Amidst the day-to-day demands we are also moving forward with several larger priorities. The board recently underwent governance training and a facilitated conversation about committee activities with strategic planning to follow in the Fall of 2022. At the end of December, we passed a budget for the remainder of the fiscal year which increased all hourly employees’ wages.

Today is my 60th day as the CEO at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter. As I write this, we are rebounding from a snow day and a flurry of activity surrounding the reality of an animal shelter that has run out of kennel space. Thankfully, that temporary state has passed – with no small amount of assistance from both the local community and several of our colleagues from the Northern Colorado Regional Animal Welfare Coalition and beyond.

The Cheyenne Animal Shelter recently celebrated 50 years of service to the local community. While there have been many ups and downs during that time, we have continued to focus on our mission of enhancing the quality of life for animals and people through compassion, respect, and education.

Dex is an imposing figure of a dog. Around 100 pounds, the American bulldog has a bowling-ball for a head and rippling muscles beneath his sleek, white hair. If you’re like me, your first impression of this guy might be one of intimidation, brutish strength, and bullish behavior.