by Roxanne Hicks | Jul 28, 2026 | Adoption, Shelter Management, Shelter Reform
You did the counseling. You matched the dog. You high-fived the team when the adopter walked out the door with a leash in one hand and a folder of paperwork in the other. Then the dog disappears. Not literally, usually. But from your shelter’s perspective, that... 
by Roxanne Hicks | May 14, 2026 | Community Engagement, Public Education, Shelter Management, Shelter Reform, Uncategorized
In animal sheltering, many phrases sound good until they hit the front counter. “Managed intake” is one of them. On paper, managed intake sounds thoughtful, humane, and organized. It suggests planning, capacity awareness, and better outcomes. And in some cases,... 
by Roxanne Hicks | Feb 8, 2026 | Advocacy, Public Education, Shelter Management, Shelter Reform
Transparency is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot in animal welfare. Everyone agrees it’s important. Everyone says they value it. And yet, many shelters actively avoid it. Not because they’re hiding something evil.Not because they don’t care. But... 
by Roxanne Hicks | Nov 8, 2025 | Adoption, Rescue Resources, Shelter Management
Let’s face it, adopting out animals isn’t just about finding a home. It’s about finding the right home. At our shelter, we don’t rush the process. We guide it, with intention, care, and a little matchmaking magic. Every pet that enters our building has already been... 
by Roxanne Hicks | May 25, 2025 | Compassion, Rescue Resources, Shelter Management, Shelter Reform
How to Improve Daily Operations and Reduce Chaos If your shelter days sometimes feel like a blur of emergencies, never-ending to-do lists, and constant problem-solving, you are not alone. Shelter work is intense. It is emotionally charged, fast-paced, and often... 
by Roxanne Hicks | May 9, 2025 | Compassion, Rescue Resources, Shelter Management
Why slowing down isn’t selfish. It’s strategic. You didn’t sign up for this work because it was easy.You signed up because you care deeply. Because animals deserve more. Because you couldn’t not do something. And somewhere along the way, “doing something” turned into...