Vicki Roller was appointed Director of Shelter Operation last August. Even though she was limited in what she could do, under her direction conditions improved and lives were saved. She had a heart for the animals, and tried her best.
The numbers do not lie. "Live Release Rate" is a formula that calculates the number of animals that left the shelter alive. They can leave either through adoptions, by being returned to their owners, or by being transferred to a rescue group that will then be responsible for finding the animals a new home.
Staff and volunteers are saddened by Vicki's departure. Her eight months were not easy ones, but she helped make history with the development of a volunteer program, increased survival rates, improved medical care, and the first off site adoption event.
At the Pet Ex last Sunday, the Roanoke Valley SPCA staff member balked at letting animals be adopted that day. She was rude and followed Bill Watson's obstructionist leadership. Vicki Roller torn those obstacles down and 3 dogs went home alive. We wish she had been given the power to do more throughout her stay.
All eyes will be on the live release rates in the following months. Bill Watson has accused other reputable organizations of "creative numbering", so we will be watching his numbers extra closely.
Sad too hear...too bad Bill Watson didn't resign! U have to have a strong compassion and love for animals to be in this position...its not about the power or the money. Its about GOD'S creatures that deserve as much love, compassion, and respect as any human does. After all...GOD created them also!
ReplyDeleteAll eyes on Bill. Keep up the fight! Karma will see him leave soon. I totally believe that.
ReplyDeleteIt would appear that Bill is the direct reason for Vicki's departure. She tried immensely hard to save animals and he made that process as difficult as he possibly could for her. It reminds me of trying to pull in the regional center for animal control and protection's parking lot. A huge bull dozer and cones block the entrance. Much like the many issues Vicki faced on a daily basis with Mr. Watson.
ReplyDeleteI can't conceive the thought of the volunteers going in there without her. Her own staff members disrespected her MANY times in front of the volunteers. They were often RUDE and spoke to her horribly. A volunteer even witnessed Mr. Watson screaming at her (Vicki) while speaking to her in a very condensing manner.
So, sure hope certain staff members (you know who you are) and Mr. Watson are happy. You think you were being watched before? You haven't seen nothing yet!
I wish I were in Roanoke, I would go there and sit every day. I am telling you the way to make this a better pound is to get rid of the problem who happens to be Mr. Bill Watson, he is so wrong and is so condensing. Anyone who cant look directly in the camera and answer a question with out looking down, get rid of him and the rude employees and start all over with a compassionate staff and it will be good. If they had their say my dog would be dead and not sitting on my lap licking me to death. I thank God every day for this puppy who was deemed unadoptable and yes they used that very word.
ReplyDeleteHow can any baby (animal) be unadoptable??? May God have mercy...
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