I'm only a volunteer at the shelter, but every week I witness people dropping off their pets for various reasons. Not once have I seen anyone really upset. I am an animal lover myself & would do anything humanely possible to keep my animals. Even if that meant I went without. Even before I became a volunteer I heard a few complaints from people who were not allowed to adopt. One was because their other animal was not neutered. I never had a problem with Chris myself. I feel she did what she thought was best for the animals. I heard her get short with people, but seeing the same crap day after day would get old. Yes she choose that line of work, but I once heard her say" If you're nice to people (surrendering their pets) they'll just do it again". I can see her point of view, but I know people could do worse & dispose of their animals in a less humane way. It's a fine line to walk. I do not know her personally, but wish her the best of luck. The shelter is a great place to find a new family memeber & it you can't adopt please think about sending in a donation. I know things are tough in this town & it looks like it's about to get worse if GM eliminates the jobs bank. There will be more animals in need.

momof5... I would love to adopt a cat this weekend, but SOMEONE put me on the blacklist for bringing in a stray...

Type A Images is actually my company (I'm the photographer). I contacted RCHS when I heard they needed someone. I'm staying away from all the politics surrounding it. All I could think of was people who looked forward to having pictures taken with their furry-family members and I wanted to help. My two cats are from the humane society and I kind of look at it as a little "thank you" for all the happiness they've brought me.

Sounds fishy to me... Might the photographers be related to her somehow? Perhaps promised an extra kick-back? All speculation, but I really don't think this matter should be swept under the carpet. Sounds like some serious corruption to me. JMO... of course.

let's show our support for this decision and go adopt an animal at the RCHS this weekend!

It is about time! I hope the Board doesn't look too far in naming their new director: Jim would be perfect. To me, he seems to be the best of both worlds: an animal person AND a compassionate human.
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Maybe they would have more room at the inn, if she wasn't more finnicky than a typical feline on who she would adopt to and why. I understand that she saw the scum of the Earth get away with "murder" and torture. She chose her line of work. If she couldn't develop a thick enough skin to keep her tact, then she never have been in that line of work to begin with. I haven't dealt with Chris in over 8 years and she was just as burnt out and miserable then as she is being portrayed today. This was a LONG overdue decision.
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You can love animals, but you still need to have a human heart.
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And, because I do have a heart: I wish her the best in finding quick re-employment. It is not a particularily pleasant job hunting landscape, made all the more difficult by the time of year. Best Wishes.

I agree. What a terribly misdirected show of "loyalty".
So the photographers only want to assist Chris, and not the animals, then?

photogirl,
Its good to know that you were able to find someone to replace the photographers that dropped out! Weren't they signed on to the project to help the animals in the first place? Why would they drop out because this lady was fired? Too bad there isn't a list of them so that we could consider if we wanted to drop their services as well.
Good Luck on the fundraiser!

Hi, I just wanted to let you know that the photo shoot fundraiser for "Pets W/ Santa" is still happening. Type A Images will be providing the photography. Stop on by and support the RCHS!

Just one more piece of information:
The "crazy bookeeper" that has been mentioned walked off of her job a few months ago - so I have been told by a very reliable source at the RCHS. Very interesting ????????

Wow...I bet Maasterneuri wishes some parts of those blogs could be removed! Had the opposite affect of what was probably intended.

Maasterneuri,
by the sounds of things you are Chris' friend. I have a friendly piece of advise and certainly mean no harm. As a friend to Chris you really need to stop sharing information that makes you look like you are sharing "inside" information. It really looks as though you are speaking of information that you have gotten from her points of view. Which is fine. But the last posting you made about the crazy bookkeeper really does not make her look too good. It was never mentioned before and now she has another light cast on her for people to try and interpret by your vagueness.If you are protecting a frienship I would not say anther word in public that may incriminate her further. Or should I say may her look incriminating.You really are not being a good friend here. We all wish her luck in the future - but you are making it look like she may need it more than we all know. Be careful not to hurt your friendship by trying to defend her. People are too angry to be open minded right now. Sorry - just a suggestion.

Wow we are all being really enlightened here. I have not heard anything posted until now about a "crazy bookkeeper". What is this all about? I do have a theory and this is only a theory. But a question that is burning in my little mind and is being brought up by Maasterneuri. Why has Chris been complained about for many many years and the board had done nothing? She still had a job even with all of the complaints. Maybe a talking to here or there as people have mentioned. Some have mentioned strange things with fees or interesting charges they have incurred. One mentioned her lack of integrity could lead to skimming of funds. Interesting twist now that we have the "crazy bookkeeper" theory added into play.Did the bookkeeper go to the board with a much stronger complaint that warranted unforgiveness and the end of her job? I think the gazette needs to investigate if there is a deeper story with the bookkeeper. Was Chris actually doing erroneuos things with funds that the bookkeeper felt it was necessary to bring to the attention of the board? Is that what brought about a change? She did admit that she did not see her firing coming? Chris far from kept her "rude" behavior a secret to many people. Did she not plan on the "crazy bookkeeper" finding out something that she thought they would not? Did this bring Chris' job to it's demise? Fact of the matter is that the condition of her termination is protected in the State of Wisconsin and cannot be shared by the board with the public. But, I certainly hope that if there is some issue with "the cazy bookkeeper" that the public is allowed to know the truth. Especially the ones like myself that donate a lot of money the RCHS. I would hope to think our money ended up where it was suppose to. Helping an animal and not Chris. I agree with an earlier posting - people that are not nice to people in a job where it is madatory(with the public)or at least civil in any situation no matter how painful it is to you personally, may not have the best integrity in all moral facets. I am sorry to pick - but I am a thorough thinker and just do not like the term : "crazy" bookkeeper thrown around pointlessly. I will be outraged if it comes out that another animal has lost out because of the actions of Chris in relation to monies not be used appropriately. Absolutely outraged. If this the case - I hope justice will be served.

Well I suppose everyone will believe what they wish. It is ultimately up to the people reading this to decide what they think. My last words about this is that Chris did great things with the shelter and has had to deal with all types of people ranging from crazy bookkeepers to people not accepting responsibility for their animals. I know i speak for all of her friends and the employees that she will be missed and best of luck. I'm out animallover. It has been fun

one more thing maasterneuri:
you stated the following: "They animals were never taken from RCHS because they never arrived at RCHS." It alarms me that you know thios information. Yet, how did you help these poor animals? I at least reported it. You are bringing a lot of issues to the table. If you knew and did nothing do not condemn anyone else for their actions as you took none. Yet such detail on what they lost and where they live. OMG - even I do not have that information but thank you for letting the public know. Most of all, thank you for again validating that C.K. and a lot of others have not protected the poor dogs.

maasterneuri:
I am not going to sit and waste space by arguing over this subject. But when an employee uses a company vehicle, transports the animal to their job (RCHS) until the end of the day and then takes the animal off premises in the same vehicle - one would wonder how that goes un noticed??? And when the matter is brought to the attention of C.K. she says that she has no intention of investigating it - leaves no gray area. She was aware and whether or not this is a current emplyee or an ex - employee really doesn't matter. It happened and has gone un addressed. Period. And you say that a lot of poeple know about it. That doesn't matter either. It just proves that someone who had the ability to address it did not and clearly I am not the only person that has a problem with it. I am not the only one posting that it is wrong. Blame needs to placed and accepted when appropriate. I am simply saying that this problem was not accepted blame for nor was it addressed at the time it was imperative to be addressed. That lies directly in the hands of c.k. Period. No other way to slice it. Last note: animals should be altered when they are adopted. I totally agree. I am referring to an employee that knew that they had intentions for these dogs to be bred and had no regard for the altering policy. They did what they wanted and shame on them. But - even if they did not admit to their alterior motives, C.K. should have made them follow the rules same as you and I or any other "adopting" party. Alter the animals. It is the POLICY. That was her job - equally among all people - employees or not. A complaint is a complaint and if this were MY JOB as a director and I received that type of complaint I had a responsibility to investigate the complaint. After all, the dogs that were removed as mentioned earlier were there when she was there. How much attention was she really paying - "busy or not" It was HER JOB TO PAY ATTENTION.

You know quite a bit animallover but not everything. You blame Chris for it like it was her idea. They animals were never taken from RCHS because they never arrived at RCHS. That particular employee no longer works there. That person was investigated when they lived in another city and animals were taken from them. That person had other dogs that they placed with other people then they moved to another city. All animals do get altered when they get adopted. Now it is the police's fault why nothing is being done about it. True the shelter has gotten many complaints about it. The police have been contacted numerous times and all the can say is that it is not their jobs to investigate every compliant.

Maasterneuri:
Perhaps you need to put the facts in order:
1. Chris was in charge of all employees while in her position.
2. Those pitbulls were NOT "adopted" they were taken from the RCHS before they were ever given a chance to be adopted.
3. All animals leaving the shelter MUST be spayed or neutered.
4. These dogs were NOT altered which subsequently led to them ending up in Orfordville (if you say) and are being BRED.
In my opinion YES the police should be involved and if they are not shame on them. BUT let's remember how the problem culminated. This was from Chris and her employee that had no regard for the rules and wanted to be exempt from the rules. Using an innocent animal for monetary gain when it was to be taken to the RCHS and altered then adopted is WRONG. They know about it and so do you. Yet, you want to blame the police because the poblem exists. How wrong you are. The dogs would not be in this position if it weren't a direct result of what goes on behind Chris' doors. The employee obviously knew that Chris would have no problem with what they were doing? Who breaks the law at their job and when reported - does not get investigated?? Not many I am sure. Wake up. She started the problem and now we are going to blame the police because they cannot fix it. LOL

Complaining about the shelter is doing no good for it. As for the fees for picking up your animal when it is brought to the shelter, Chris does not make the amount. The board and the city determines it. There is not "overnight" charge either. You are pathetic. Also in response to the adopting pitbulls. If your referring to the issues in orfordville there is nothing that can be done unless the city police with get off their lazy butts and do something about it. The Humane Society has to follow the rules and guidelines put in place by the city's and townships. There was no embezzling going on either. Chris did everything she could for the shelter. She tried her hardest to get the board to spend just a little money for things needed there but the board wouldn't budge. As Chris' friend I am greatly saddened by this news and wish her all the luck.

Well, I'm sure whom ever you recommend there will have a better experience now that Chris is gone. Praise the Lord! You sure are her only cheerleader. Wonder why that is. Wonder why she supposedly was soooo nice to you, if you even went there. Good luck on your defense, the truth always wins.

Wow... Somebody needs to look into anger management classes. ASAP

I have called and complained about her rudeness many many times. Why don't you take your little fan club elsewhere? She obviously lost her job for good reasons, and from what I can see, the people of Janesville couldn't be happier!

Rob....

Honestly, you sound like a third grader. All of these people have had bad experiences with your beloved Chris, and so have I. The woman is heartless.

Everyone! You heard Robzombie & The Joker. Follow their orders! (much sarcasm)

I have had a several encounters with Chris and they were all unpleasant. I am glad to see such a rude women gone. Hopefully she finds a job that better suits her personality.

Rob,
Your statement sounds so mature and educated.
Good Job!!

shut up about Chris if you don't know her personaly, she had a stressful job
u all should try taking her place
So SHUT UP

I hope to see many long overdue changes made for RCHS now.

Just so you know. RCHS does not give dogs to rescue. They will contact rescue about taking dogs who fail their temperament testing from them.. but they charge the rescue for taking the dog that they would have put down if the rescue hadn't taken it. They also contact rescue about taking a dog from them. Calls within the rescue group are made quickly to determine if they have an opening in a foster home to intake the dog and when they return the call to RCHS are told they won't be needing them to take the dog/puppies after all.

I hope that all of this bad publicity doesn't hurt the animals. It's not their fault they are at the shelter. I just hope more people will try to adopt from the shelter now that CK is gone (not saying anything bad about her, I never met her).

Pitbulls were taken from the shelter and are now being bred? How many of the puppies are now listed as "terrier-mix" on the RCHS website? That always got me. I see a pitbull on their tv show,and it's a "terrier-mix". The best one though of a pit was when they said "I don't know what we have here, I see some collie, maybe some beagle..." I'm thinking Holy shnikees lady!! That looks like a purebred pitbull to me!!! I can do a better job of identifying (sp?) dogs than that!!!

If she embezzeled any money,spent it inapropriatly, she should be prosecuted!! It sounds as if she has defrauded some of these posters of certain fees and charges. That's against the law usually. We should all be asking them about the money. This sounds fishy to me. People who consider themselves above other people, do'nt think twice on skimming.

The Humane Society job is a rotten job. No money, overloaded with pets, problems & politics. Like a lot of Humane Societies these days. What they need is Community support!

animallover, I didn't actually take the dog in. I called and explained about the microchip still being registered to them and they sent someone to my home. They instantly knew the dog and who she belonged to, as the worker told me that they have to "recover" this dog alot. They did ask me for my name and such here at the house. You are probably right. Because some low life that can't keep their dog under their control, I am probably black listed from adopting an animal. Go figure. I don't think I would want to deal with the RCHS anyways, by the sounds of it.

Enough bashing of Chris. She is gone. Let's move on and support the Humane Society. For those who have had bad experiences, please come back and help the Shelter out!

she was a horrible person and made me feel like a criminal. Neighbor stole my cat and gave it to humane society, and I called them 2 hours later to see if they had it. She demanded 100.00 to get my cat back. I was pissed and she removed all my rights to adopt. I'm glad to see her gone! I complained to the higher levels of Humane Society about her years ago when that happened...finally karma caught up.

Trish:
Unfortnately, you may be on the books. They keep track of all animals surrendered. Remember, you had to give your identity to drop them off - true? They used to make a copy of your driver's license. Not sure if they still do. As far as the adopting another dog to the "flasher", I am not surprised. My friend is a vet tech and the RCHS will do vet checks on potential adopters. They have personally said that they should not be given another pet for a variety of reasons and low and behold, they will show up with a " new pet" from the same RCHS that was told not to give them as much as a goldfish. Very sad. Again this shows that under Chris' direction, it did not matter the quality of home or what procedures were to be a safegard - Chris has seemingly had staff bend the rules as needed.

Katherine091052:
You should have received your money back or at the very least got to pick another dog. As I have personally walked through the shelter, I too have seen many breeds that are misrepresented. She is not a genetecist nor a veterinarian. Come to think of it she started at the shelter as a part time counter person and worked her way up. But what is her background? Does anyone know? Should the person not have to have some type of license to have this position? For crying out loud, you cannot even wipe feces off of an elderly persons bottom in the state of Wisconsin without training and a license.But we are to have a person making life and death decisions on animals on a daily basis with no training?? Where have our standards gone?

I am always sorry to hear when someone looses their job but can't say I am unhappy to hear the news of Chris losing her job. We went in there and adopted a puppy that they told us would grow up only to be around 10 pounds. When we took it in for Vet check they told us it had Lab-Sprenger mix in it and would be at least 45 pounds and could get to 60 pounds or over. We had to take the dog back. They made us feel like criminals, brought me to tears, told us the Vet was wrong and Chris knew more about dogs then they did and would not let us look for something else nor return money. I will NEVER try to adopt again.

Wow. Sounds like it was time for her to go. Hard to believe she actually got to treat people the way she did for so long. It also doesn't sound like she had the animal's best interest in mind....just her own.

I agree with most of the posts here. The RCHS treats everyone with suspect. When my wife and I went there to adopt a cat, we were treated like animal abusers before they even knew anything about us. This was especially hurtfull because our beloved cat of 15 years had just died of old age. We really didn't need the suspicion that we were animal abusers from someone who never met us or knew anything about us. When we filled out the application and they checked us out, they found out that we were very responsible pet owners and approved us. My wife and I were shocked at the way we were treated. So, eventhough we were approved to adopt, we went to the Lakeland shelter in Walworth County. They were extremely nice and treated us with respect. They of course require an application too, but Lakeland does not treat you like an animal abuser before they know anything about you. We have adopted several animals from Lakeland. We also donate money to Lakeland rather than Rock County due to the disrespect and treatment we recieved at RCHS. It's unfortunate because the animals have done nothing wrong. The RCHS has kept animals from going to good homes because of their treatment of people in this community. I'm hoping that the animals benefit from this change at the RCHS becuase people like myself will maybe give them another try now that they have fired the director.

Looks like we need another attorney in Madison to investigate the case of the missing pit bulls.........

a couple of years ago, I had a dog that wandered from my home and was picked up by my new neighbor 2 doors up from us. He took my dog to the RCHS. I contacted the RCHS the same day and they confirmed that they had my dog. They procedded to tell me that I could not get the dog until the following day. i went to pick it up the next day and asked where she was found. They told me she was picked up 3 miles away. I was charged an overnite fee, pick up charge and a rabies vaccination. At that time I did not know the neighbor but upon meeting him several months later, he informed me that he in fact took the dog to the RCHS. The dog was not picked up and I should never have been charged for the pick up. How an they live with their conscious when they lie to gain montary sitasfaction and obvoiusly did my dog no good? Let alone my perception of the RCHS.

So the photographers for the Humane Society fundraiser this Saturday at K&W, Have Your Pet's Picture Taken With Santa, bailed out of loyalty to Chris. How is that for putting the animals' interests first? Any photographers who can help, please contact the shelter.

Thank you, animal lover. I remember the pit bulls, as well.

animallover, Just curious. We have a neighbor a few houses away that adopted a dog from the RCHS. The dog seems to have some draw to my home. Unfortunately, my dog has no patience for that dog to be here. Anyways, the first time I found said dog, when it was running lose during the winter the only tag on it was for the microchip. Of course, the new dog owner hadn't updated it with their information but they were able to tell me it was placed at the RCHS. I called them and they came and got the dog. They also told me the dogs name and where she lived. Over 4 dozen times, I have returned this dog to its home, the last time was last Saturday at 1:30 in the morning. Twice I had to have the RCHS come pick up the dog because no one was home to return it. I have called RCHS many, many times to complain about these pet owners letting the dog run loose and quite honestly, I am tired of be awoken in the middle of the night with said dog jumping on my front door driving my dog crazy inside. Then, having to get up, get dressed and drive the dog home when it is freezing outside only to find the owner so drunk he can barely stand answer the door in his underware!
So, last Saturday, low and behold, here comes said dog with a friend in tow. I loaded both in my car, and tried to locate tags on the second pooch so I could take it home too. Guess what, the RCHS gave them another dog! Yay, two dogs jumping on my door!
So, what you are telling me, because I returned said dogs to the RCHS, I can't adopt a pet because I will be in their "black book". But, people who obviously do not or can not take care of their pets and have had numerous complaints of their animals running loose(not just from me) can get as many as they want? That is just twisted!
I have never been there but I had been thinking of it lately. I'd like to get a friend for my boy but it seems RCHS is not the place to go. So very sad.

bella....I am actually looking for an adult, declawed, spayed or nuertered cat. Thank you though and good luck. Now that you posted your blog, I am sure that someone will contact you.

Con't
We have a lot of people donating money to this place and where is it going? In my position I hear more than the average person sitting at home or sharing a casual conversation with her about her kids in scouts or the "good old years". I have seen her when she is at her job making decisions on the life and death of animals. I have had to sit and review my own moral values for not fighting against her - hoping she was just having an "off" day. But honestly, I feel no remorse than she is gone. I think this is the best thing that could have ever happened to a cold hearted person that never showed one bit of human emotion in what she did. If there ever comes a day when you are taking your animal to the vet or child to a Doctor and you felt as though they did not care - would you trust them or even think twice about going back? No. The RCHS has had a lot of rumors and a bad reputation for a very long time. I personally adopted from Dane county Humane society as I knew of the lack of testing on the cats. I did go to the RCHS looking - the cats had mattered eyes and smelled horrible. I watched as the same food scoop and litter scoop went from cage to cage and no worker washed their hands from animal to animal and though OMG - what are we doing people? One last thing - do people realize that some of the Board members on the RCHS Board do not know how monies are distributed into the Humane society? Several of the Board members including Chris cannot tell you where your money goes if you have to pay for your dog being housed by them as a stray. Try contacting the Board members. If you call RCHS - they will not tell you who the board members are. They tell you that they will take a message and you never got a returned call. It stopped with Chris. What was she really hiding? I am afraid to ask. Wake up Rock County - just because a person appears to be kind - does not make them kind. Actions speak louder than words and I think that it is unfortunate - but many many people are not sad to see a long overdue change taking place. I agree with postings that Jim is a wonderful candidate for the position he is temporarily in. I hope the board members see this and consider his position permanently. He has been out in the field and has a lot of experience to bring to the table. I hope the attitudes of the staff change as well now that Chris is gone - you could sense the frustration in the staff and I hope now they can get back to basics now that they are not having their hand forced in her wrong doings or lack of compassion. I hope that the staff were led by example and that it changes with the new Director. It has to - for the animals sake.

Continued:
4. Maybe Chris can answer why her employees (previous) were taking unaltered pit bulls home from the RCHS and are now breeding them on their property. 12 of them to be exact. Why are they covered in battle scars and breeding? Why was this information brought to her attention personally and she says" you would have to testify to that in a court of law before I even consider investing this person ?" Something is very wrong here people. 5.I have an acquaintance that sought medical attention on her cat that she had ( only animal - indoor ). It had been adopted from RCHS 3 months earlier. She obtained the cat through a friend completing the adoption papers in their name as she was in the " black Book" for turning in a stray dog. The cat had to be euthanized as hit had feline infectious peritonitis ( FIP). As I watched her sob and sob over this cat - I suggested that she call the RCHS and let them know that this cat had a terminal illness when she adopted it. She said " I can't because I will get my friend in trouble for adopting the cat for me". How awful that a person not only wants to save a cat - then goes to all lengths to get this particular one she fell in love with - but then put it to sleep after 3 months and all odds to get it because they do no testing. ( after all, she could have gone to Dane county where they do complete FIP and feline Leukemia tests PRIOR to all adoptions. They are able to afford it - why can't RCHS.
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Continued:
3. The humane society will tell you that they euthanize handfuls of animals every day. It breaks my heart. Yet, I agree with previous postings. By limiting who can and cannot adopt to some ridiculous criteria is really limiting how many animals can be adopted. By this I mean people who have done a responsible and caring thing such as turning in a lost or stray animal not being able to adopt is crazy.

Yes people - they do have a "BLACK BOOK" at the humane society and many names are in it that should not be. Many responsible people are in it that saw the little fur face in a snow bank and now cannot adopt because they did the right thing and did not watch it freeze to death. Now they are in the black book and are "bad" owners

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I am not one that finds posting blogs appropriate. However, when it comes to this particular topic - I am outraged and find it more than necessary to let the public know of my first hand information and personal experiences with Ms. Konetski. I need to somewhat keep my identitiy hidden as my job position is directly linked to the RCHS. I deeply apologize for this. But the manner in which Chris ran this facility is appauling. I am sure that after so many years you can become "hardened" to the awful things that you must endure every day. BUT - you also should not continue on a path that you have nothing but a pessimistic attitude for as Chris has had for many many years. I would like to make people aware of a few instances that she was under the direction of:
A gentleman in Beloit had a dog lured off of his property with the witnesses of neighbors and the use of good old hamburger in to the van of the RCHS. This dog was pregnant with 12 puppies. The RCHS claimed that he was advertising the puppies as "wolf" hybrids which is illegal in the city limits of Beloit. ( although upon research - I could find no such advertisement.) The man had to pay for the destruction of 12 puppies and the female as RCHS would not release the dogs back to the owner. In fact, the animals were not euthanized - per a RCHS employee. They were sent to a rescue. I am glad they were not killed but as a dog owner myself I can imagine what this poor man went through thinking that his dog and her puppies were killed by a "Humane Society". Whether he should have been breeding or not is one thing - to lie and bait the dog off of the property were it was well cared for is another.
2. Is anyone aware that the RCHS does not do any testing on their cats for feline leukemia or feline aids. Two of the most deadly and terminal diseases in cats? I was told that they do not have the money to test these animals. This is a 20.00 test for each one. I am sure they could get them cheaper. Just like they receive "FREE" microchips from the AVID company.( Yet they charge you to implant them). Anyhow,
cats are exposed to the aids and leukemia when they are at the humane society. They are in with other animals and they can show no signs or symptoms. They become adopted and are at times taken home to unsuspecting cats at their new home. Then WHAM - we now have two or three cats that now are doomed because of the lack of responsibility of Chris and not trying to "save" animals but instead "adopt" animals. If you ask me, the latter is much worse. Every animal deserves a home. But everyone deserves to know that they may be adopting a cat with a very infectious disease as well.
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bosslady - I have two kittens that need to find a good home! I found them downtown on Thanksgiving while taking a walk along the bike path; four of them had been put out to die. I doubt they are more than four-five weeks old. Found a nice home for two of them; still have two that could use a loving hime. Let me know and I'll gladly get in touch with you! I figured it wouldn't be worth it to take them to the Humane Society; they would never find a home for them.

Perhaps now would be a good time to contact the humane society board and urge them to consider making RCHS a no-kill shelter. What would that take? Besides much money and a new facility?

I doubt there were puppies in the bag--they're the quickest ones to be adopted. Dogs I can understand--it disgusts me, but because the RCHS is not a no-kill shelter, of course they would have to dispose of the euthanized dogs. Does that have anything to do with Chris' management style?

My brother did some community service at HS for a while and one day he decided to look into one of the bags of "trash" they were having him put into the dumpster out back, and it was filled with dogs and puppies.

Maybe now I can adopt an animal without any hassle. I have tried in the past to adopt a cat and because I have 2 dogs, I was lectured that we would not be a fit family. Now, maybe I can give an unwanted pet a loving and fit home.

The Executive Directors of not-for-profit organizations such as the R.C.H.S. serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Nothing to investigate, nothing you or I can say about the matter. Based on two interactions I had with C.K. in the past, I am not disappointed with the Board's decision to let her go.

I have met her in the past both times she was extreamly rude ,I had a dog in the past who became a biter(did not like kids) and with two little kid I could no longer have him in my home..I loved him we all did , but when I went there for help she yelled at me in front of the whole place...she had me in tears then she followed me out side to get my plate number and told me if they found him (meaning if I dumped him off )She would pass on my plate number to the police....I loved him and wanted him to go to a good home with out kids....I know she's seen bad things happen to animals ...but she just went to far

My friends son works there and said the employees were not surprised, as different issues had been discussed with her for some time now. IT is her personality and lack of taking responsibility for some of the issues they were having. She made no real effort to change her attitude toward the public. He said you could tell when she had been 'talked' to , because her attitude would be better for few weeks then it was back to the same old , same old. She may have said she was surprised, but if the employees were not surprised I find it hard to believe she was truly surprised.

Everyone is quick to comment on her weaknesses, but if she was terminated without warning...there needs to be a serious inquiry into why. If she was so "terrible", as some comments lead us to believe, then she should have had some discussions/reprimands, etc during job reviews, whether by incident or yearly. I'm assuming if there were problems previously discussed, then she had some warning. If she conducted an egregious violation of some kind, there still should have been an explanation along with her termination. I hope the Gazette follows up on this story to give us complete facts.

She was awful and gave the humane society a bad reputation. I can not express how awful she was without using nasty language. I dealt with her only twice, and once was when we were looking for our dog who had escaped, we called twice a day for week looking to see if any one had brought him in, as we don't live in Janesville. About the fifth day they said yes a dog from my area, matching my dogs descrip. was brought in. When we got in there I found out it had been there for 3 days. She was very rude. Our dog has a invisible fence collar but the battery was dead, and he was off. The other time I went in with neighbor looking for a cat, and she was just snotty , unhelpful and acted like she thought she was too good for any of us. This should knock her down a notch or two. Good riddance. I have her others make comments about her before this.

It's not easy being discharged from a job. I feel for the lady and wish her the best. I also hope that those of you slamming her in this forum never have to face similar circumstances --- even though you probably deserve it.

Chris is one of the sweetest women around. I have known her since 79 I feel bad about her losing her job. I had someone watching my dog for me and they decided they didn't want to babysit anymore and dumped my dog off. She found me and let me know my dog was dumped. Not everyone would do that.

I am glad she is gone, she is a cold hearted woman of which the public didn't see much of the closed door side to which employees did. I hope the board looks no further and appoints Jim Hurley director. He will do a fantastic job as he has done for many years.

What about the management style of the three major auto ceos? Bozos. And they are still there. Get it right!

I don't understand the concern. These managers at that level are made to be fired. It is almost as if they were born to be fired. They are easily replaced, a dime a dozen, if you will.

Chris is a person who cared deeply about the animals in her care. Just read the comments of the dillrods who fail to think of a way to keep their animals from running away and you will understand the stupidity she had to deal with daily. And the sad thing is that the board failed to figure that out. Our dealings with Chris were always with a caring professional! So sad for Janesburg!

They do have a separate area for new animals. Any stray or surrendered animal has to be quarantined to prevent getting the rest of the animals sick, with whatever they might be carrying. It's a nasty area though, just dark and sad. I'm sure they could catch something from the animals in that area.

I have also heard stories of healthy pets getting out and after one day at that shelter they come home VERY sick! Sounds like they need to have a separate area for sick animals or for new animals. And maybe get a vet in there to treat them!

Jfamof6, How long was your dog there? It seems strange that your dog went from being healthy to "dying" if it was only there from when it got loose, to when you picked it up, I am assuming the same, or next day. Was it kept there a long time?

A couple years ago I went to the HS with a stray cat who was trying to live on my porch. This woman told me flat out that she thought that I was just trying to get rid of a cat. I have 3 cats of my own (four at the time) and I would NEVER give them up! She was rude and heartless. It took my mother coming in and handing her the cat and leaving for this woman to take him in. I really hope he found a nice home.

Since posting last, and reading some of the comments... I think the Humane Society may have been justified by their actions. I only met this woman one time, when my daughter was looking for a kitten. She was rude, but didn't seem hostile, just tired and irritated.

After thinking about this, perhaps it really was time for her to move on. She might be burnt out with the whole situation. Plus there are a lot of "eyes" looking over one's shoulder in a position such as hers. Also, maybe there were just enough complaints about her attitude that they were forced to let her go.

All speculation of course... and this is a really crappy time of year to lose one's job!

i feel for all the animals in that place and petland. the animals at both places are always the sickest animals i have ever seen, what goes on in these places that the animals are so sick all the time???

While it is always unfortunate when someone loses a job, I think this is best for the Humane Society. No one questions Chris' passion for the animals. A role such as Executive Director takes more than just passion for the animals, and ultimately, the animals interests weren't being served. As for any conspiracy theories, obviously the board isn't going to publish every review and complaint. I don't think the board can be accused of acting rashly, given Chris' tenure. Just my two cents.

I called the Humane Society as soon as I realized my dog was gone and left a message and they picked him up and charged me 40 dollars just for picking him up and when I went to get him they charged me 80 and gave me a very sick dog that needed vet attention!!

I am very HAPPY this woman lost her job!!!! My dog has a problem getting loose and we have put up a fence tied him up with a chain and he still managed to get loose! Last week he got loose and ended up at the Humane Society! I called and asked to talk to the director and she was the rudest meanest cold hearted person I have ever dealt with! She told me that it was a good idea for me to leave our family pet there and they would find him a good home with people that would take care of him and not let him get loose! My dogs are very well cared for but we do have a problem with that dog getting loose! When we did pick him up he was so sick I had to rush him to a vet!He had parvovirus and was dying due to not being treated while he was at the Humane Society! He is recovering but it was a very emotional thing to get my very healthy dog back so sick and to have her treat us like she did!!!!!!!

I am shocked and saddened for Chris and ALL of the animals in Rock County. She truly loved each of those animals and served that humane society well! What a slap in the face! I would not be a happy person all of the time either dealing with the many irresponsible pet owners she had to see day in and day out! Shame on the board!
I am embarrassed now to say , I once served on it!

Very interesting timing....

My brother in law was being evicted and moving in to the homelss shelter once and I tried to take his dog to the humane society. they REFUSED to accept it and told me to look for a rescue for it because it was a pure bred husky. I told them that he was probably going to let it go and wander around as a stray instead if they wouldn't take it as I couldn't have her at the time. All Chris would say was that they would just call the police on him for that. I said great he will be at the House of Mercy if you need to find him after you pick this dog up as a stray.
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Some compassion she had..NOT ! I am glad that they are trying to make changes that will improve the shelter. It is LONG over due.

I agree that her people skills were lacking. I tried to turn in a stray I found in the middle of winter, during a family get together two years ago. And she told me flat out, to my face, that I was a liar, and to get out. I was mad at first, but then I realized that this woman, has had to put up with idiots, and liars, and people giving their dogs to the shelter, because they are too "annoying" etc.. I can imagine, after having dogs and cats be adopted out to "nice" families, only to see them return in 5 months, abandoned and abused, you would eventually, after this long, start to be very jaded. I can understand why she was so mistrusting. Sometimes you have to be. Animals get adopted out to horrible homes all the time, unless you are very strict about it. I agree, she really did start to turn people away though. She made you feel as if you were the enemy, and had to prove yourself. In the end, again, I really don't blame her. I wish her luck, maybe doing something with animals where she feels she is actually getting somewhere. I know after 20 + years of rescuing animals, you start to feel like the walls of the hole you are in, will never stop caving in. This world as a whole, needs to do some serious soul searching in terms of how we treat our animals.

Please spay and neuter. All we can do now is pray for those poor animals. The possible abuse they may suffer now that she is gone. You're so right, she wasn't people friendly at all! How she acted at the different fund raisers etc. Snobby woman!

Yes I think she was a good person and had a lot to do but I think sometimes that is why the human society has so many animals because she would not give some people a chance like for example I had a pet die and I did everything I could the pill went into her lungs and killed her and it was very hard for our family and she would not let us adopt not even for the past 9 years I think everyone deserves a chance and so do the animals. I think she did what she knew and what she felt she had to do but just because some people do not have lots of money does not mean they will not love that animal.. GOOD LUCK AND SHE WILL BE MISSED!!!

Sounds like she could use a bailout.

Her performance and management style....

If this is truly the case, I hope she was given an opportunity to make changes previous to getting the AX. Most people have regular job performance reviews.

I hope they didn't just oust her, without a better explanation than this one!

I too think she was not a very "person friendly" type person, it takes more than just loving an animal, it is the people walking in there that adopt these animals, and care and consideration for the customers should be a priority also. I just recently adopted a cat and they are very unorganized there, four people behind the counter trying to dig and shuffle thru papers that are not filed correctly, etc...took forever. I work with and am friends with a volunteer at the shelter, and she is the most considerate and caring person I have ever meet, for animals and human beings. I am not sure if any of you that have posted know of her, her name is Diane and she should be nominated person of the year for everything she does for everyone and everything. Happy Holidays to you all !

everyones job is going to the dogs, or away from them as the case may be.

We removed the diplomat's post because it contained a profanity and an absurd allegation.
Scott Angus
Editor

This is quite a surprise. I've worked with Chris on several occasions and have enjoyed doing so. She was always courteous and helpful to me.

I suggest we wish both well and move on. There is a lot of work to be done at the Humane Society.

My family member lived where no pets where welcome and a stray cat was wandering around in jan. so she took it to them a few years later she was able to have a pet she went there and was told that she was not able to adopt do to droping of a stry she was a very uppity bi person

She was a nice lady to work for, for the most part. Things did go on that I did not agree with, but heck, she was the boss. The things that happened are why I quit. I have AWESOME respect for Jim. Shame people can't say what really goes on or else their post gets removed.

I glad the gazzete got scared and removed a post that might have been close to the truth. Don't reporters believe in freedom of speech?????? or the thediplomat hit close to the real truth on this one???

I am absolutely shocked! I've known Chris for many, many years and she was always good with me and loved the animals above all. It takes a very special person to deal with the kind of horrible abuses and neglect of animals that Chris faced through the years, and she did it admirably. I wish her the very best of luck.

I've heard that she isn't the most pleasant person. Maybe it will be a good change for her and the Humane Society.

i have delt with chris when i adopted a cat, and when i was there to visit the cat, the cat was sneezing and she said "oh maybe the cat is alergic to your purfume" i was like ok that might be the case, i later got the cat home and with in a few days the cat was deathley sick, i took her to the vet in the middle of the night and she had conjuctivitous of the eyes, upper respetory infection and was malnutitioned. i had a $400. vet bill, and i called the lady for help and she had no sympathy at all, she said all she could say was well you can bring her back and get a diffrent cat!!! no help at all. in the adoption paper it states they do not adopted sick animals!! but they do LOL i feel for the animals!!

send your emails to this address asking why this is all I could find right now director@rockcountyhumanesociety.com

I agree with thediplomat. There is something going on behind closed doors. This lady is a saint in my opinion. I am interested in investigating why this happened

I have had contact with Chris numerous times over the years whenever we adopted animals & I have always felt she did a great job. I am dumbfounded about this. I wish Chris all the best, she's a great lady!

I HOPE THEY HAD A MANY REASONS BESIDES THEY DID NOT LIKE "HER STYLE" FOR LETTING HER GO. GOOD LUCK CHRIS.

OMG this was a great woman who managed the HS for years as far as I knew she did a great job and has passion for what she was involved in. Is there something the general public didn't know about?