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Adoption Counseling - Shadowing Experience

I really was interested in jumping into Adoption Counseling due to working with both families and the dogs in order to pair up the perfect fit for a household.  Thankfully, Anne, the woman in charge of adoption, was really ready to get be involved as soon as possible.

We as volunteers have to complete a certain amount of shadow days depending on what it is exactly that we want to do.  For me, I had to complete 3 shadow days in order to become an adoption counselor.  

All three days went rather smoothly.  The only thing that really intimidated me per say was just understanding how the facility works and the research based questions.

Once I had practiced and understood the paperwork, though, it was smooth sailing.  I have the opportunity now to go back and get dogs and introduce them to possibly families, along with providing my best insight towards the families using the knowledge and background I already have in the field. 

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The Elderly Couple: AC

I had an amazing experience. 

I worked with an elderly couple, probably both were in their 70s, and they were looking for a new dog.  Sadly, their other dog, Peanut a chihuahua, had passed away.

They initially wanted a small dog and what we had was not particular suiting their likings.  We then attempted to introduce them to a sweet, smaller pit named Princess. 

The woman was reluctant - the idea of having a pitbull absolutely off put her - It was apparent in her facial expressions.  We insisted, thinking Princess was a perfect fit - especially because the woman just wanted to baby and spoil her new family member.

When they met, it was beautiful.  They fed Princess treats and smiled and thoroughly enjoyed her company.  Adoption = success.  They had ended up taking her. 

I love when people change their minds about pits and remove all negative connotations involved with the breed - it really is amazing and beautiful 

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Research Question I - In Progress

On average, what are the numbers of animals brought into MADACC annually, and what circumstances cause them to be brought to the facility?

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Who Is MADACC?

Text below is from their Website:

“In 1996, the Milwaukee County Intergovernmental Cooperation Council created an Animal Control Services Planning/Steering Committee to plan for animal control services for Milwaukee County after being notified that the Wisconsin Humane Society had decided to focus on their primary mission of adoption and community outreach and would no longer provide animal control services. To that end, the 19 municipalities that comprise Milwaukee decided to create a “commission”. This is a governmental agency where municipalities collaborate together to provide a service. For example, some municipalities do this for fire or police services. It was decided that an animal control commission would provide the most cost effective model, and provide residents with one central location to look for their missing companions.

MADACC opened August 1, 1999 and provides animal care and control services for the nineteen municipalities of Milwaukee County. MADACC is governed by a Board of Directors and an Operations Committee. The board is comprised of officials from each municipality, each getting one vote on matters concerning the operations of MADACC. The Operations Committee meets monthly to oversee the budget and operations of MADACC and is comprised of seven (7) members of the full board.

MADACC is first and foremost a public safety organization. We currently rescue and assure safe, temporary shelter, basic veterinary and humane care for over 12,000 stray, unwanted, abandoned, mistreated and injured animals each year — more than any other animal control organization in Wisconsin.

Animal Care and Control facilities like MADACC are often referred to derogatorily as “the pound”.  We are one of the most misunderstood organizations in this community.  Because we are an “open admission” facility, we will take in animals who are sick, injured and who may exhibit unsafe behavior. Many of these animals are not able to be successfully treated or adopted out into the community. Organizations that call themselves “no-kill” often have waiting lists for animal intake, and many times will not take in animals that have any medical or behavioral challenges, leaving organizations like MADACC as the only alternative for those owners and animal in need.

We take our commitment to the animals and citizens of the municipalities that we serve very seriously and strive to ensure that we do all we can to ensure we make the right decision for each and every animal that comes into our building.”

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MADACC - Mission Statement

“To provide animal regulation and care services which protect the health, public safety and welfare of people and animals in Milwaukee County.”

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Tier 1 Training

Tier 1 training has been exceptionally fun for me - perhaps doing dishes and laundry may not be the best of tasks to both, but I find it rather relaxing.  Plus, it is a very necessary step in keeping kennels clean and efficient.  When I am working at my kennel at home, we are constantly doing dishes and laundry to make sure our furry guests are happy, healthy, and clean. 

I really love Kathy, the woman in charge of volunteering.  She is very kind and accommodating and really makes sure we understand what is going on and what we are doing.  I truly appreciate the trust she has put into me already, allowing me to move forward without having a heavy hand in Tier 1 laundry and dishes, knowing I am committed and that I have worked with animals before.  I really appreciate her for that.

Everything is really organized, fast moving, and quite a bit of fun.  I’m excited to move into Adoption Counseling as the next step to my journey at MADACC

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Update - October 18th 2017

I have just received my contract for the beginning of my service work at MADACC - I am really excited to start working with the animals after Halloween season is over. 

My supervisor/head of Volunteers, Kathy, is an incredible woman.  She is extremely nice and very accommodating. 

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Orientation Day

September 26th - 2017

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Today was my first day at MADACC (Milwaukee Area Domesticated Animal Control Center) and it was really eye opening.

We got the run down of the facility and what it is they do there and their goals for the animals brought into the control center.  After going over positions, rules, and regulations, we got a tour of the facility. 

It was rather heart breaking to see all of these (mainly) pit bulls who were brought here due to fighting, neglect, abuse, stray, or simply unwanted.  So many of them looked up with pleading eyes and a wagging tail - they just want to be loved and adopted.

I am most likely going to be an Adoption Counselor to help dogs find the perfect fit for their forever homes.  I really enjoy working with people and animals to make a pairing happen.