another 7 easy things I learned at the 2011 No Kill Conference

• people like to hear stories: aha moments, when did your life change, when did you realize your calling, etc.
• engage callers and online questioners (like a library reference interview!), don't just answer their questions.  "What attracts you to Joe-Joe the Boy-Faced Dog?"  "What size dog are you looking for?"  Not just "Sorry, Joe-Joe has been adopted."
• Scolding. Doesn't. Help.  Yeah, I guess I knew this already, but important to not alienate someone who is reaching out for help.  Today's surrenderer can be tomorrow's advocate... every moment is a teachable one.
• I did not know that The Dog Who Loved Too Much is a good read to help with separation anxiety.
• embarrassed to say I didn't "get" blogging as citizen journalism, even today's investigative journalism.  Figured it was just about venting.
• MAKE yourself an expert. Stop waiting around for instructions.
• there are more reporters who have NOT familiar with animal welfare... plenty of fertile ground.