Grounded

What a roller coaster ride this past year has been. With challenges and growth, along with getting grounded from work multiple times, it has been a unique year...when is shelter life not unique?

My title has shifted from Volunteer Coordinator to Program Coordinator because I not only coordinate volunteer related activities, I also coordinate outreach and educational events as well, along with assist with multiple other areas of the shelter. Only being a 1,000-hour employee has been especially challenging.

Last month, I took a trip to Idaho with our daughter. We started off with a road trip from Boise to Yellowstone and back before visiting family. While in Idaho, I took a couple of hours to visit with the Education Coordinator at the Idaho Humane Society...and WOW, do they have it made! According their Pocket Facts 2025 booklet, they have a crew of ninety-nine full-time and thirty part-time employees. With our shelter only having eighteen full-time and eight 1,000-hour employees, it really puts a bit of realization on how much is actually on everyone's plates...though somehow we make it through. Both facilities numbers include animals care, veterinary care, and enforcement. Anyway, I learned a handful of tips and tricks and am eager to bring back some of those ideas and hit the ground running...but I have to wait because I am grounded until my anniversary date (only about a week away).

Since my big dog grounding (as part of requesting more hours, ending my work time before my anniversary date was the ultimatum), which has been bitter sweet, I have been board enough to take time to reflect on my priorities at the shelter. I know, it sounds scary to my coworkers to hear that. Though I would love to help when needed, I really need to say "no" and set some boundaries for myself. I can only change my responses and reactions. ...If you could pray for me about that, I would greatly appreciate it.