By Sandra Ackerman, Capistrano Beach
A puppy was rescued and taken to the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter over the holidays. The puppy was adopted by a wonderful home, all because of the hard work and effort by the staff and volunteers at our shelter.
As a 30-year founding member, I feel very proud to be part of this organization. I have seen a lot of changes during my time. Some were good, some not so good.
As long as I can remember there has been an absence of strong leadership. The volunteers weren’t recognized for their significant contributions of hours and extensive efforts to promote the shelter.
I am writing this letter to acknowledge the efforts the staff has made with their relationship with Pet Project Foundation, as well as their continuing effort to provide our animals with the best care and maintenance and provide exceptional customer service to our residents.
As I volunteer in the office, I have seen such improvements with the general morale and a more positive work environment on a daily basis. The shelter director, Kimberly Cholodenko, has taken the lead in improving these relations, by working with staff and volunteers and showing them the respect they deserve. Jen Stinett, our general manager, despite her youth, has matured into a strong supervisor, overseeing the general day to day shelter operations. The Animal Control Officers have a strong presence both in San Clemente and Dana Point by educating the public and enforcing the policies for those cities.
We don’t receive the complaints we have in previous years. The kennel attendants, I cannot say enough about. They work tirelessly and are always positive and willing to help, whether with the volunteers or the public. I am very proud to be involved in our shelter. A statement, I have not always been able to make, but with our current leadership and volunteers, I feel very confident we are headed in the right direction to make our shelter one of the most outstanding, if not the most outstanding.
