Shocking changes at HSI

This is really sad news and a poor decision. I am sorry Josh. Keeping dogs in homes by helping with behavior issues should be a top priority. I always heard good things about your training program. Even Warren Patitz of Doggone Connection referred people to your classes. In this case they let the wrong person go. We would think Dr. Lubinski would be too busy spaying and neutering dogs and cats instead of ruining (er, running?) the operations of the shelter. As I recall, she was a decision-maker in the killing of over 100 asymtomatic cats during a panleuk outbreak a few years ago, so what should we expect? Why didn't they wait for the new guy to come on board before making such a decision? Past behavior predicts future performance.

I'm sorry Josh lost his job. There is so much controversy surrounding this place. Honestly, if they were going to pay about the same price for a new director, why even get rid of Martha Boden? My main complaint was the salary for the position, but the new guy is making about the same thing. I've heard (from someone who knows her) she wasn't really the problem. She had to answer to the board, so they probably had more control than she did. I'm just sick of trying to figure out where the problem is. I don't know where the issue lies and probably never will. I've made comments here and there and then later regretted it because I've heard new information. For every story, there is another story and then another. It's exhausting. IACC has it's issues crop up here and there, but HSI always seems to have some controversy brewing. I just don't understand why. I'm not wasting anymore energy trying to figure all this out either. I'm just going to put my nose to the grind and try to help as many animals as I can. My money will go to the groups I work with personally.

I'm so disappointed!!! Nigel went to puppy class with Josh and he is just the best!

I have a bad feeling about this...

I am very disappointed by this decision. I received no information from HSI regarding this decision until a week had passed. If not for Josh's email, I would not have known until I showed up for class. HSI is in serious disarray right now. For those of you that didn't receive it, below is Janet's email to the students.

I hope that you and your pet are having a wonderful summer!

As you may be aware, there have been some changes occurring at the CTS. Rick Doucette accepted a promotion to Director of Animal Evaluations at HSI. Rick will continue to be involved in CTS as needed but will mainly focus on helping our animals as they are going through our adoption program. Rick will make a wonderful contribution to this critical mission and I hope you will join me in congratulating him!

The other recent change is that Josh Dinkel is no longer affiliated with the Humane Society and is moving on to other endeavors. We wish him well. As a result of these changes, I will be overseeing the school until a new manager is identified. Please contact me with any questions or comments that you might have. I would love to hear from you!

The CTS remains dedicated to serving you and your dog. We have several excellent trainers teaching classes, all of whom promote positive feedback methods of training, in the context of our "levels" system. The levels system allows you to move at your own pace, working as long as you need to to master that level's skills, before moving onto the next level.

The Humane Society is working very hard to improve your experience with the school. In recent months there have been some scheduling challenges with the classes. One of our commitments to you is to maximize the benefit of the school to you and your dog by being very consistent with our class schedules and the quality of our training. We will minimize the number of disruptions to your schedule and we apologize for the inconvenience several of you have endured.

The CTS at the Humane Society is committed to excellence and we are committed to you and your dog. Through consistent exposure to high quality trainers we will do all that is possible toward enhancing the quality of the lifelong relationship between you and your pet.

I look forward to continuing our association and I am personally committed to making your experience with the Humane Society positive and rewarding.

Warm Regards,

Janet Lubinski DVM, Senior Director of Shelter Services

317-872-5650 ext 160

jlubinski@indyhumane.org

I know nothing about HSI, other than what's learned through IP, and I have to say that's not good. That being said, and in light of the new actions, I'm beginning to think it's a lost cause. They seem to have no interest in the welfare of animals, or facility/operational improvement. THey are going to do things their way regardless of public input. Sorry to everyone who lost their jobs, I hope that you find something that you enjoy, and that can continue to provide help for animals. They all need you.

Odd - my high school religion teacher was named Rick Doucette... i'm not sure if its the same one, but if so, I wonder how he's qualified to work at HSI.