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FLORENCE – Florence Animal Shelter volunteer Debbie Rappuhn (Head of the “Heart of Alabama Save Rescue Adopt”) had her turn to speak about the events that took place this past Monday. Events which wherein she was suspended from the shelter. Here are her words on the matter and her plans for the future. This story is not over.
30 comments
Nicely done QCD
this is the county’s loss!!!! This woman cares!!!! Over plastic bags????
So leaving a bag on the floor is more important of an issue than saving the countless number of pets that she saves all day everyday.. Who really is being punished here.. The animals..let her save the pets anyone kind hearted person would have seen how much work this lady does an picked the bags up for her….
Don’t you find it ridiculous that she would get banned for trash bags on the floor? There is way more to this story than is being aired here.
So sad, you have a woman trying to do good, for poor innocent animals. You don’t find many people this deciated without pay…..the city of Florence should be ashamed!
I pray that this community will step Up and do the
Right thing! Volunteering is from the heart. I believe
Everything this lady is saying. It’s just ‘too easy’ for these
Employees to put these babies to ‘sleep’.
Wake Up !!
It is so sad that a human being was treated the way Debbie was. All she’s ever wanted to do is to save animals from dying. The paid employees can’t and won’t work the hours required to do the job Debbie and HASRA volunteers have done! They don’t do it for the compliments, they don’t do it because they’re getting paid! They do it because they can’t stand the thoughts of an animal dying. HASRA has over 11,000 likes on their Facebook page. If each person that liked the page would consider donating $10…Debbie’s dream of HASRA having their own location might become a reality sooner rather than later! Btw, I don’t know Debbie or any of the volunteers personally but I have purchased supplies and made monetary donations to HASRA. If anybody has ever been to the shelter and seen the work these volunteers do, you’d feel the same way and you’d want what’s best for the animals as much as HASRA does!
I agree with a majority of what you wrote, but do have to correct you on the issue of the paid employees work ethics. I personally know two of the empolyees; they work long, unending hours, in addition to all the “required” work they do. They are in sync with Debbie and are devoted to the animals in the Shelter. Between the two of them, I think they have 8 rescues and at least 6 fosters. These women have the passion and desire to do what’s right and although there is the downside that they have to deal with, they are loving, compassionate, hard-working people.
Question: Ron Tyler………have you ever volunteered just ONE HOUR of your time at the Florence Lauderdale Shelter? Besides what you’re told…..do you have a clue to what really goes on inside those walls….as well as outside? Do you have the same compassion for the animals that the volunteers share…..because it is MORE than a job and a paycheck? I would suggest going in and work with the animals…..really work…..and see what the employees and volunteers need to improve things! EVERY TIME I have found a dog and needed help finding it a home Debbie was ALWAYS there to help…. ALWAYS! There may be people pulling together during this difficult time to help the shelter but that doesn’t mean they are glad Debbie is gone……but know it will take MANY to do what she did alone! She is dedicated 110%. But how long will they give the number of hours contributed by Debbie (holidays and weekends). With her dedication and compassion it would make sense to have her working for the city and eliminate those that feel threatened by her hard work and loyalty! This shelter has made some improvements but needs more…..a LARGER facility……and to become a NO KILL shelter! The public needs more education on how to treat, care, neuter, keep, love, and report abuse. When people work together as a team there will ALWAYS be someone complaining and unhappy….ALWAYS! What is important is the animals… and the SUCCESS rate to save as many animals as possible…with a goal to SAVE THEM ALL!
She is a wonderful woman. I wouldn’t have my black lab (they were calling him Black Jack when he was there because they didn’t know his actual name) today if it weren’t for her work on getting the word out about the animals they have there for adoption. Its a shame to say the least.
Debbie you have done a beautiful job of saving and adopting out pets. Unfortunately, anytime politics is involved things have a tendency to go straight to hell. I only know the good things that you have done, …..please do not let this break you. You are too good to let these bully’s get to you. Keep fighting the good fight. You are literally a life saver.
You go, girl! Your dedication and compassion for the animals is extraordinary. I am still quite disturbed by this entire affair. Whatever I can do I will. And I do have a sweet foster now, by the way.
Here is my post from Facebook… find it and share it. Search “TicTak KISSFM” on Facebook to get to my page and share the post with your friends.
If you live in the city of Florence or Lauderdale County, Alabama… Please take a moment to read this post then share it on your wall and with your friends.
Take a look at this video I’ve shared in this post – The host is Debbie Darby Rappuhn, the head volunteer of the Florence Animal Shelter in Florence, Alabama. Police Chief Ron Tyler banned Debbie from the shelter for 30 days upon the notification that she left a stack of new Walmart Bags on the floor.
Then the Chief called a press conference on Monday January 13, 2014 and got the local TV and newspapers involved to announce his decision of why she was banned. Over Walmart bags?? He also said in his press conference that “It’s important for volunteers to understand the structure. They are not the ones who drive the ship. The employees are the ones who drive the ship, and they’re there to support us. You can’t have a volunteer that goes around and challenges everything that the paid, employed supervisor does. It’s not acceptable”.
BTW – you don’t drive a ship. You STEER a ship, but never drive a ship. A bus you drive!
My taxes, and Debbie’s taxes, and the taxes of every resident of both The City of Florence AND Lauderdale County (because the shelter takes county animals too) pay to operate that shelter along with the rest of the city. Therefore, how that shelter is run really is our business (as taxpayers). If I have a question about the shelter or it’s operation, I do have a right to ask reasonable questions. The City and particularly the Police Chief in this case has a responsibility to answer. It seems to me like more citizens and businesses of Florence and Lauderdale county need to be asking questions…. I already have mine written down….
Police Chief Ron Tyler, you obviously have not been around Debbie long enough to realize that she lives a good life, with a good heart, and only wants the best for the people and animals around her. Let me give you a quick education of the 2011 Shoals Woman of the Year, Debbie Rappuhn.
WATCH THIS VIDEO
Here’s another video that tells her story, her passion…
WATCH THIS VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldvTRcscfcU
Lots of the dogs she gets into rescues are delivered to the East Coast (New York), where they have very strict Spay and Neuter laws – Simply put, they don’t have puppies in New York – Debbie and the volunteers work day and night to get the dogs into these states to loving homes. Take a look.
WATCH THIS VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa454QPMcHQ
You see, Debbie puts her life into that shelter. She doesn’t care about politics – and quite frankly, neither do I. This should be about one thing, saving animals.
I spoke with Debbie several times over the last few days, including tonight… she told me that she reached out to Police Chief Ron Tyler and wanted to offer her side of the story. His reply was basically “I’m standing by my employees and backing them.” Debbie told me that the police chief was not interested in hearing what she had to say.
With all respect, police officers are to protect and serve. Not only to protect people and property, but in the Chief’s case (as he is over the animal shelter as well), he needs to look after the internal operations of that shelter. To not even listen, to turn his ear, cover his eyes and not want to get all the details from all parties involved… that really disappoints me.
I’d like to share something else… about a year and a half ago Debbie came into the radio station like she always did to talk with us on-air at 102.7 KISSFM about the animals that need homes. Prior to going on air, she and I had a private discussion about something particular that was really bothering her at the shelter. It was a VERY LEGITIMATE concern, they always were. Frankly, I got tired of listening to it because Debbie didn’t deserve to go thru the shelter issues from the ACO’s (animal control officers). So, I called the (then) current Police Chief Rick Singleton at his residence, told him who I was and that I had some concerns about things going on at animal shelter. I continued, explaining briefly that these things taking place I felt he needed to hear about. I asked if there was a time within the next week or two that we could meet, and he said “how about tomorrow 9:30 am at the police station”. Police Chief Ron Tyler, for a character reference on Debbie Rappuhn, call your predecessor Rick Singleton.
Here’s a link to an interview with Debbie about her banishment, along with other issues at the shelter:
http://quadcitiesdaily.com/?p=146417
I’ve had the fortune to become friends with Debbie over the last several years… and I am so outraged over Police Chief Ron Tyler’s decision because it’s wrong. Debbie is not a paid employee of the shelter (an ACO or Animal Control Officer). She is a volunteer – who works 2-3x as many hours a week for that shelter. She cares about those animals, and you’ll understand in these videos. Then go to the HASRA page on Facebook and you’ll get an even better understanding of what Debbie and the other volunteers do.
It is also my understanding that allegations were made that Debbie “trashed the office”, which is untrue and in my opinion outright slander. Debbie is a well-known, well-respected woman who works tirelessly and literally gives her life to save the lives of the abandoned and neglected animals in Northwest Alabama. Everyone who knows Debbie would scoff at such an accusation that she would trash the office. The chief said he took the action because of several cases in which Debbie (the volunteer) was insubordinate to shelter employees. Gimme a break. Then show us documentation of such incidences. The shelter is run by police. Police document everything.
NEWS FLASH Police Chief Ron Tyler – The volunteers DO run that shelter because they’re the only ones that get things done. I have personally sat in the front office of that shelter on numerous occasions, with several ACO’s just feet away from me – conducting a 30-minute or more gripe-fest about the volunteers. You see, just because someone has a badge, title, degree or position – doesn’t necessarily make them qualified for the position. What makes someone qualified above everything else, is passion. If it wasn’t for the volunteers and everything they’ve done, that shelter would still be a well oiled killing machine, euthanizing tens of thousands of animals every year.
For all that Debbie Rappuhn (and all of the other volunteers) does for the Florence Animal Shelter, shame on Police Chief Ron Tyler! He should be highly embarassed and ashamed for his decision to ban Debbie for 30 days. There is no reason for that. I would expect nothing less than a public apology without delay.
Mayor Mickey Haddock, the buck stops with you… we would like to hear from your on this situation as well.
Both Florence Police Chief Ron Tyler and Florence Mayor Mickey Haddock are welcomed with an open invitation to the 102.7 KISSFM Studios and discuss this with the community in an on-air town hall forum. I believe your actions leave more questions than answers.
Debbie Darby Rappuhn – I am so embarassed for the actions of Police Chief Ron Tyler and the City of Florence, Alabama in which he represents. Thank you so much for everything that you do for those animals, for the last 5 years… 365 days a year… 15+ hours most days… You have truly made a difference for the sake of the animals. You are a better person than I am.
Sincerely,
TicTak
102.7 KISSFM
256-349-2041
Quick Links to all videos mentioned and linked above:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIW53SQACOk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldvTRcscfcU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIW53SQACOk
HERE’S THE INTERVIEW WITH DEBBIE ABOUT HER BANISHMENT
http://quadcitiesdaily.com/?p=146417
Debbie has shown us what one “everyday”
Person can do. From being a mom volunteering with her daughter, To realizing a need,
To finding a passion for the helping the helpless. She so deserved her Shoals Woman of the Year award. I was shocked she was selected as she wasn’t a doctor nor did she play the violen or paint. Let this shelter situation inspire us to keep holding on for the new shelter.
Not the only answer to our homeless animals,
But it will help with our present desperate need for volunteers to do the work that truly saves
The animals.
Paula Hammond
God help those animals without Deb they don’t have a chance,anything i can do for deb i will..this is wrong wrong wrong..
In the previous article Chief tyler said the employees drove the shelter not the volunteers. That may be true but I am not at sure they are headed in the right direction. Chief Tyler should revisit his decision. I know personally one.of the young women that volunteers down at the shelter and it was because of her and Debbie that I now have a beautiful black lab named Mack to call my own. These volunteers are the ones who get the word out to family, friends, coworkers and the public tirelessly working to find these animals a good home. The kill rate at the shelter dropped from over 80% to 12% because of these good folks not because of Chief Tyler and his “drivers”.
There is more to this story that throwing some bags on the floor that led up yo this.
I am wondering if the schools allow educational materials to be distributed about the importance of spay/neuter and how to get financial help with this if needed. Or even allow certain individuals to come in to speak about this issue. Perhaps if young people are informed about this early on and the reasons for it overpopulation could improve in the future. This may already be going on, but seems worth a try if not.
I think everyone should take a step back and look at some of the bare bones that were given here:
You have a volunteer group that has overtaken duties of paid employees, undermined their decisions, delegated as well as demanded additions to the organization’s budget, & spoke strongly when “their” new paid employee did not get put in the budget. You’ve basically got passionate people in a poorly designed structure with an emotional purpose… there are going to be heated words from both sides, you are going to get power struggles, and you are going to have difficulties compromising. Debbie has made it clear in her interview that she is not innocent of these.
There does come a point when those with the actual duties of the business should re-evaluate how its run. Rather than a volunteer saying, say, no, employees, don’t do rescue because I do it better, work with the employees to make sure they’re able to do it better. I know HASRA hand picked three of the employees. Surely the staff aren’t all bad if Debbie herself picked three of them… right? As far as animals etc., I’m confused as to why the volunteer being banned is the only time this has come up. How often was the abuse documented and taken to the city? As often as budget demands and new shelter requests?
There are many shelters with volunteer groups who, instead of focing on taking control of the shelter, focus on helping where the city can’t. Need money for that spay program? Need better vaccines? Rather than running to the city for handouts, they run to the public with fundraisers, pledge campaigns, grants, etc. Jazz Cat Ball, Barktoberfest, Mutt Strutt, Howloween… where are the Florence events?
Finally, I read the HASRA post. It has since been deleted, but it was anything but a mere explanation, nor was it saying they were still happy to work with the shelter. If Debbie hasn’t read any of the things that were said online, then she shouldn’t be commenting about them.
There is no one that does more to help the animals find homes or rescues to go to. Its a shame that this has happened! I fear for the well being of the animals. I hope that we can find somewhere to open up a new facility apart from the city so Debbie can continue her great work!!
this City shelter should be thankful that there are people like this lady willing to VOLUNTEER their time. Numbers don’t lie- the kill rate was 85% at this shelter before good people like this stepped up and volunteered their time to save these animals.. to suspend someone over leaving a few bags on the floor is ridiculous, and even if there are other underlying issues, people need to talk and try to work things out. A ban is a little rash in my opinion, especially when innocent animals now may die because of this decision. I think the CIty needs to look at their shelter and see if they have the right person running the place and the right kind of employees working here… I hope they sleep well at night knowing their petty actions will cost innocent animals their lives.
I live in NY and our adopted dog was saved from THIS shelter but THIS amazing group of people. I will be forever grateful for the time they volunteer to save these animals.
No wonder they got rid of her. She does nothing but blackmail them and say that she is going to TELL on them if they do not take this back. Well if she has KNOWLEDGE of abuse that SHE did NOT REPORT then she is just as guilty as they are…This sounds like nothing but BS to me and she toots her own horn constantly thru out this. Its all HER saving the animals the Shelter and their employees are all bad.
You are exactly correct! She is the reason myself and MANY others are not fostering or volunteering anymore. There was a whole lot more to this story than some trash bags on the floor. But I didn’t hear her tell that side of it!
This woman is an angel. The City of Florence doesn’t care about the homeless animals in our community. She is one of the main reasons I chose to foster. She cares so deeply for this cause. She is an inspiration to me and countless other animal lovers. Shame on the City of Florence!!!!K
Hell people pick up the bags and continue your day. That is the dumbest and pettiest thing I have ever heard of.
There is no reason we cant get human and upgrade to a no kill shelter. this county does have money. No kill shelters are all over the country and yet here in good ole Alabama lets shoot em and kill em attitude prevails. Take the dogs to a city council meeting. let them speak for themselves. And then let the commissioners themselves kill em to see what it feels like.
I hope for the sake of the animals that Debbie is welcomed back to do the work she is so good at …to save all those lives…shame on these employees who are so threatened by a good woman doing what needs to be done. this community needs to stand up and demand that these officials quit the blame game playing. You local tax payers have the power…use it to do the right thing.
This is an all too familiar situation…but sadly, as long as the same people are employed or in charge, she won’t ever be “welcomed” back.the best situation will be for them to be able to get that property..even if she is allowed back in the shelter, it would be even more unpleasant there than before.
Wow!!! Florence this is really bad PR. I am sure there is two sides but you really need to look into her allegations and make changes. People LOVE animals because they can’t defend themselves and they don’t make choices they are affected by choices…
It sounds like there’s a whole lot more to this than some WalMart bags. Listening to her story she makes herself sound like a martyr.