New Faces, Leadership at Healdsburg Animal Shelter

Seven prominent Bay Area professionals and animal welfare specialists were named Thursday to the new Advisory Board.

"We want people who can really help us fulfill our core mission," Bill Anderson, shelter board co-chair said before about 25 people at the on Westside Drive.

"That is to release safe, highly adoptable animals, of sound mind and body, into the community," Anderson said.

In other updates, Anderson said the shelter could go into arbitration this summer in a lawsuit the shelter has filed in bankruptcy court against the f He said the goal is to

He has previously estimated the costs for the flooring replacement at about $300,000.

The general contractor, who went bankrupt during the construction project, did have insurance, Anderson said.

If arbitration is not successful, Anderson said he expects the shelter would go to trial in the case in the fall.

Later, after the public portion of the forum, Anderson said if the slab flooring cannot be repaired, and if construction defects are overwhelming, the whole building "may have to come down," according to an article in the Press Democrat.

According to the article, that would be a "worst case scenario," the article said.

To read the article, click here.

Anderson also announced the hiring of Caroline Marker as new front office manager and operations supervisor, and the r after a month's break.

Pelleriti had rwhen former executive director Julie Seal left the organization. He has since rescinded his resignation.

"This was my first week back, and I've been catching up," said Pelleriti, who added he was glad to be back. "I've been getting back in contact with people whom I've spent the last four years making relationships with -- it's been awesome."

Anderson said the new advisory board members collectively have more than 100 years experience in various aspects of animal care and several have expertise in other areas, such as finances. Advisory board members announced Thursday were:

--Veterinarian Rick Bachman, an award-winning shelter veterinarian in Sonoma County.

-- who has worked at the Healdsburg shelter for the past 25 years.

--Daisy Damskey, a former executive with United Way and the area Boys and Girls Clubs who has expertise in fundraising.

--Trish King, a retired Marin Humane Society animal behaviorist and prominent dog trainer.

--Liz Pembroke, a Healdsburg graphic design business owner who helped spearhead the formation ofand who has corporate experience with Hallmark, Target and WalMart.

--Sapir Weiss, an award-winning dog trainer and kennel operator in Sonoma County with 23 years experience.

--Bob Wilkie, a banker and venture capitalist with many years of finance experience.

Anderson said the advisory board will help develop policies and protocols on euthanasia and on training of volunteers.  Part of the protocols will include rigorous professional assessments of each animal, and strong rehabilitation programs if animals have emotional, social or physical issues, he said.

"We're also going to be coordinating our efforts with over 70 rescue organizations," Anderson said.

The shelter is also due to unveil One of the features of the new site with be a computerized behavioral matching program to hook up adoptable animals with matching families.

"Our new program that will help us make a better match," he said.

In upcoming events, the shelter will have a cats' "spay day" on May 11, with discount treatment fees.. Feral cats are not included in the event.

Anderson said the shelter staff and animals will be marching in the May 24 Future Farmers Parade in Healdsburg. He invited all residents with adopted pets to join the parade.