THIS: "Critics argue that national organizations direct much of their funds toward overhead, executive salaries, and aggressive fundraising campaigns rather than meaningful support for shelters or essential programs." A former staffer from one of these groups, who is a friend of mine, relayed that numerous positions at his former organization were referred to as "candy jobs." Remote work can further contribute to the question of performance. While we can agree that these large organizations have done -and continue to do - some good, why would they want to work themselves out of a job, and a well-compensated one, at that? Their primary focus appears to be on adoptions of companion animals - on reactive measures rather than preventive approaches. They're trying to put out fires that could have been prevented in the first place. This should be very concerning to those who donate, assuming their contribution is making a difference. In some instances, it could definitely be put to much better use via spay/neuter and other proven, effective programs. Perhaps donors need to start asking more questions.
Thank you, Annoula, for sharing this insightful perspective! You raise crucial points about the allocation of funds and the balance between reactive and preventive efforts. It’s true that many donors might assume their contributions go directly to impactful programs, when in reality, proactive solutions like spay/neuter often get sidelined. Encouraging donors to ask more questions could help steer resources toward lasting, preventive measures. I appreciate your thoughts and the chance to discuss these important issues with you!
What is truly "mind-blowing" is the fact that so many throughout the country will give their last "dollar" to organizations like Best Friend's Animal Society without doing even the minimum research to see where their money is actually going. So, let's get down to the "brass tacks" of Best Friend's Animal Society...in simple terms, they are a CULT! Their history and ties to "religious cultism" is the very foundation of Best Friend's. And then throw in the "Scientology ideologies and techniques" and you get a CULT that is all about MONEY...money that LINES the "top executives'" pockets. The "inner circle" of the Process Church are the same people that are the top executives at Best Friend's...they are the ones pocketing "high dollar salaries" paid for by donations. When was the last time the Church of Scientology used any of the BILLIONS of dollars they rake in to "help" others...NEVER! Just like those at the top of the "Scientology food chain" are paid "high salaries", it's no different for Best Friend's. And in "cult fashion", Best Friend's gives the "illusion" they have all the answers and can "fix" the world of animal welfare, when in fact they are the root cause of the animal welfare crisis we are in. And like all cults, Best Friend's knows how to "tap "into our psyche, and in turn rake in millions of dollars in donations...much like "brainwashing". It's time for people to PUT DOWN THE KOOL-AID and start doing a little research!
Barbara, thank you for sharing your concerns. I understand your frustrations with how large organizations like Best Friends Animal Society allocate resources, and the skepticism around how donations are used is something I hear from many people. Transparency and accountability are crucial for any organization, especially when they’re trusted to care for vulnerable animals. Raising awareness and encouraging people to ask questions is a powerful way to ensure donations go to programs that genuinely benefit animals. I appreciate your passion and your dedication to looking deeper into these issues.
Again, a thoughtful analysis. Spay/neuter is really the solution, but takes time to have an effect. Targeted spay/neuter is even more effective, focusing on intake locations, large breed dogs who have large litters, and community cats. Targeting allows limited resources to be used in the most effective manner, but still takes resources that the national organizations should help with!
Melissa, thank you for your thoughtful feedback! I completely agree—targeted spay/neuter is key to maximizing impact, especially when resources are limited. Focusing on intake hotspots, large-breed dogs, and community cats can make a real difference over time. I share your hope that national organizations step up to support these targeted efforts, as they’re essential for creating sustainable change. Thanks for highlighting this critical approach! Here's a link to a Strategic Plan that aligns with your suggestions: https://edboks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/LA_Study.pdf
THIS: "Critics argue that national organizations direct much of their funds toward overhead, executive salaries, and aggressive fundraising campaigns rather than meaningful support for shelters or essential programs." A former staffer from one of these groups, who is a friend of mine, relayed that numerous positions at his former organization were referred to as "candy jobs." Remote work can further contribute to the question of performance. While we can agree that these large organizations have done -and continue to do - some good, why would they want to work themselves out of a job, and a well-compensated one, at that? Their primary focus appears to be on adoptions of companion animals - on reactive measures rather than preventive approaches. They're trying to put out fires that could have been prevented in the first place. This should be very concerning to those who donate, assuming their contribution is making a difference. In some instances, it could definitely be put to much better use via spay/neuter and other proven, effective programs. Perhaps donors need to start asking more questions.
Thank you, Annoula, for sharing this insightful perspective! You raise crucial points about the allocation of funds and the balance between reactive and preventive efforts. It’s true that many donors might assume their contributions go directly to impactful programs, when in reality, proactive solutions like spay/neuter often get sidelined. Encouraging donors to ask more questions could help steer resources toward lasting, preventive measures. I appreciate your thoughts and the chance to discuss these important issues with you!
Thank you!
What is truly "mind-blowing" is the fact that so many throughout the country will give their last "dollar" to organizations like Best Friend's Animal Society without doing even the minimum research to see where their money is actually going. So, let's get down to the "brass tacks" of Best Friend's Animal Society...in simple terms, they are a CULT! Their history and ties to "religious cultism" is the very foundation of Best Friend's. And then throw in the "Scientology ideologies and techniques" and you get a CULT that is all about MONEY...money that LINES the "top executives'" pockets. The "inner circle" of the Process Church are the same people that are the top executives at Best Friend's...they are the ones pocketing "high dollar salaries" paid for by donations. When was the last time the Church of Scientology used any of the BILLIONS of dollars they rake in to "help" others...NEVER! Just like those at the top of the "Scientology food chain" are paid "high salaries", it's no different for Best Friend's. And in "cult fashion", Best Friend's gives the "illusion" they have all the answers and can "fix" the world of animal welfare, when in fact they are the root cause of the animal welfare crisis we are in. And like all cults, Best Friend's knows how to "tap "into our psyche, and in turn rake in millions of dollars in donations...much like "brainwashing". It's time for people to PUT DOWN THE KOOL-AID and start doing a little research!
Barbara, thank you for sharing your concerns. I understand your frustrations with how large organizations like Best Friends Animal Society allocate resources, and the skepticism around how donations are used is something I hear from many people. Transparency and accountability are crucial for any organization, especially when they’re trusted to care for vulnerable animals. Raising awareness and encouraging people to ask questions is a powerful way to ensure donations go to programs that genuinely benefit animals. I appreciate your passion and your dedication to looking deeper into these issues.
Great article!
Thank you, Jasmine. Let's pray it helps shed some light on these organizations!
You're welcome😊 🤞🤞🤞
Again, a thoughtful analysis. Spay/neuter is really the solution, but takes time to have an effect. Targeted spay/neuter is even more effective, focusing on intake locations, large breed dogs who have large litters, and community cats. Targeting allows limited resources to be used in the most effective manner, but still takes resources that the national organizations should help with!
Melissa, thank you for your thoughtful feedback! I completely agree—targeted spay/neuter is key to maximizing impact, especially when resources are limited. Focusing on intake hotspots, large-breed dogs, and community cats can make a real difference over time. I share your hope that national organizations step up to support these targeted efforts, as they’re essential for creating sustainable change. Thanks for highlighting this critical approach! Here's a link to a Strategic Plan that aligns with your suggestions: https://edboks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/LA_Study.pdf
Christine, great minds think alike: See my article, "Think Globally, Give Locally":
https://open.substack.com/pub/animalpolitics/p/animal-politics-think-globally-give?r=14ocm4&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web