as seriously as they took the problem with the jail. We need a new shelter. the prisoners will have a new state of the art place to sleep and eat for free having committed numerous heinous crimes, while the poor creatures who have no control over their own circumstances are housed in a poorly designed and poorly maintained building. They should at least be given the same amount of respect and housing as the common criminal as they have usually committed no crimes.

I am not worried bout Rick Smith or his wife, as long as the euthanasia rate does not start to climb at the shelter or the conditions start to deteriorate. I say that he was hired to do a job, and he should get to it or get out.

I do however have a problem with the BOC who have lied to the populous about the shelter & the director that they hired. Very little vetting was done on this man and in their "nationwide search" they had only 2 applications come from outside of the facility. They would have found that the man admitted in a newspaper article in 2010 that over the length of his career that he killed about 195 animals per month. Calculate that out and that is 30 years X 12 months in a year = 360 X 195 = 70,200 dead animals. I am sorry, but in this day and age, that is not a progressive attitude.

Paulding County AC has now gone 12 weeks without having to kill any animals. They are working hard at networking their animals & low cost spay & neuter programs and welcoming their volunteers with open arms. A far cry from what I have heard about the DCAC shelter lately. Rick Smith cannot even be bothered to come out of his office to introduce himself to the volunteers and thank them for their willingness to help the animals and essentially, help him to do his job. He has grunted at volunteers and shut his door as they have come in to work. WoW, sounds as if the main thing needed at the shelter is an attitude adjustment. If you didn't want the job, you should have said no.

While I agree with your overall sentiment that irresponsible pet owners are to blame for the problem, some of your statements leave me puzzled.

"While the past nine days were considered successful in that more animals were adopted than impounded, that isn’t the case every week."

Actually, from what I understand, this has been the "case every week" over the past year. Staff and dedicated volunteers came together to ensure that adoptions, rescues and reclaims exceeded the number of impounds. Together, they worked tirelessly to make sure that each week was successful. It's unfortunate that this type of progress seems to have changed since your husband took over as the new director.

(continued)

"Ask yourself 'what did I do this past week to help a homeless animal'? If you complained that your shelter isn’t doing enough, or you criticized the shelter staff for not caring, then you aren’t part of the solution, but indeed part of the problem."

I also find this hypocritical when you and your group HOPE are not allowing citizens (taxpayers who pay for the shelter's existence) to volunteer simply because you do not agree with them or get along with them. That sort of behavior is unprofessional and quite frankly, immature. Why are you standing in the way of progress because of your personal differences? The people you are turning away have, for the last year, networked, educated and created solutions, and I know they would continue to do so if given the chance.

I'm not familiar with the legality of it all, but I'm not sure how ethical it is for a government employee's spouse to have a say in how the county conducts business and uses taxpayer money. Either way, I hope that in the future everyone whose goal it is to see that these animals are treated more responsibly can come together.

Unfortunately, when I asked the same things on your HOPE Facebook page, they were promptly deleted, so I think this is a great place to begin a civil discussion about concerns that many of us in the community have about the way the shelter is being run and what we can do to work together.

Since I am very interested in this topic as both an animal lover and a pet owner, I've read articles regarding the resistance to the newly hired supervisor of the DCAC. I have also read blogs regarding him. I listened to a recording of the meeting of the BOC where Rick Smith was the main topic discussed. I am still confused. Are volunteers being prohibited from volunteering or is it that they refuse to sign on to this non-profit that Mrs. Smith has been put in charge of? One women at that meeting snickered and said " I won't join that" but yet admitted to never meeting Mrs. Smith. Another speaker resented the fact that out of the 3 new hires, two "were for the road staff." They need more people on the road. It was taking 24 to 48 hours (if at all) to respond to complaints from residents. It's animal control, not a rescue organization. At that BOC meeting a woman spoke up and wanted the old jail to be used as a homeless shelter.

Maybe someone has the answer to this. How large was the shelter where Rick Smith was previously. I read the DCAC is one of the smallest shelters. A larger shelter like they have in Fulton County I'm sure has a higher euthanasia rate because of the sheer amount of animals that come through their facility. Are we comparing apples to oranges or apples to apples. Regarding the comment that he grunted as he was introduced to a member of a rescue group...if I am reading so many negatives remarks and demands for his removal from bloggers and certain rescue groups I'm sure he is also. Who knows what he is feeling? The man was hired to do a job. I'm sure he never expected so much resistance.

I think the networking of animals at the shelter now should also be addressed. Putting photos out on social media seemed to play an important part to the sucesses of 2012 and it's being ignored now. If you want to do all you can use all the tools available to you. Posting photos and descriptions of the animals with hours of operation and directions would go a long way towards helping a homeless animal.

Cynthia Smith,
Your adoption numbers might be better if your dictator of a husband, concentrated more on animal welfare than enforcement. If you didnt push good volunteers and rescue groups away from DCAC things may be better. Your Hope organization is a joke.. Heres to HOPE.. Hope you go back to where you came from, so the animals have a chance of surviving.

So innocent animals should suffer because of one particular incident. That makes sense. I see why you side with Dick Smith and his wife. The ones that will suffer will be the ones with 4 legs..Maybe we should bring back the gas chamber for euthanasia.. Maybe you would like to sit in on that too.

Sadly, Cyd's response to Chiggerbug ABOVE shows the truth of lack of diplomacy and tension at the shelter. The animals are stressed enough, as are the employees. This punitive approach is all too permeating, offensive, & counterproductive.

Thank you Sarah! While this article is blaming the community for not getting animals fixed, what about the program that the county lost to fix dogs for free? Douglas county lost it because of Mr Smith and the direction he wants to take the shelter.

I appreciate anyone who is willing to volunteer their time to help. You have to really wonder why anyone that cared about the animals and the community would put so much effort into stopping those volunteers that had so much success last year. You also have to wonder about commissioners that would allow a director to do this. In spite of all the obstacles, those volunteers that are not associated with HOPE continue to make every effort to help save the animals of Douglas County.

Cyd, you and your husband seem hateful too, and based on being acquainted w/situations before you arrived, it appears you brought hatefulness w/u. [Cyd also commented on Pet Overpopulation.

"Wow, you don't know my husband and you don't know me, but the hate that is in you is very evident."]

Fran, are you the woman that is trying to get $2,000 for $200 of vet bills for the "attack" when you dog crawled under someone else's fence and into their dog's yard?

TEN MINUTES w/the pets and ESCORTED?! BOO! Where is your compassion? [...] "they send away two volunteers that were there today with time , treats , a camera , and a true desire to serve and help the animals ..."

Hiding away in the ROYAL, dictatorial trailer: "PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE
being, marked by, or displaying behavior characterized by the expression of negative feelings, resentment, and aggression in an unassertive passive way (as through procrastination, LIMITATIONS, and stubbornness) "

Rebecca M. Let me ask you what have you done for the animals lately? You, like the majority of people that post on this site and FB haven't taken the time to even come to the shelter and see for yourself. It is obvious that you have no interest in knowing the truth. You post comments without researching the facts. You have met Rick and I once for a 3 minute conversation and to think that you would stoop to this type of behavior speaks volumes of your character. Your posts/comments aren't about the animals it's about some deep-seeded issue that you have. For anyone to come online and make the comments that you just exposes you for the troubled individula that you are. Cyd

I have researched & do not need to justify w/u. Grow up. You are one mean woman which is not readily apparent.. takes a while... You need a vacation.

There is no reasoning with unreasonable people. No longer any point in trying.

Cyd, Fran, everyone has a right to express their opinion (unless you want to volunteer at the shelter)...it just really looks like a set up situation.

right

This is the last comment I will be posting on this topic. The hostility to too over powering for me. I want to thank you Karen Orgeron for helping me in my quest for the truth of this situation. Your erroneous comment to me was more telling then all the researched I have done. I have come to the conclusion that there is a lot of misinformation being spread and there are those that aren't doing any research but are just following a core group of people whose aim is the removal of Rick Smith and his wife. I for one will continue to adopt for the DCAC since it's the animals that matter to me and not the personal agendas that some people here seem to have.

Cyd, perhaps you could explain your position and answer the many questions honestly and not defensively. What is your justification in organizing your own volunteer group in a shelter that had a proven, successful, dedicated group of volunteers? Why put yourself as head of this organization? Would it not be common sense to take those dedicated volunteers and ADD to them instead of pushing them out? Would it not be more sensible to select a leader from the proven group who knows the volunteers, their strengths, networking resources for saving shelter pets and level of dedication? The people want answers and to continue saving lives and no one is willing to communicate the reasoning behind the many changes.

Thank you Fran and to everyone that not only took the time to reasearch the truth, but also stayed unbiased while doing so. Rick and I are here to do our best for the shelter animals in Douglas County.

Clearly I was wrong about this being a place for a good, civil discussion about what is fact and what is not. Some of these comments from both sides are a bit over the top, but I'm especially disappointed in Ms. Smith's lack of professionalism. She is right; I do not know her or her husband, but her words and actions here speak volumes. It appears as if she wants to get into a shouting match with or talk down to anyone who questions her instead of providing legitimate answers to questions. I expect much more from people who are put in a position to represent the county. My comments were not rude or accusatory or based on gossip; I was referring to what I have read on the HOPE Facebook page, seen in the news media and read in the Douglas County Sentinel. Until my questions are answered and I am treated with respect, I will continue to rely on those sources.

Fran Armstrong, It was not an erroneous comment. I just asked. Your banter looked very staged. I have seen it done before. Forgive me for questioning. I hope you will continue to seek the truth and I am so glad that you will continue to adopt from and support the shelter. I agree that the animals should come first....not personal agendas.

Mrs. Smith-How many previous volunteers have you alienated that would not join your rescue group ? How many rescue groups have been told they are not welcome? How many potential adopters have been turned away at 4:30p even though the shelter is open until 5:00P? Why was the wrong dog euthanized? Why aren't the cats being sexed? Why is cage space being reduced? A 10 minute rule? Really? Chaperones for the volunteers?, are we in grade school? Why did you take away the courtyard?, dogs are pack animals last I checked. Who's idea was it to get treadmills for the dogs?, (Thank you for deleting my questions and not having the common courtesy to answer them) Irresponsible pet owners you say?, well there will be more unwanted litters because the Fix 'em free program was pulled. Who's to blame for that Mrs. Smith? You want to know why we feel the way we do? You roll into town and in these few short months have managed to undo every good thing that has become of this shelter. You should not have to wonder why people have such animosity towards the two of you. Anyone in your husband's position should be out front (not hiding in a trailer with his wife ) welcoming anyone who is volunteering their time to help. It takes a village Mrs. Smith and you are slowly but surely going to be the only two left in it. This community has worked too damn hard to let you and your husband run this shelter into the ground at the expense of innocent lives. Please rethink your careers.

I WAS THE IRRESPONSIBLE PET OWNER. My name is Vince I am 45 and I live in Paulding County. I have all ways owned a dog or two until my Son grew up and moved out. I was given a female pit pup from a friend who could not care for her, "Sophie".
Sophie made a great addition to the family as it was only "Izic",my male pit, and I. But in 2009 Sophie became pregnant. 9 PUPPIES!!! It was great, I had been alone since my son moved out and I needed something to take care of and I found it in the dogs.
The next three years a total of over 60 puppies were delivered into this world by my hand.
The end, so I thought, came to a violent end when a dog fight broke out in the back yard. The people next door called Animal Control.
I explained to them that I have 24 dog in the house and I think I need some Help. I surrendered 9 to them and PAC arranged for me to bring 9 to AHS and that they can help me get my girls fixed. I made the trip to AHS three times to get the girls fixed, only to be turned away, they were lactating or in season. I simply gave up and went about trying mend my life.
2012 and two more litters, 18 puppies. My story came to the ear of Julie Poole, a woman I have never met nor spoken with to this day. She arranged a visit with Jason Flatts from Friends To The Forlorn Pitt Bull Rescue. Jason got to me in a way no one else did.
My dogs are now fixed and I can now carry on. Thank you Julie and Jason, you are Our Heroes.
Today I went to my county commissioners meeting.

Let me be the first to how we in the "South" say,...Welcome Cyn. Just incase no one has say this to you before.

Now, you took the time to write this post, so by all means PLEASE ANSWER all the questions that have been posed to you.
Congrats on the 12 animals that homes or rescues gotten for them during your 9 days you are boasting about in your opening statement. Giving credit where it is due. Now...question...HOW MANY DOGS OR CATS DIED DURING THIS TIME PERIOD?
The "over population" you keep speaking of is due mostly to what we call, backyard breeders. Yes, some do come from a dog getting loose and another one finding the opportunity to mate. As it stands, there are no laws on the books in GA that say a person has to spay or neuter their animal. Yes, it's a personal choice...same as people having children. (See, we don't live in China where children are limited) Then again, I would say it's a 50/50 ratio with the responsible people vs the irresponsible ones.
Q) HOW many of those dogs impounded were picked up from a complaint rather than as strays? I mean, taken from an owner? You seem to be implying Douglas County all of a sudden has this tremendous amount of animals unchecked. Forgive if I misread you. Also the very program to help people to afford to get their animals fixed appears to have been pulled from the Shelter there and the means for others to use it too. Q) WHAT happened there? Do you know the story?
continue....

Mr.DeJohn , I know your story well haven spoken to Julie and Jason about it. You are correct , they are wonderful animal advocates. What they also have in common is both Julie and Jason have spoken out against Rick Smith and his regressive shelter policies. I have on tape Mr Smith stating to Jason that he is "scary" and if he were to apply to volunteer with Hope then Mr smiths recommendation would be to deny his application. Why would a director of animal control be so aggressive and hateful to an amazing animal rescue organization ?

continued...Do you have the names of these "irresponsible pet owners"? If not, then how can you call them that? Maybe a dog broke from it's homeplace during a storm and got lost. Maybe someone took it from another's yard to sell on Craigslist (it's happening) and then couldn't so they let it go. Sometimes they are even stolen and drop from another county into Douglas County. So many possibilities why that dog and maybe even the cats somehow got into the shelter. NOT saying all of them, but a lot of them. Not accepting owner surrenders...not a good thing. People then might just turn their animal loose to be picked up...one way to get it into the shelter. WHY not help the people to get their animals re-homed. Given enough time, someone always adopts, fosters or Rescues them...I know, I watched it happen prior to you and your husband coming to Douglas County Animal Shelter.

I was under the impression that the "new guy" was suppose to help turn the shelter into a NO KILL SHELTER. What happpened to that idea? If put to a VOTE for the Voters, I'm willing to bet that's what they would want, rather than a shelter that KILLS a dog or cat that is perfectly adoptable. NOT everyone wants those "cute puppies" to have to train to go outside to the bathroom, etc., many want the young adults or even the older adults for their pets.
continued....

continued...
I ready would like to know, as would the rest of the Douglas county people following this "drama" unfold....WHY DID YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND, RICK, COME TO DOUGLAS COUNTY? WHAT IS THE GOAL HE IS TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH HERE? Rick seems to have chosen to continue to work after the report from Missouri stated he was "retiring after nearly 30 years". So please by all means enlighten the county residents (maybe they will look at you in a different light).

Finally...your question...
"Ask yourself “what did I do this past week to help a homeless animal”?

Well let's see, I networked pictures for shelters (more than one shelter too) on Facebook. Re-posted flyers for lost animals on FB. I visited a shelter for the animals there (cats and dogs). And I'm going to be adopting another sheltered animal !!!! BTW...They let me take all the time I wanted to interact with the animal(s) too...walking, petting, playing, etc. No one hovering over me either, image that! :)

Your 10 minute suggestion for visiting an animal is ridiculious at best. No one in their right mind could pick a dog or cat out and bond or try to bond in that length of time. (take that back...maybe an actual kitten or puppy, yep ONLY case I can see it happening). I don't know what you and Rick are afraid of or are hiding, trying to hide from the public, but it will come to light sooner than later. If nothing you say, then prove it, on paper and by opening the shelter back up to the people.

Oh...I almost forgot. The comments and support on those petitions you guys have complainted about...in case you have not heard, Douglas County is part of the METRO ATLANTA AREA. That includes a lot of the surrounding counties...sort of like a "family". So yes, while they don't all reside here, their interaction with Douglas County counts too. The Rescues transport dogs within and outside of the state of GA. Saving animals is not just a "local" thing, it's a "state to state" thing and even in some cases to other countries.
I have in this past year also personally fostered/rescued a few dogs and they have had a happy ending...adopted and are healthy and living a good life now. So just making the right connections is the key. Giving the animals some time is the key to getting them out the doors into a good home.

Last question...Where is this "placing an undue burden and hardship
on taxpayers and shelter workers."...in Douglas County? I personally would love to know what the DCAS is doing with my TAX DOLLAR exactly? What and how is it spent at the shelter? Can you tell me that? Can Rick show me that accounting?

Well, you have some questions to answer from the public here. Perhaps another Blog Post for us with our answers detailed would be most welcomed.

Truly, hoping you are enjoying the hospitaility here in the South!

I have sat here for hours trying to see through the tears in my eyes that grow with every google search. I have no agenda only the ones sleeping on the bed. I wanted nothing but verifiable facts. As for my opinion, it will stem from life as I have experienced it, and it will be stated as (opinion). History is also a valuable resource.
First and foremost. Jason Flatts appearance… well, ya just gotta meet the guy. He is what Angles look like. He is the only human that made a change with me, (opinion and fact). I am discouraged to hear he is placed on the DCAC BSL list, I labeled him a man of integrity within the first three minutes.

Mr. Smith : Smith was hired following a national search that lasted nine months. A Missouri native, Smith served as president of that state's animal control/animal shelter association. (a great applicant for a kill shelter)
Mr. Worthan : Wants an entirely new job title with similar responsibilities to the old position of animal shelter manager.(adding legislation to reengineer the less desirable areas.) BOC Chairman Tom Worthan said he is pleased to have Smith on board.(Mr. Smiths has proven his loyalty to his employer) The next goal, Worthan said, is to get a new animal shelter built. (a great carrot to attract a great applicant) "We've come a long way as far as developing the animal control board, who has been very energetic in working with us,"(at the time)

Continued...

Worthan said. "They are also working much better together with the Humane Society. The volunteers that we've had have done a wonderful job,(they are not your volunteers) and now with the new position of director all we need to do to move forward is build a new animal shelter.(delivering the carrot) Everything is looking positive in Douglas County as far as animal control goes."(OMG)
Volunteers : Achieved a 16% kill rate. (offered to Mrs. Smith to seal the deal)
Mr. Mulcare: made this statement three month ago, the day Mr. Smith was hired, "We continue to build better relationships with animal rescues and volunteers who want to pitch in," said Mulcare. "The question is managing these great resources in a cooperative way. He knows it will be a challenge but I know the community will support him in what he needs to learn about Douglas County." (something tells me Mr. Mulcare saw this coming)

Still some things I don’t understand and maybe Mr. Mulcare has some input, he seem genuinely concerned.

Wow! I had a long response typed up but everyone seems to be seeing through this post. This is nothing more than a set up for the coming rise in the euthanasia rate. The set up is to make anyone responsible for the killing except those that are truly responsible. Dismantle the parts of the equation that brought us out of the killing and what do you expect? Douglas County had a good thing going and by hiring a new Director that is way behind the times in animal welfare and apparently cannot come to work without his wife there to run interference makes no sense. The decisions made by the BOC to hire him and stand behind him no matter what he does also makes no sense. As many have asked what is the real truth?

Cyd, answer the questions posed. Also explain how the new volunteer rules put forth yesterday help animals? You say we should all work together for the animals but you and your husband do nothing but put up road blocks to prevent people from helping the animals. Answer Lori's questions. Why are you there? Why are you in charge? It certainly is not becuase you earned the title. You have put in no time compared to other volunteers that have diligently dedicated their time and money to saving animals in Douglas County. Why you? Does that seem fair? Since you are not an employee but are being placed in a position of power, how does someone complain if they do not like the way you treat them? Are they to complain to your husband? I am sure he would be objective there, not. Why are you allowed to use the county computers even though you are not an employee? Why are you allowed acess to the personal information of any citizen that has been logged into that county system because they have adopted, reclaimed, had a complaint on them or made a complaint? Does this seem normal? Can anyone that volunteers at the shelter gain acess to all of this information? If so how can citizens feel safe giving the county this information? Once you are in the system you can see and/or change any information that is legal public record. This seems wrong on so many levels. Unless you can explain.

Got quiet in here... That's good. I needed to gather my thoughts. As I read all the post over and over again(kinda extreme I know, I lived with 24 dog) I didn't hear the disrespect and hatetrid I heard the first time the more I read the louder it got. It wasn't disrespect and hatetrid it was crying and sadness, every post. I think we are on the cutting edge, the dawn of a new ear. Forever euthanasia number belonged solely to the Commissioners, their cross to bare. Now it seems to be a coveted sword of power. That leaves us with an unprecedented problem. That number is now a product of uncompensated human labor, can ya see were I'm goin with this, this labor is voluntary as opposed involentary. That would be slavery. Slavery can loosely be defined as a commodity to be bought and sold on the open market. Please understand that opinions are place holder for unanswered questions. Although the numbers are his, and can be held to his acclaim, he can not barter with them. I would fear the latter. I wish you all comfort in you quest for truth...

Well I see no real questions are going to be answered. Cyd seems more than happy to jump on any forum to use that old, worn out mantra of "it''s not our fault it is everyone else!" First off it should not be her putting this information out there. Does the Director of any other Department bring their wife to work everyday? I think if they all did it would get pretty crowded. If they will not answer the questions then the citizens should demand an answer from someone. Why bring in your wife (or anyone that has not been involved before), push all others out of the way and allow her access to all county information? It is not right. In an era of identity theft, this seems reckless. Who will hold her accountable?

Why is everyone dismissing the possibility that the Smith's are only honoring their end of the deal. Wortham may have given Mrs. Smith that 16%. She didn't ask to help, so I assume she had permission.

" During the period of February 16, 2013, through February 25, 2013, Douglas County Animal Control staff and HOPE (Helping Orphan Pets Everywhere) in Douglas County volunteers adopted, fostered out, redeemed toowner, or transferred to rescues 60 animals. Congratulations to ALL for a jobwell done!!! A special thanks to the Rescues who made a world of difference inthe lives of 12 animals. Working together we can and did make a difference.

Unfortunately, our work is not over. During this same period the shelter received 56 animals, that figures to be approximately 6 animals per-day."

Congratulations on getting the animals in need either adopted, rescued and returned to their owner. Very nice to see you all have fosters for some of the homeless animals of DCAC.. Does Douglas County now have a state approved foster program in place? That would be information to pass along to the public, I am sure there are many people who would be willing to participate. And how does one sign up for that new program if they are interested?

The work of finding homes or rescues for the homeless and abandoned pets is never done. It is an ongoing issue but well worth the effort for those who truly care about the welfare of the animals.

"Until animal welfare advocates and the community focuses on holding irresponsible pet owners accountable for allowing their pets to roam and breed indiscriminately,this issue of pet overpopulation is not going to be resolved anytime soon. Douglas County Animal Control has been doing the same old same old, impoundingstray animals and working endlessly to find the owners (who usually fail tocome redeem their pet) or find the animal a new home. Unfortunately, they arestill getting the same old results, impounding one animal for every one adopted. While the past nine days were considered successful in that more animals were adopted than impounded, that isn’t the case every week. Usually more animals are received than adopted, rescued, fostered, or redeemed by their owners."

I do not think anyone disagrees that "irresponsible pet owners" should be held accountable. Strengthen and enforce penalties for irresponsible dog owners. Rather than create dangerous dog laws, we should instead focus on true "irresponsible owner" laws. The problem is the result of irresponsible, negligent and careless owners, and greater focus on the cause of the problem will result in a community that experiences less issues with both "irresponsible owners" and their dogs.

If they are getting the same "old results", then they are not working hard enough to find positive solutions and other avenues for adoption and rescues of the unwanted, homeless and abandoned animals of DCAC. It takes a lot of dedicated people working very hard to make it work. It takes time, money and the willingness to want to make it happen. It can be done. I know that for a fact.

Mrs. Pyrdum, Point well taken.

"Pet overpopulation must be addressed. Irresponsible pet owners must be held accountable. Animals must be altered at an early age to prevent an unwanted
litter that will keep producing offspring, that will produce more offspring and
the cycle continues. Pet overpopulation is placing an undue burden and hardship
on taxpayers and shelter workers. Animals are suffering or being euthanized as
a result the IRRESPONSIBLE PET OWNER. Attitudes and directions must change to end this National crisis. Blaming the shelter’s staff is NOT the answer!"

Your argument is a tautology, "a series of self-reinforcing statements that cannot be disproved because they depend on the assumption that they are already correct."

In other words, to say a shelter can't improve by putting in place better policies and more innovative ways to find homes and rescues for the homeless is absurd. Would you claim that improving sheltering practices wouldn't be enough to save most of our healthy and treatable homeless pets?

If there is no "pet over-population" to blame, why are the shelters killing? It's either due to a lack of innovation, leadership, and adaptability -- which certainly no one wants to believe or take responsibility for under their watch..

"Ask yourself “what did I do this past week to help a homeless animal”? If you
complained that your shelter isn’t doing enough, or you criticized the shelter
staff for not caring, then you aren’t part of the solution, but indeed part of
the problem. I assure you the staff does care that includes Rick Smith,
Director of DCAC.I challenge YOU to DO YOUR PART! Support your local shelter and the many wonderful animals that need saving."

Because people have the audacity to raise questions, express concerns or outright not agree with the current policy and practices of the current leadership at the shelter; they/we are the problem?
What PART is it that people are supposed to do? And what is your definition of supporting the animals that need saving. Would that include walking, socializing an networking the animals? Would that include paying for spay/neuter or animal to make it more adoptable? Would that include volunteering at the shelter? Would that include helping with offsite adoption events? Would that include loving on the animals to let them know somebody cares enough to spend time with them?

There are plenty of people who are or are willing to their part. However, they are not willing to have their "freedom of speech" taken away from them by having to sign up for the HOPE organization and not being allowed to speak on behalf of the animals. This is not a communist country and last time I check we ALL still have that right under the Constitution of the United States.

I for one am a bit tired of the games being played and the blame game being put forth that it is somehow "everyone " else who is being unreasonable.

Those interested in "saving the animals" now have to make an appointment and be babysat by an employee or HOPE volunteer in order to walk and socialize the animals. Or take pictures in order to network , promote and help find them homes or rescues. And only if there is "someone" available they will be given 10 minutes to accomplish this task. Who is being unreasonable? Seriously.

And the new rules or policies have to be obtained by filing an open records request. Maybe you would be well serve to post them at the shelter, provided EVERYONE has to abide by the same rules.

I cannot begin to express my disappointment that this blog is being used to air dirty laundry and insult the citizens of Douglas County and Metro Atlanta. I am neither defending nor criticizing policies or changes. However, the responses from a shelter volunteer coordinator, whom I do not know and have never met, are alarmingly unprofessional, potentially causing even further damage for the image of the shelter. There needs to be a serious regard for Public Relations, crisis management, community relations, and sensitivity. It is counter productive at the very least otherwise.

There are many, many people who having been doing their part to save the animals at DCAC and the results speak for themselves. 82% of the animals went out of DCAC last year alive. Is that good enough? No way. Can the numbers be better? Absolutely. I challenge DCAC to make sure that happens. Is it hard work, you bet it is. Be prepared.

I can only speak for myself. I will continue to do what I can to promote, network and be a voice for the voiceless. They deserve every chance to have a wonderful life and be loved unconditionally.

As you said "Be part of the problem or part of the solution" Everyone has to make a choice the lives of innocent animals are at stake. After all this is about the animals who have no voice.

There is not a company, not a legitimate company anyway, that would have their employees or volunteers sign a waiver that they would not report wrong doings or violations to a higher authority if they saw them happening as a condition of empolyment. IF there is one, I for one would never be working there, plus I would report that very "fact of employment" to whomever needed to know it.
I feel for those that are working under that very condition, along with the animals that are suffering through no fault of their own.

I also would like to know what happens to those assigned to community service at the DCAS, how is CYD presenting herself to a Judge's order? Surely they are not made to sign her "application" process.

You also don't run a business on, "file an open records request" everytime someone asks a question either. Makes things appear "questionable" at that point.

2012 credit belongs to the staff, volunteers, and rescue organizations that were previously working for the DCAS and no one else!

The blame for the senseless euthanized animals belongs SOLELY to the Management of the shelter. NOT the volunteers and usually not the staff (prior staff anyway). That's one decision he can take the credit for all by himself.

Here are his numbers from 2008-2012 , provided by the St.Jo Mo Department of Health , Mr. Smith's former boss.

Animals Reclaimed 2706, Animals Adopted 3490, Animals Rescued 144, Animals Euthanized 9658.

The percentages are as follows: 15.8% Reclaimed, 20.41% Adopted, 6.44% DOA,.843 % Rescued and 56.48% Euthanized. The stats no not lie. Over a five year period almost 57% of the animals at the St. Joesph Mo shelter were euthanized. Only 144 were rescued during that time period.

There is NOTHING acceptable about the above numbers. More than HALF of the animals that came into the shelter during that time period were put down. Very sad for the animals. After the killing of 30 animals this week, Douglas County is headed in the same direction.

The above numbers and percentages are for animals only listed as "available for adoption". The animals not available for adoption were not factored into the equation, if they had been the percentages would be even higher.

I posted my story as a response to this same article on the HOPE page.
Mrs. Smith posted a responce... "Thst are my hero's too". referring to Julie Poole and Jason Flatts. That was harsh. HOPE is a false prophet who's reach in the community extends no further then the kill room door. By comparison, Beat The Heat has generated 100 likes in it's four day existence.

Faustina & Tammy: Thanks for telling the TRUTH.

If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men. St. Francis of Assisi. /The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."Mohandas Gandhi(1869-1948) WE ARE "CALLED" to be great--to do OUR BEST with and to what God has entrusted to humans. HAVE A CONSCIENCE PLEASE! Look at what your neighbors at the Paulding Co shelter are doing which, in short, is emphasizing by contrasting the poor quality operation at DCAS.

The difference between Paulding County and Douglas County is leadership. Paulding Countys success is a direct result of it's community efforts and leadership that understands that fact.

This is what the leadership in Paulding County embraces,

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=624071864275208&id=100000172014925&refid=7&_ft_=qid.5854178812944474297%3Amf_story_key.3042454272193102870