Something that concerns me a lot is that this contest seems to want to funnel available donations to one single shelter, out of all the shelters in the country. For example, PetCo Foundation has signed on as a supporter (or whatever the exact term is). This makes donating simpler for them- let Richard pick the place and they donate. But this takes away from emergency relief funds coming from them (as with Katrina), as well as everyday shelter funds for the REST OF THE COUNTRY. If my local PetCo store quits donating locally, then I'll quit patronizing them. And I'm certainly not interested in giving money to HSUS or PetCo Foundation if it's going out of town to fund some multi-millionaire's project in Missouri. Does anyone else see this "million dollar makeover" this way?

hi mr t. i am sorry it took me so long to see this. it is a shame that you had to post this and hope the naysayers are satisfied. this is wonderful site and i for one thatnk you for giving it to us. please don't end it. thank you again. daryl

I think we should just take the million dollars and split it amongst quite a few shelters. I mean what shelter really doesnt need the money? We all try to do the same thing, we all have the mind set of saving has many animals has we can. I think everyone should get a piece of the pie. I dont think one shelter deserves it more than another. We all deserve it.

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From an article posted on THIS VERY SITE:

www.zootoo.com

"After months of anticipation and thousands of increased animal adoptions resulting from the publicity, Zootoo’s Shelter Makeover contest reached its final stages Thursday, with three finalists learning they are still in the running for the $1 million grand prize"

“This would really be a dream come true, and I’m gonna start crying again because so many animals are depending on that million dollars in St. Louis, and all over the country too,” said Randy Grim of Stray Rescue."

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Aren't humans a strange breed, I am just glad animals don't act like this, they live in the moment and love unconditonally. I thank Zootoo for all it's done for the animals.

OK, I think I'm caught up on this issue, but, in the event I've missed something please forgive me...

First of all, Mr. Thompson stepped out on a limb to try to do something wonderful for ALL SHELTERS - that is generate AWARENESS!

I for one, have learned a great deal on Zootoo. Information that I might not otherwise have learned were I to have to take the time to go out search for. Zootoo brings information to us on a variety of subjects - all or some of which, each of us, animals lovers learn and have the opportunity to share with each other.

The friendships and people I have met on Zootoo I could never have made without Zootoo. So, any money aside, the friendships are invaluable! The support we all get in our personal time of need, the joy we experience when we see other people's pets in pictures and videos, the sorrow we all share when one of us loses a beloved pet, and the list goes on and on...

As for the contest and money... it matters not where the money is coming from - only that someone dared to step-up and ASK FOR it on BEHALF of ALL SHELTERS all across the country! Which one of us has that capability?

Mr. Thompson has done us all a great service by providing these opportunities to all who participate. We should be showing our gratitude instead of speculating on a last years winner. There is always more to any story then will ever appear in print! It is truly NONE OF ANY OF OUR BUSINESS what transpires between Zootoo and last year's winner! I say this because, a contest of this magnitude is bound to have miscommunications and misunderstandings - especially the first year out.

Certainly, Mr. Thompson would not have spent all the time and money to create Zootoo, to generate such a high level of media coverage for Zootoo - with fraudulent intent. No one in their right mind would draw such a level of attention to themselves if they're intentions were not sincere. Only people with something to hide - hide!

First hand, in our community - the Humane Society of the Nature Coast - generated such a level of awareness that our area has never known. More people then ever are talking about the plight of animals in our area. It is doubtful that without Zootoo this awareness would have been achieved by any one single shelter or rescue organization. If it was possible, it would have been achieved long before now.

Every animal shelter tries to educate their community, to reach out to their community for support. Some listen and provide support. But this contest generated a level of enthusiasm - every where anyone went - there was Zootoo - for months. It really generated conversations. It got people asking questions about the situation of animals - an most importantly, it got people involved that might otherwise have taken the attitude, "Oh ya - someone else is taking care of that problem..."

While I must admit, I am relatively new to the animal rescue industry - it is not unlike any other form of business. Being an executive level, business man, I know how difficult it is to launch a new concept, product, idea, etc. There are always trials and errors before it becomes perfected. And patience and time is how the kinks get worked out. Yes, it is important to look at what didn't work and fix it - but, those decisions are made by those in charge of the launch - in this case, it would be Mr. Thompson - and none of the rest of us.

Personally, I applaud Mr. Thompson for his efforts. We need to show Mr. Thompson and the Zootoo community he has single handed built (for all of us to enjoy) some respect. We need to be patient and supportive of him and participating shelters. Doom-sayers can spread their venom and poison a good thing for us all if we don't ban together to protect what has so generously been given to us all.

"To those that have been given much - much is expected." We have all been given a gift one that we could never in-kind repay. Let us not lose sight of this gift.

Mr. Thompson, thank you for your efforts to generate awareness and assistance to animal shelters and rescue organizations all across America. Please do not be disheartened by all the chatter. You have done more then any other single person has done. You have taken on a project of great magnitude and I for one, applaud your efforts.

Regards,
Doug Carter

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Mr Thompson preaches to us to get our community involved and this contest has accomplished that quite well, so he faces criticism because he has the pet care industry involved to pay the awards? Just as we need to bring donors and volunteers to our shelters he has found a way to get companies and organizations to whom we literally give many hundreds of millions each year involved by having them provide the grant money for the contest. Rather than scorn, I say congradulations for a job well done on getting corporate America into the spirit.

Honestly the timing of the whole ordeal leaves me more than a little skeptical. I certainly can't speak of last years contest as we were not involved but when we got into the running this year I visited the site and read the rules and what we could expect in prizes and it was pretty clear to me that it didn't have to be 1 million, nor did it have to be in cash. In subsequent conversations between the folks from Zootoo and the shelter ED it was made abundantly clear that Zootoo wouldn't just sit back and let us do what we wanted but rather it would be a partnership with Zootoo having the final approval. We understood and accepted that with every point we earned. Should there be problems, as I expect any venture os this size will, we will endeavor to work them out to an amicable resolution but my greatest fear is that this entire episode may spell the end of the makeover competition whose benefits far exceed dollars and cents. That Mr. Grim got his cash settlement and this years winner will get the makeover and what could have been an exciting time each year of renewed vigor in sheltering will be lost.

Dennis

You know what people, I have done alot of thinking and we are all losing tracked of things. This is all about the animals. None of this started until we were made aware of the problems the first winner was having. I mean did we really need to know this right now? Wouldnt have been better to try to work this out amongst themselves before we were made aware of it? Then when the rest of the shelters that didnt make the top ten found out about the grant from Petigree it just fed into that situation. So lets get off of the top 10 people trying to defend from the bottom 10 people and get on with buisness. Isnt there more important issues at hand? Kitten season is upon us, animals are still being abused and abandoned by stupid people, and the economy is making it hard for everybody. Enough. We all know whats going on so lets change this subject and get on with life. I say good luck to the top 10 and God bless all of us who work tirelessly to help animals day in and day out. Thank you to Topcat for giving all of us this fine opportunity to make everyone aware of the plight of the animals and the shelters who are strugleing to help them. ALL THE SHELTERS. God bless all the shelters across the United States in zootoo and not.

It really sounds as if Zootoo has gone above and beyond to correct any problems and to make this shelter's dream come true. Well worded letter, Mr. Thompson! Judy S., Hinesville, Georgia-Liberty Humane Shelter

Does anyone else see the irony in this happening during the week of “Good Friday”? Are we back in biblical times?
I’ve spent a lot of time between yesterday & today reading all of these comments, & checking out each zootooer’s prior posts. What I find odd is that they were “hailing” Zoo Too until the top 10 were announced. Had they made the top 10, would they be so vocal now? Is this just sour grapes talking? Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. You cannot expect one man or one company to come in & solve all of your problems! We are trying to gain community support & using our $10,000 to start the pot to achieve our goals. Little by little we are gaining community support. Even without the money, Zoo Too has given us the exposure that we needed to boost awareness of our shelter’s existence. We’re not looking for Zoo Too to give us a free ride. The gas in the car to get there has been greatly appreciated. Hang in there Richard. The folks at the Friendship APL still believe in you. God Bless in all you do & what you stand for.

I have been on this site diligently since October (maybe Nov.). At NO TIME did I hear any of these complaints UNTIL the Top 20 shelters were announced. If you people felt this way AND this was your experience, WHY were you not informing Zootooers during the contest? I do not know anything about rules or secret forms or information. I DO KNOW we were competing for a million dollar makeover. I feel sure the money for the makeover is provided by advertisers and affiliates of Zootoo. Mr. Thompson is smart enough to know that he could face a class action suit by the very people he united on this site if he does not follow through. I choose to remain positive and appreciate the community involvement AND Zootoo adventure. Thank you Mr. Thompson. Keep the Faith. Julee

Mr. Thompson and to the staff and supporters of Zootoo.com,
At Liberty Humane Shelter in Hinesville, Georgia we feel overwhelmed, excited, appreciative, all at once to have even been involved in this whole experience. We, honestly, never thought that we would get into the top 20 and now to have gone on to the top 10 is just amazing. We are proud of our volunteers, supporters, community and our staff.
I would like to personally thank you, Mr. Thompson, for being so kind, generous, and down to earth. I was surprised that you were so patient with us during our tour and had such kind words for us and such hopeful words that even if we did not make it into the top 10 or win the million makeover that our community and our shelter are winners.
You stated, repeatedly, that there would not be a million dollar check written. That this makeover was about bringing communities together, about rallying around the shelter and helping. Even in our close door session with the executive board, you made it perfectly clear what the rules were, and how things were to go. We had all read the rules and understand them to be what they are.
If you can recall, never, yes never has an elected official stepped through our doors at Liberty Humane Shelter. And this experience, not only got them through the door, but through the whole building to include animal control. It was a huge wake up call to our community that honestly "had no idea of the conditions of the facility".
We are so grateful for this opportunity, we understand that this is not an EASY MILLION that will come in the form of cash, that it will take hard work by us and our community.
That it is the intention to get the community to rally behind us and step up to the plate.
And I am proud to say, they have really come through for us. We are gaining new supporters daily.
The city of Hinesville wrote a proclaimation naming April as Liberty Humane Shelter and Zootoo.com month. It asks for the support of our citizens. Also, many businesses have come to our aid providing signs and billboard spots.
The most exciting is the fact that we have been in touch with Governor Purdue and also Congressman Kingston who want to help us. Wow, to have the support of our state elected officials says alot for us and the effort that we have made.
This also says alot for your effort and your kindness. You have seen our place, your have heard our story, you have seen the heartache that we face on a day to day basis.
We are so grateful for what you have already given us. Certainly, we want to win the makeover, but if we do not, WE KNOW IN OUR HEARTS THAT WE HAVE ALREADY WON BY THE EXPERIENCE.
I can not tell you enough and thank you enough for all that you have done. I believe in you and I believe in Zootoo. I know how it is to be looked at harshly for trying to help. I know that not always are people going to agree or like what has to be done. Please do not throw your hands up because of last years experience. At Liberty Humane Shelter, we pride ourselves in learning from our mistakes, and boy have we made some, but we move on and are stronger and more wise.
Again, thank you, thank you, thank you,
Sincerely,
Sandra Frye
Liberty Humane Shelter
Hinesville, Georgia

Latest word from ZooToo is that CatNap will be getting their check for $5000, and Pedigree is working on correcting the problem with the application for the funds.

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How sad that a cloud has been cast on a site that has accomplished so much for so many shelters and animal lovers. I cannot imagine that an undertaking of this magnitude is simple and there are bound to be complications that arise. There must be a better way to resolve problems than in the media. This has caused confusion to the public and some people may now shy away from this site that has done so much to raise awareness on behalf of animals. Animal welfare must be about more than just a contest. We are so appreciative of this opportunity and our community has high hopes for winning the makeover, but win or not we are better off because of our Zootoo participation and we are grateful. We have met amazing colleagues on Zootoo and they are relationships that we hope will benefit all of us in our efforts on behalf of the animals.

Boy with everything coming out about z2 not paying out any money to last years winner or to the top 20 shelters, they only get to apply for grants and at least one of them is disqualified, I must say I am ashamed that I got so many people to join this site and I actually bragged z2 up to people? Sounds like the only one getting any money out of this was Dick?

This is ridiculous!! You mean to say that CatNap from the Heart is not elegible to get the $5,000 they won by being a top 20 shelter because they do not adopt dogs!!!?? This wasn't stated in the rules! Pedigree should not be allowed to refuse payment ot these shelters! What about the horse rescue group that is in the Top 10? Are they now disqualified because they do not adopt dogs!

This is directed to Mr. Thompson. Being a cat shelter, the grant form for Pedigree does not allow us to complete it because we do not adopt dogs. I hope that you and Pedigree will be able to come to some agreement on this and that we will indeed get the $5,000 check from Pedigree for our shelter without having to run through hoops or complete more forms, which was not mentioned at any time. Since we have it in writing, i.e., the check distributed in Las Vegas, I assume this can be handled quickly and that you will not be disappointing the hundreds of people who helped get us to the top 20. We have been reading about the last makeover, and it is indeed discouraging our people from voting in the next round. Please help straighten this out quickly. Thank you, Gaile Aardema, CatNap from the Heart, LaGrange Park IL.

Hang in there, Mr. Thompson. Sorry you have to expend time and energy on defense at this time. I trust this will be resolved to everyone's satisfaction- ZooToo and Stray Rescue have the same goals.

As for my community (Columbia, Missouri), ZooToo has had an enormously positive impact already. More people are volunteering and still more have been educated about the needs of animal welfare groups in our area. Patty Forister, Director of Central Missouri Humane Society (a Top Ten Finalist this year), reports she has already received checks for all prizes promised to CMHS as a finalist.
Thanks for all your work.

With the economy as it is these days, I believe it is ridiculous to expect contractors to donate their time to build or a shelter. Everyone I know is struggling to survive; they need to be paid. Getting the community involved is great, and generally, they are involved to the best of their ability, but to ask that they donate in lieu or as part of the $1 million maximum denotes someone who is living the high life and hasn't a clue what is happening to the rest of us. I sincerely hope that Zootoo isn't playing games.

I had just found out that the other shelters that didnt make the top ten but were in the top 20 do not get a $5000 check. They have to apply for a grant thru Petigree. In what fine print was that in? In this economy and having a non for profit shelter, who can wait and apply for a grant? Did other shelters know this? This is totally not what I expected this to be.

Amanda Huhman and Libby Burks have been working hard to save the Central Missouri Humane Society in Columbia. Meanwhile, in honor of Amanda, Libby, the Humane Society, and their efforts, a story for animal lovers everywhere.

Saving Georgia, starring MU Vet Students and the Horton Animal Hospital
by Mike Martin for the Columbia Business Times

“Daddy!”

I was in my office and my 8-year-old daughter Josie was calling me—almost screaming—from the bottom of the stairs. She ran up before I could stand up from my chair. “Daddy! Something’s wrong with Georgia!” She was nearly in tears.

We hurried downstairs. Georgia—the three-month-old kitten Josie had wanted since the day she could talk—was dragging her hind legs. She was the newest member of the family and uniquely affectionate for a cat. Seeing her struggle was heartbreaking. I almost cried myself.

I grabbed the phone book and thumbed through Veterinarians. I dialed the Horton Animal Hospital, described the symptoms, and with their instructions, Josie and I carefully raced Georgia to their emergency clinic on Paris Road. It was June 23, 2005, and Horton veterinarian Michelle Marshall would diagnose a fatal illness few animal doctors will ever see.

Read the rest at

Mr. Thompson, I saw the video of when you were on the Today show and our Shelter Director is traveling to Savannah this morning to be on the Sonny & Jody show. There are always two sides to a story and until everything is out in the open, I will reserve my judgment. I would like to thank you for coming up with a brilliant plan on getting communities more involved with local shelters, and just the exposure, will ultimately benefit the animals. I know everyone on this site feels like they can safely post and not be harassed, or verbally abused like other forums. Our love of animals is why we are here. Thank you again, we are all winners.

I find it enteresting that you commented on how the dream of the shelter are bigger then the as you put it "up to" one million dollars. Realistically 1 dollar is "up to" one million dollars. So my thinking is you should be willing to post an actual amount in mind and not be so secretive about the amounts involved. If your only going to be willing to hand out 500 dollars, 1000 dollars, or whatever the amount is then it needs to be stated clearly and not make it sound like your handing a million dollars to the winning shelter. An "up to" amount sounds like a cop out.

Greetings from the HSUS Expo! Let me say the Zootoo.com presentation was overwhelmingly wonderful! Richard is as passionately as we are about helping shelter animals! It's not reasonable to think that a project of this magnitude is going to be fast and flawless. CMHS is happy to be selected for the Top Ten and is proud to be involved with the Zootoo.com community.

It is a shame that there is any negativity about any of this.. a million dollars seems like the ultimate dream and a solution to a shelter's financial issues.. when you are talking about construction a million dollars is a drop in the bucket. There are so many costs associated with building a new or renovating an existing site before the actual construction starts. I work for a commercial construction company and I can tell you from personal experience. there are also months of design and permit time that must be allotted, you can't just say I have a million dollars let's start building. To give everyone an example just the construction costs (no engineering and permitting- paid for by owner prior to start of construction) of my most recent projects were 800 k to 1.1 million which included renovating a little league baseball park with a concession stand and Ramada area and adding a parts warehouse to a car dealership which was simply a big rectangle with concrete floors and no real fluff.
I hope there is a resolution without hard feelings.. a million dollars can help a whole lot but will not solve the ongoing issue.
I hope this doesn't make people think twice about trying to help out their shelters through zootoo. These animals need whatever money they can receive and all the publicity they can possibly get for free.

Always 2 sides to every story, unfortunately not everyone waits for the 2 sides to resolve their "differences" before "jumpin the gun".

'09 ZooToo has been the experience of a lifetime. Today's comments were the only negativity I've seen about it's reward. I've found friendships made of unity, pledged financial commitments and have become involved in my local shelter for the first time.
I'm totally psyched about ZooToo's contribution of $1,245,000 over 20 shelters, because of the difference it will make in the lives of animals.

I trust you topcat and I'm just so thankful to Zootoo for their contest and all the support that's been gathered for the shelters. We owe you a debt of gratitude for all the connections Zootoo has made in our communities. Suspect the St. Louis group wasn't aware perhaps of the the usual progress of construction ( there are normal delays) with lots of highs and lows along the way but you get there. I'm prepared to stand behind you however long it takes and help our CMHS shelter survive if we should be the lucky one. Whoever is chosen, we're just happy to be part of this. Thanks

Where is Randy in all this? I would be interested in what he has to say.

When we are dealing with anything of this magnitude there are bound to be misunderstandings and the key to resolving any misunderstanding is dialogue, in business, among spouses and with friends. The best thing is to let those having the difficulties to work it out without tryimg to fix it from the outside. There is a passion in what we do and sometimes it just overflows.............................Dennis

Thanks for sharing your side of this story with the wonderfull people on Zootoo. I'm the lady who drove over 1000 miles from Ohio to Fl. to show support for the Humane Society of the Nature Coast Inc. when you arrived to tour it. I would not have drove so far being short on money myself if I did not truley believe thats the shelter worthy of a Makeover. I hope everything gets settled fast without a negitive blitz. I want to thank you for Zootoo. Robyn

Thanks for being so forthright about this issue, Richard. I appreciate that you didn't gloss over the problem but helped us to understand what's been involved. After reading your response, I'm ready to dig in and help our shelter win! You really are Top Cat!

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Thank you for commenting. I appreciate what the orignial journal zootooer was trying to do and it's seems there was a misunderstanding and the posting helped all involved deal and move forward. Butte Humane Society is so happy to be in the top ten and thank you and Zootoo for all the work you have put into this. It has brought a tight community even closer and given us the energy to do even more for our shelter. We want to win the makeover for our animals and I dream of a new, roomy, light shelter for them but....on April 27th if our name is not called, I and many others, will be back at our shelter on the 28th doing what we do best, caring for our lost, abandoned and sick babies. We will clean the cages, litter boxes, bedding and food bowls. We will pet and hug and walk them and look in their eyes and let them know they are not alone. We will always be here for them. We will not abandon them, ever.

I was formally employeed in municipal engineering, and the zoning, building permits, etc, can easily run $100,000 in addition to taking much time, etc. I have also worked for an engineering firm, i also know that designing plans can cost a fortune as well. Also, as we know in the construction business, a million dollars does not go really far anymore, especially when plumbing and drainage are a problem, etc. I am sure Zootoo is doing everything they can to build the dream shelter!!! It definitly takes time and it will prob cost way more than a million! Thank you for clarification.

Hi Richard,
I've no idea what you are talking about but did want to say from the vast majority at Safe Haven of Iowa County - thank you for the opportunity. We have gained a lot from this contest. It hurts right now to not be in the top 10 as we have so many needs, but I know ALL the shelters feel that way.
Thanks to you and your staff for everything you've done and have been doing. The contest benefited our shelter greatly.
Sincerely,
Renee McArtor
SHIC volunteer
www.wesavepets.com

Thank you for the post and clarification, you never know what is going on behind the scenes - greatly appreciated

Thank you Richard for clarifying . ..I know there are two sides to every story. It is hard to know who to believe. I do know that I love this site and don't want to have any negative publicity for Z2. On the other hand, love Stray Rescue and want to be sure they are getting what they deserve.

It saddens me that this has occurred but hopefully we can all work it out for the sake of the animals.

Thank you for the clarification. I thought that post and the timing of that negative post was awfully suspect. People can write anything they want on the internet whether its true or not. In my heart of hearts, I just couldn't believe the information contained in that post was accurate.
Thank you again for all you have done to raise awareness of animal shelters and homeless animals everywhere. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart for this contest, and for choosing CMHS as one of your Top 10. You are truly are hero to me and homeless animals everywhere.