I Will Do More

I WILL DO MORE

I am only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
And what I can do, I ought to do.
And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.
I will do more than belong...I will participate.
I will do more than care...I will help.
I will do more than believe...I will practice.
I will do more than be fair...I will be kind.
I will do more than dream...I will work.
I will do more than teach...I will inspire.
I will do more than earn...I will enrich.
I will do more than give...I will serve.
I will do more than live...I will grow.
I will do more than talk...I will act.
I will be more than good...I will be good for something.

- Anonymous

Dreams shared from the workshop...

At last weekend's workshop a question posed to attendees was "what is your dream for a better world for people and animals?". I thought i'd share some thoughts/visions of attendees of the Animal Welfare leadership seminar:

"Animal welfare community works together to solve the challenges in our industry."

"Respect and mercy for fellow humans and animals. Awareness beyond one's self."

"All children and companion animals are wanted, loved, safe and secure; to not want for food, shelter and the basic amenities of life."

"Where people start to gain a new view of animals which changes how animals are treated - includes 'societal' and 'systemic' changes to create lasting change."

"All animals experience a loving home and bond with humans ... all humans experience a loving bond with an animal.."

"That our culture will one day be able to embrace all sentient beings as equal and treat them as such. That we will become 'true' stewards of all who inhabit our planet."

"To pool and focus talent and resources to put an end to homelessness and euthanasia of adoptable healthy pets and educate pet owners to maintain this"

"A world in which people are more educated about the conditions and issues facing animals. People are given the tools and knowledge to make a focused and lasting impact."

We would love to hear what your dream is for a better world for humans and animals.

Thanks again for everyone who came to the first animal welfare leadership session. We look forward to meeting again in 2010 for our next session.



Thanks to everyone who gives so much of their time, heart, resources, and skills to making our world a better place for both humans and animals.

Animal Welfare Leadership Kick off Session

Saturday morning at the Doubletree Hotel in St. Louis Park, more than 50 people from 12 different animal welfare organizations came together to discuss Leadership. There are so many of us working tirelessly to rescue and rehome dogs and cats. So many of us share the vision of a day when there will no longer be a need for us to euthanize healthy, adoptable dogs and cats. We as a community must come together to address the pet over population problem. Every year 6- 8 million animals are surrendered to shelters. Every year 4 million are euthanized for lack of homes ... that's one animal every 8 seconds (source: HSUS).

It was exciting to see leaders from so many organizations come together. This was a kick off session to simply determine if there was an interest. The response was overwhelming. The first half of the session focused on leadership development which I led/facilitated. We spent some time reflecting on what leadership means to us and also what our dream is for a better world for animals and humans. Some wonderful ideas were provided which I will share soon once I compile them. I then provided an overview of various leadership frameworks.

During the second half of the session we had 4 guest speakers: Kathie Johnson (Director of Animal Services, Animal Humane Society) talked about the Pet Overpopulation in Minnesota; Dr. Kim Culbertson (of Animal Humane Society and Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program) talked about HVHQSN - High Volume High Quality Spay Neuter; Nancy Minion (Second Chance Animal Rescue) provided an update on the puppy and kitten mill legislation in Minnesota; and Rachel Anderson and Lara Peterson (A Rotta Love Plus) presented on Pitbull 101 and also shared about the education/outreach work they are doing on behalf of pitbulls.

I've decided to start this blog as a quick way for us to remain connected and to help spread the word so we as a community can come together to work towards our shared vision of a home for all healthy, adoptable animals.

Many, many thanks to those of you that came yesterday and for our invited speakers. I am truly, truly excited about the collaboration. Ongoing sessions will be developed and plan to stay tuned for when our next leadership gathering will take place in 2010!

From "Leading from within":

- Leaders find and Listen to their Inner Voice
- Leaders Listen and Attend to Others
- Leaders Cultivate an Organization's Creative Imagination
- Leaders Evoke Conversations that Matter
- Leaders Foster Renewal
- Leaders Tell Stories and Inspire Shared Vision


Let's all stand together and be a stronger voice for both humans and animals!

With gratitude for all who dedicate so much of their hearts, time and resources,
Marilou Chanrasmi
President, Pet Haven of Minnesota


P.S. Groups represented at our kick off session were: Pet Haven, Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM), A Rotta Love Plus (ARLP), Animal Humane Society, Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet, Animal Folks MN, Voters for Animals, Second Chance Animal Rescue, Minnesota Spay Neuter Project, Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program, Red Lake Rosie's Rescue, Beltrami Humane Society.

Leadership illustration by John S Dykes.