|
"The
average person puts only 25 percent of his energy and ability into his
work. The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than
50 percent of their capacity and stands on its head for those
few-and-far-between souls who devote 100 percent."
--Andrew Carnegie
For over 15 years now, The Trixie
Foundation has endeavored to become the best in Kentucky at what it
does: protecting Appalachia's animals. In addition to
sheltering unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats, The Trixie Foundation
also researches the animal-related laws and exposes and confronts
unsympathetic individuals, county and state governments, all with the
intention of encouraging and forcing changes in both the treatments of
animals and in the overall speed at which changes in animal welfare
materialize. Considering that we are presently providing
"care-for-life" to approximately 250 formerly unwanted dogs and cats
(not to mention our 9 chickens)--plus fighting an ongoing "five-year"
court battle against the operator of an animal shelter for refusing to
divulge records--we feel that we are most definitely impacting animal
welfare in the Commonwealth.
Truthfully, the
reason that we have progressed to this "point of accomplishment" is
based upon three major contributing factors. First of all it has
always been my personal belief that the only sure way to
achieve success is through consistent hard work--to "plan your work"
and "work your plan." If memory serves me correct, I believe it
was Thomas Alva Edison who said that, "Success is 99 percent
perspiration and one percent inspiration." I can assure you,
we're not about to let a little "hard work" get in our way.
The second reason
for The Trixie Foundation's growing success is its willingness to
"lead" rather than follow. Instead of safely staying in the
"background" on issues of importance--or hoping that some well-funded
"big-name" nationally recognized organization "comes to the
rescue"--The Trixie Foundation continually thrives on the belief that
it too is gradually becoming a major influential regional
organization and will itself prosper if only it follows the
path the other major organizations themselves have already taken.
Of course, that "path" is based upon the realization that in order to
be respected and taken seriously, that organization must pursue worthy
goals and achieve objectives of significance. Back in the
mid-'90s when The Trixie Foundation first began researching the animal
control statutes and making statewide open records requests--and
asking the Attorney General's Office to enforce the open
records laws--one could count the number of "activists" in Kentucky
upon one hand. Today, almost 10 years later, the number of
concerned individuals statewide who are bombarding their legislators
with questions and demanding real change is simply amazing; I really
am impressed at the "movement" that we initiated.
The third reason why
The Trixie Foundation continues to grow and expand its sphere of
influence is because of the involvement and participation of others
who are similarly minded. Whether it be that of contributors who
have generously donated to our charitable cause over the many, many
years (some have been contributing for over 10 years now, since
reading about us in our very first statewide Associated Press
news story back in 1994)--or whether they are activists, members of
other animal welfare organizations or even resolute, inspired
attorneys who are willing to "stand up" for what we believe to be
right--we know that we owe everything to each and every one of you for
the help already rendered or that may yet to be rendered. From
the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much.
Therefore, as The
Trixie Foundation has now reached a transitional point in our
expanding development, we realize that in order for us to achieve more
and aspire to ever greater objectives, we will need the additional,
creative talents, knowledge and abilities of others who themselves
would like to get more personally "involved." Regardless
of where you live, regardless of your background in animal welfare or
animal rights or even animal sheltering, we would like to speak with
you, to find out more about your long-term goals and the depth of your
commitment to making the world a "better place" for the unwanted,
abandoned, and abused animals, whatever species. If you are
sincere about your beliefs and you have the willingness to "help make
a difference"--you should contact us soon. Together we're
going to bring about positive changes in animal welfare throughout
Appalachia. How? By devoting 100 percent of our
abilities. . . .
--Randy Skaggs,
Founder |
