Each new year, as we set off into the unknown of what lies ahead, I like to take time both personally and professionally to reflect on the past year and think about the changes I’d like to see in the new one. I take an honest account of my accomplishments, my challenges, the areas that I need to work on, and my intentions for the future. It’s how I start every new year, and this time, I’d like to share my reflections with you.
My personal celebrations, reflections, challenges, and work needed in the new year are probably not so different from many of yours – I celebrate the fact that I made it through another year and pledge to work on everything from eating well and imbibing fewer glasses of wine, to finding more peace, and last but certainly not least….my desire to be kind to all.
Now, as CEO of Bideawee, I’ve got a few more challenges and areas in need of work ahead. As far as celebrations – well – the number one area I ALWAYS celebrate is the incredible work the staff and volunteers have done for the animals in our care. I couldn’t be more grateful for each and every one of them, and I applaud the dedication and passion with which they take on this difficult work. I also celebrate the matches we made, the medical care we gave animals in need, and the peace we gave to those putting their four-legged family members to rest. Every adoption, every surgery and every foster home – every life we touched is a reason to celebrate.
That being said, I always want to ensure that the organization is doing the very best that we can for animals – those already at Bideawee and those that will be. I want to be sure too that we can adapt to changes in the needs of our team, the animals in our care, and the needs of the communities we serve. Taking stock of the past and knowing what to work on in the future requires a bit more reflection, as it includes not just me, but animal welfare in general, our team, the animals and the organization as a whole. So here is an outline of my thoughts on our challenges and our hopes for 2025!
The Challenges of 2024
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- Overcrowding in Shelters
Many shelters have struggled with overcrowding, driven by an unprecedented slowdown in adoptions coupled with an influx of animals stretching already limited resources to a breaking point. - Increase in Surrenders
Economic uncertainties, housing challenges, and the cost of veterinary care have led to a rise in pet surrenders. Families faced with financial hardships or relocations often found it difficult to continue caring for their beloved pets, resulting in heartbreaking decisions. - Behavioral Issues
There has been a rise in the number of animals coming into shelters that are experiencing some behavioral issues, from shyness, to stranger-danger, to just a shear lack of training at a more advanced age. - Limited Access to Low-Cost/Free Spay and Neuter Services
A shortage of accessible spay/neuter services has compounded the problem of overpopulation. Without these crucial services, the cycle of unwanted litters continues, adding to the burden on already overwhelmed shelters.
- Overcrowding in Shelters
Looking Forward: Our Pledge for 2025
To do our part and help turn the tide, we pledge to focus on these key areas in 2025:
- Support for Pet Owners
We will expand our partnerships with community and local organizations, corporations, and experts to amplify our reach, while providing resources like pet food giveaways, free vaccine clinics, spay/neuter, and behavior support. We hope to reduce the rate of pet surrenders and keep pets with their families. - Focus on expanding our capabilities for animals in our care who need additional services: This year we will focus on continuing to provide expert and sophisticated medical care for pets who need more than routine work. Simultaneously improving our efforts to provide behavior support for the animals who need it most.
- Expanding our foster network: We will expand our foster program so that we can reduce the instances of kennel breakdown and other shelter-related problems that occur when pets remain in the shelter for too long.
- Increase Access to Affordable Spay/Neuter: We will work to increase funding so we can provide even more low-cost or free spay/neuter clinics.
- Advocate for Policy Changes
We’ll continue to push for policies that promote responsible pet ownership, animal welfare funding, and community education initiatives.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Improving the lives for animals in need requires a collective effort, from donors to volunteers, to fosters, to our staff, and even other animal welfare organizations in our community! We invite you all to join us in creating a future where every animal is valued and cherished. We know that together, we can make 2025 a year of hope and healing for animals in need!
