Reader Annie Hannigan attended the opening of the new MAS facility on Saturday, November 26, 2011 – the first weekend day the new building was open to the public. She writes:
On Saturday I went to visit the new MAS facility around 3 pm with my 5 year old daughter. There was a friendly volunteer in the lobby and a puppy named Miss Wendy as the Pet of the Day in a playpen. The volunteer’s name badge was twisted so I didn’t catch her name. I told her I am interested in cats and she told us we may step into the cat room but to be careful not to get scratched because any cat that scratches will be euthanized. I didn’t dare pick up a kitty because I was afraid to jeopardize lives there.
After looking at the cats we came out and wanted to see the adoptable dogs. There were about 3 or 4 people standing with another volunteer, Eleanor, who was explaining dogs to the visitors. I joined the group, casually mentioned that I am interested in seeing the dogs as well. I overheard Eleanor describe the guillotine type kennels and their hygiene and also mention that there are only about 20 stray dog kennels. Then she interrupted herself, looked at me and asked me whether I was here “to adopt or blog”? Pretty rude tone of voice. I was taken by surprise because I am not aware of ever having met this lady before and also – I don’t blog. I answered that I don’t blog (not a smart come back but I was just so taken by surprise) and she rudely informed me that I would have to ask MAS staff to take me to see the dogs.
So I went to the MAS staff glass window, knocked and asked if someone could please let me in to see the dogs. There were 3 people sitting there, obviously working on computers, phones, papers. One lady told me I could go with a volunteer. I told her no, Eleanor said I would need to MAS staff to help me. They gave each other a very surprised look but one answered “Sure, we will send someone out”. I stepped back from the window and nobody came. Another woman with a little boy joined me. Eleanor’s group had grown by 1-2 people and they proceeded behind the locked door into the dog area. The other lady and I still stood in the lobby unattended.
The friendly volunteer returned from walking a dog, I told her that I was still waiting for someone to take me to the dogs. Now Jeanne Chancellor walked by, gave me a very unfriendly look (???!) when the friendly volunteer told her to please let me and the other woman into the dog area. Which she did, being very curt, pointing us towards where to go in order to catch up with Eleanor’s group.
I definitely was not there to adopt a dog because I rescue cats and cannot have a dog. But this was the Grand Opening and from my understanding visitors were actually not only welcome but invited.
You here to adopt or blog? Way to roll out the welcome mat, MAS. Sounds like things have totally changed now that there are new walls to house the bullying tactics used to protect the status quo.
Thank you Annie for sharing your experience. I hope you will not be discouraged in your kitty rescue efforts. The cats in Memphis need you.