Today was my first day back at work, after I returned late last night (3-hour delay in SFO!) from the HSUS conference where we were named one of the top ten finalists in the shelter makeover contest. I had an amazing time and met so many wonderful people, learned so much, and really got energized for this final phase of the contest as well as the kick-off of our capital campaign for a new facility. I took a day-long certification course on shelter architecture, I met inspiring leaders from other shelter finalists and shared ideas, and I even got the chance to meet HSUS President Wayne Pacelle and invited him to come visit our shelter and perhaps do something in conjunction with Farm Sanctuary in Orland. I was so excited to get home and share all the great news and stories and contacts and education I experienced.

But... leave it to our fabulous local newspaper to completely muddy the waters and take wind out of our sails. This morning they ran the AP story about last year's winner's allegations that they never received their million dollar makeover, as the biggest story on the front page, with the headline blaring "Pay Not Beg". We spent most of the day focused on damage control, clarifying the contest rules for those who got the impression that it's some sort of "scam" - how this contest could possibly be a "con" if NO ONE IS PAYING TO PARTICIPATE I will never understand - and our main supporting group of radio stations pulled all mention of us and the contest from their website... because the manager didn't want to put their image at risk or some crap like that... can you believe that?! DISGUSTING. Thanks to the sensationalistic hacks at our beloved local paper.

If anyone's read the official rules, it clearly states there is no million dollar check waiting for the winner. This contest has always been about bringing the community together, and in that it has been incredibly successful thus far. Increased adoptions and donations, national media attention, a special certificate from US Rep Wally Herger, and not to mention TENS of THOUSANDS of dollars worth of services, work and equipment have already been pledged by community members - EVEN IF WE DON'T WIN THE CONTEST - is gift enough, and we have Zootoo to thank for bringing it all together.