Humane society hopes for new home
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Volunteer Betty Anderson socializes with a 2-week-old kitten at the Rock County Humane Society on Friday.
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Health Tech Jed Kjornes treats a male cat for ear mites at the Rock County Humane Society on Friday.
JANESVILLE — The Rock County Humane Society would like a new home, and board members hope a new executive director with experience raising money will help them find one.
"Ultimately, we'd like to obtain property to build a new or existing building to be modified, but we put that idea on hold for a while and will proceed cautiously due to the economy," board President Debra Mills said.
If the Humane Society gets a new home, longtime executive director Chris Konetski won't be involved.
She was fired Monday.
Konetski hinted that board members wanted to meddle in the day-to-day operations of the shelter.
Mills would say only that Konetski's firing was "generally performance related."
New direction
Mills said the board wants to move into a new direction.
"We're trying to lose the pound image. It's not an accurate reflection anymore," she said.
The board wants to educate the public about being a responsible pet owner and do a better job matching animals with people, Mills said.
Other goals include:
-- Putting more emphasis on the customer.
-- Improving the adoption process.
-- Starting a foster-to-adopt program.
-- Creating programs to test for heart worm and feline leukemia.
-- Giving vouchers for people who can't afford to feed their animals.
-- Expanding the low-cost spay and neuter program.
-- Opening a cat colony where cats could spend a good part of the day out of their cages.
The biggest challenge?
"Money," Mills said.
The board hopes the new executive director has experience in fundraising if a new home for the shelter becomes a goal.
"Because these types of things require large capital campaigns," she said.
Customer service
Konetski said the board had told her earlier to work on her customer service and to enroll in management training because members weren't happy with her management skills.
"They talked to me in October, gave me a list of a number of things to work on," she said.
On Monday, Mills and another board member told Konetski she hadn't worked on the things as asked and because "we've had increasing complaints from adopters, board members and staff we are terminating you effective immediately," Konetski said.
When contacted by The Janesville Gazette, Mills declined to say if Konetski's personality or management style had anything to do with her being let go. She said it was "multifactorial, generally performance related" and "multiple considerations went into the decision, not one single issue."
Konetski admits to personality conflicts with board members, especially after the board a number of years ago paid for a man to explain the differing roles of the executive director and the board.
"We have not seen eye-to-eye since. It was always my understanding the board made policy and raised money to run the shelter. I think a lot of board members are interested in running the shelter," Konetski said.
Mills said there had been "multiple" complaints about Konetski, but would not provide specifics.
Mills also wouldn't say if Konetski rejected guidance from the board, but she said there were "no misdeeds." Konetski worked hard and was outspoken, which "factored into the end result," Mills said.
Not unanimous
Not all 11 members of the board agreed that Konetski should be let go.
Board member Merle Storck learned of Konetski's firing on the radio Monday and said he "completely disagreed with the decision."
Storck said he was not at the Nov. 26 board meeting because of surgery and believes Konetski's firing was intentionally brought up then "because they knew I was not going there."
Storck said the board a year earlier discussed firing Konetski after some board members voiced concerns about her leadership capabilities.
"They claimed she wasn't doing a good enough job with employees and the relationship with the people that came with animals. When you're in a position like that (executive director) it's pretty tough to satisfy everybody every minute every time," Storck said.
Storck said the discussion a year ago was dropped after other board members agreed with him not to let Konetski go.
But Storck was overruled this year.
Board member David Thill, a friend of Konetski's and somebody whom she recruited to be on the board, said it was a unanimous among the approximately 10 board members at the meeting.
"After listening to all of the conversations, it kind of seemed that was the best route to go," he said. "I basically felt it was time to do something different and to make a change after reviewing and hearing the various comments made at the board meeting. I hadn't seen a whole lot of change from a year ago to the current meeting," Thill said.
Former board member Joanne O. Anderson, who was part of the committee that hired Konetski in 1993, wrote in a letter to the Gazette that the current board "was clumsy in its action and ungrateful toward Chris' undoubted dedication and accomplishments.
"When she first came, the shelter was unbelievably shabby, the animals were crowded and board members met on folding chairs in the lobby … Thanks to Chris, the board and a generous membership, the shelter was expanded and much improved in space, comfort and care."
Her dream
Konetski said her dream for the humane society was to lower the number of abused and neglected animals.
"It was a labor of the heart," she said.
"I have taken great pride in being able to be part of their efforts to help with the stray animals of Rock County. I think Rock County has many loving and wonderful people, and it has been an honor and pleasure to work with them and the animals," Konetski said.
She said she has 21 days from the day she was fired to consider a severance package offer.
"I have no idea if it's fair. I've never been offered that before. This was never a job where I was going to seek my fortune. That was never the point of my job. Whatever they offer me, I'm grateful for," she said.
Humane Society is bursting with animals
A poster at the front desk of the Rock County Humane Society features a basket of five cute kittens with this caption: "Pick one and say goodbye to the rest."
"This the daily reality of a shelter worker. It's a heart-breaking business, which they have no control over," said Debra Mills, board president.
"We would love to place every animal that comes through our door, but the reality is that it is up to the public to solve the problem. They need to have their animals spayed and neutered and adopt from the shelter," Mills said.
The humane society is a nonprofit organization that receives income from donations, estates, bequests, memberships, fundraising, grants, adoption fees and service contracts with 27 municipalities for picking up and holding stray animals.
Budgeted operating expenses for 2008-09 total $660,000.
"Unlike some shelters, we are fairly financially sound, thanks to our generous supporters," Mills said.
Each month, between 200 and 300 cats and kittens come to the shelter, and in October the number hit a record of 571 cats, Mills said.
"Employees have given up their break room to make way for cages, the employee bathroom is often stacked three-high with mama cats and kittens, as is the executive director's office," she said.
The society has a kennel in the back of its South Arch Street building full of stray dogs and cats that are on hold for the required seven-day period for owners to reclaim their animals, plus a sick bay that usually is full.
"Many of the animals euthanized are ones that we treated with multiple rounds of antibiotics and failed to improve after a month or more, or have serious medical conditions beyond our financial resources to fix. Many of the rest were due to biting, aggressiveness or were feral (wild) cats," Mills said.
"It's not uncommon," she said, "to have people leave aggressive animals on our doorstep because they did not want to take the animal to the vet and pay for a euthanasia fee. We work with dogs as much as possible to give them some basic training and manners, which they often lack, but don't have the resources or time to do this as much as we'd like."
Jan 9, 2009 at 1:17 p.m.
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I want to tell you a little about my cousin, Chris Konetski. Chris's ability to handle a job few could comes naturally. Chris learned about animals and nature from her Father and brothers. I met a dog which Chris explained attacked first and thought about it later. Realizing that another dog made a good companion, she housed them together, managing his space. I was at her home when she let them into the yard. Because it was cold, I asked how long they could stay outdoors. She told me: “Watch and wait”. Within a few minutes, the problem dog was leaping in the air, to be seen through the window for both to be let in. Here is an animal someone threw away, living with Chris who knows how to keep him and the humans around him safe. A rustic enclosure built off of one of the ground floor windows on Chris's home houses unusual companions. Filled with straw it extends from the window for Chris to supply sustenance. Who are these animals availing themselves of this life saving shelter? A feral cat and a baby possum! Chris devoted her life to your humane society. We who love her can see her more often now, and reach her easily by phone. But that wasn’t always the case. Your humane society and the animals she worked for were her priority. I remember when she rescued a cockatoo that had been kept in a dark basement. So mistreated, he bit anyone who came near him. You might remember Captain Crunch? Chris wanted to make the rest of his life wonderful, but unless the biting stopped, she wouldn't be able to place him. Chris asked for help.I have a friend in Milwaukee who works with birds and reptiles. Hearing about Captain Crunch, he volunteered his help and this bird has a home. Another request for help had to do with two pythons. Chris said that the owner, who couldn’t keep them any longer, would not release them unless she promised they would not be euthanized. She gave her word. I gave her Gary's phone number and asked: "Chris, where are the snakes?" Her reply: "On my desk." Could you do this job? Or Santa and the snake Pet photos. A woman wanted her large python photographed. Santa wasn't happy! Chris assured him that she would handle the snake. Santa wouldn’t have to touch it. The lady brought costumes for the snake and after the third photo, Chris, noticing that Santa could be having a nervous breakdown, said that three was enough! Someone mentioned mishandling of funds. Chris is honest and thoughtful. She was offered a small severance package. An attorney, checking the document, told her that she deserved a lot more for all of her years of service. Her response: "This is fine. I won’t take money from the animals." Chris is a crusader for abandoned animals. There's a feral cat and a baby possum surviving this winter because of Chris. Your board may want to micro-manage the director's job, but they have no clue how hard Chris worked and what they will encounter. Chris will be fine. I worry for your animals.
Dec 8, 2008 at 9:15 p.m.
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hannah - I tried to read your 3:22pm post, and I can't make out what you said. English and grammer must be an art.
If their website is really that bad, maybe that is another reason C.K. is gone.
Dec 8, 2008 at 3:44 p.m.
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Hi Hannah,
You're welcome! I agree, the humane society's website isn't good at all -- they have so many more pets.
There are good, small breeders out there that really care. But, they sell there pets directly to people, not to retailers like Petland.
Dec 8, 2008 at 12:29 p.m.
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Their shelter had my sympathy until I heard that they weren't having budget problems. While it's GREAT that they have enough people to donate to keep them in the black, I now will turn my attention to those shelters (especially Touched By A Paw, a NO-KILL shelter in Whitewater) who don't have that "being in the black" luxury. Our family isn't giving gifts to each other this year; any money we'd spend is going to reliable charities. We know that "hurts" the ecomony, but I'd rather fill an animal's belly than give some CEO another fifty bucks to add to his million dollar bonus.
Dec 8, 2008 at 12:24 p.m.
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Did I say anything about duty? I said *I wish*. They've ran three stories about the humane society in recent days. Sometimes pictures accompany stories in newspapers. Pretty basic concept.
Dec 8, 2008 at 11:46 a.m.
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JSM - why would it be the Gazette's duty to post more pictures of the animals? If you want to see pictures of them, go to the Rock County Humane Society's website. Geez, you people kill me sometimes.
Dec 8, 2008 at 11:12 a.m.
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Hannah,
I believe the major criticism against Petland is that: 1. They get a lot of their pets from puppy mills:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27822309/
and 2. They really don't screen people who come in to buy pets. Therefore, someone who is irresponsible, negligent or an abuser could easily purchase a pet, because Petland wants to make the sale. Also, Petland has really high prices.
When I went into Petland, I thought that the pets looked pretty unhealthy and small, even for pups.
That being said, I think that some of the workers there do genuinely love animals and care.
Just my opinion, of course.
Dec 8, 2008 at 11:06 a.m.
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Actually, this article and several others have been directly about Chris. Notice the 'dramatic' third and fourth paragraphs. Though the title is about the humane society, the Chris issue is interjected once again. Also, as I mentioned before, the original photogs bailed on the K&W fundraiser. That is all about Chris, and not about the animals. I wish the Gazette would post some more pics of the animals currently at the shelter -- they have some adorable cats and dogs right now, much cuter than Petland.
Dec 8, 2008 at 8:44 a.m.
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I think that kitten in the photo is absolutely adorable! Looks just like my Snickers at that age, a little prince/princess.
Dec 8, 2008 at 4:55 a.m.
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The cat in the photo, "Ughhh!, I'm gonna get eaten!"
Dec 8, 2008 at 3:05 a.m.
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We need a better shelter and not a children's museum.
Dec 7, 2008 at 11:39 p.m.
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Goodbye Lulu
Dec 7, 2008 at 11:38 p.m.
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I do enjoy a good spat every once in a while but the point is all you people out there on Sat are just plain senseless. What good is standing in the snow and freezing weather when all your going to accomplish is getting sick. I hate Petland as much as anyone but I'm not going to stand out and try to get myself sick. Its not like I'm going to go in the store and cough on all the workers. Take that Petland I cough on you!!
Dec 7, 2008 at 11:31 p.m.
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I think you are just arguing for the sake of arguing. Do you enjoy the drama? I think you do. I am done replying to your insane posts... You are a child.
Lulu out
Dec 7, 2008 at 11:22 p.m.
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I've seen how well your little protests do to Petland. It must be working if they are still there right? Don't make me laugh. If you really want to do something then go to the shelter and sign the petition to stop puppy mills.
Dec 7, 2008 at 11:21 p.m.
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Next you'll tell me they do it for giggles to. Overcrowding is due to people letting their animals run loose and then getting pregnant. Even if every person could adopt there would still be overcrowding. As for this whole being in the black list if you bring in a stray nonsense, I've brought in several strays over several years yet I've always been able to adopt. I brought in a stray three months ago and then adopted last month so whoever is starting that nonsense is ridiculous. I'm guessing the person tried to turn in their own animal as a stray and then got caught. I know its happened many times there. I am glad that the shelter has something that prevents irresponsible people from getting more animals.
Dec 7, 2008 at 11:12 p.m.
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And, so everyone knows, there will be a boycott of the Janesville Petland
December 13th from 11 AM - 2 PM
Please join in!
Rumor has it that this business is struggling.
It's a great time to hit them when they're down!!!!!
Dec 7, 2008 at 10:55 p.m.
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MaasterNeuri...
You don't seem to get it. When the humane society kills animals, they do not do it because they are sick, they do it because they don't have room! Many, many little angels have lost their lives because CHRIS denied perfectly good people all because of her dislike for them!
This article may not be ABOUT HER but the overcrowding is in part her fault. Take a look at her "black book"... And tell me how many people are in it just because they brought in strays from the cold!
Dec 7, 2008 at 10:44 p.m.
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The key work was offered. Its not like Chris demanded or asked for a package. And the article isn't really about Chris yet that's what all the comments seem to be about. I would love to see the other side of the stories for why people were denied. Its easy to believe what someone says when there is no one who can dispute it. No kill shelters are pointless. The only difference between the humane society and the no kill shelters is where it is done. Humane societies can do it there. No kill shelters take them to vets. No kill shelters just med them over and over and over. They seem to think that eventually it will work. They are just as bad as PETA or Petland in my book. Also kill is a very strong word. Kill equals murder euthanasia literally means good death. Its not like the staff there is taking them out back and shooting them. Kendra I highly doubt that any animals that were euthanized there were just laying out in the open for all the world to see but that goes back to my earlier point of there is no one to dispute it or can dispute it so there for it must be true. Honestly you people disgust me.
Dec 7, 2008 at 9:28 p.m.
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C.K. had a good heart but it's time for new blood. Her people skill were definitely lacking. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the new list of goals can be met - sounds like a GREAT plan!
Dec 7, 2008 at 4:56 p.m.
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Years ago I also had a run in with C.K. I was mowing my lawn and out of the corner of my eye, I spotted something coming at me. A stray female was in pounce mode. She had babies in my bushes and the cat was just protecting them. I called the Humane Society and she told me it was my problem. I personally don't care for cats, so I took care of them my way, since they were "my problem".
Dec 7, 2008 at 2:12 p.m.
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Kendra24, Has a great point and what she said is true I have been denied for years and then finally we were approved after 9 years which was a surprise my husband I would have loved to help some of those animals but CK would never give us the chance and that is all the animals needed was a chance just like the people who wanted to adopted but was denied that I think is wrong and I hope that it will change now. Also if there is people in janesville that are scared to take there stray cats to the human society there is a NO KILL Cat shelter in Pad Lock Lake Wisconsin that is about 1 hour 30 minutes away that is where I took one of the strays I found they Sprayed her gave her all her shots and made sure that she had no illness and then called me and asked us if we would love to keep her were said sure what would we have to pay they said NOTHING cause they knew she would have a great home with my other two cats and she does so they are great and they DO NOT KILL THEM they have a huge heated barn outside that they leave in until they find there forever homes they are GREAT!!! I hope that the human society can get a new home GOOD LUCK!!!!
Dec 7, 2008 at 2:03 p.m.
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I used to volunteer for the Humane society many years ago. There needs to be a BIG change. Getting rid of Chris is a BIG step forward. The humane society was never about the animals when I was there. They were killing lots of animals for no reason and denying perfectly good people away for personal reasons (like they just dont like them). I remember the first day I was there I came in the morning and saw about 7-8 dead dogs laying uncovered in the hallway like their lives didnt matter. I hope things are better or atleast go in the direction of being better.
Dec 7, 2008 at 1:21 p.m.
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Who cares about her "dedication" she only hurt the humane society and is too blind to realize how her actions negatively impacted both the goals of the shelter and the number of animals adopted. She treated adopters as criminals rather than clients, why wasnt she fired long ago?
Dec 7, 2008 at 12:36 p.m.
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C.K. was awful as director ans should have been fired long ago. she hurt the humane society in many ways. she came off as a very selfish, rude, condescending person. So glad she is gone. Now maybe they can get people to donate with her gone. She was clueless.
Dec 7, 2008 at 12:14 p.m.
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I know when myself and my son were there one day she was very rude and I swore I'd never go back. Nor would they ever get any support from me. We found a stray pregnant cat and took care of her as long as we could. My son is very allergic and wanted to keep her I said no because he was getting worse by the day. When he started missing school because his allergies had gotten so bad. I boxed the cat up and took her to the shelter only to be treated like dirt and turned away and then threatened that I had better not just drop her somewhere. I gave her to my parents who took her to Lakeland where she was taken in with a smile. Guess where I'll be donating food and supplies too?
Dec 7, 2008 at 11:58 a.m.
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Luvdasea,
Did your daughter try obedience classes? Many dogs brought in are abused and need to learn to trust again. That takes love and patience. Quiet, calm control. That is not easily learned by us humans.
Dogs only way to "protect" themselves is their bite. Its not always agressive but protective. There is a difference between a warning snip and ripping your arm off!
I have been around several abused animals. Most come off shy and seem to like to "pretend" you are not there until they feel threatened. They are often misunderstood. I feel for them. I raised a rottie, well, since he was 4 that was abused before my husband got him. He became the best dog ever! A more loyal friend I will never find.
On the other hand, to accuse your daughter of abuse without any knowledge thereof, was uncalled for. Chris should have understood that sometimes, personalities do not mesh between human and animal that is no fault of either. Provided she had no proof, your daughter should have been allowed to try to give another dog a home. It scares me how many animals were killed that could have found a forever home if Chris wouldn't have been so nasty.
Dec 7, 2008 at 11:42 a.m.
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A couple of observations: 1. The fact that the vote was not unaminous is irrelevant. A vote wasn't even required to remove the ED. 2. Mills probably doesn't want to give specifics regarding complaints because it would: a. embarrass Chris and b. potentially compromise the privacy of the individual who complained (you shouldn't be 'outed' just because you received poor service); and 3. I wish we all got headlines and severance packages when we got axed. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Chris was passionate, but let's get a little perspective here. Hundreds of thousands of people are losing their jobs right now. Is this really about Chris or the animals who need homes?
Dec 7, 2008 at 11:24 a.m.
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Perhaps if more folks were allowed to come out and speak we would hear how Chris treated potential clients.
My daughter adopted a dog a few years ago, and had him a couple of days when he bit her. She brought him back and said she was not going to deal with an animal like that. Chris told her bluntly to take him to obedient classes, and too bad, you adopted him. She went home and tried again, and brought him back and said it just won't work. Chris accused her of animal abuse to cause him to bite her. Chris also said leave him here but you will not be able to ever adopt from this shelter again!
With this incident, it would be a great idea to have a foster to adopt program initiated....a program that the board has now proposed. The board has good reason to remove a questionable director.
I find it ironic that Chris thought she was so superior to tell someone without a judge and jury that they can never adopt again, and now to have been asked to leave.
This complaint of my daughters never was filed as she thought it futile. Chris appeared to have had the whole program wrapped up, making a complaint useless. Hind sight, I wish we would have presented the board with this.
Dec 7, 2008 at 10:55 a.m.
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how can anyone argue they need a better building.
they need money.
they already have dozens of volunteers.
now, they need to a campaign to raise funds.
and that is not easy.
what happened to the now-former director was akin to mutiny.
whether warranted or not is not my call.
i think the old saying however is, too many chiefs, not enough indians.
it's a very difficult job.
it is a job that demands 60-70 hours a week -- if not more.
and the pay? around 40 grand.
the new director will face the same circumstances.
lots of people in that building think they know how to run the place.
it's toxic.
Dec 7, 2008 at 9:37 a.m.
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I agree glock. I hope they get a good new leader and a new building.
Dec 7, 2008 at 9:12 a.m.
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I hope they get what they want. I would love to see them get a nice building like the one I was at in Madison. The current dog kennels are very depressing, I got my Aussie mix named Ginger from there years ago and I think she is very thankful not to be there anymore. They do a great service there, I think they deserve better digs.
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