Animal Chronicles Spring 2007
A Maverick Looks Back and Ahead
by Elaine Sichel
Like the Marin Humane Society, Diane Allevato will be embarking on a new era in 2007. After nearly 27 years as executive director of the Marin Humane Society, Allevato will be stepping down from her post this summer. Allevato has overseen remarkable growth and dramatic changes in animal sheltering during her nearly three decades at MHS. We asked her to indulge us by recalling past successes and assessing remaining challenges. We also wondered what her retirement plans include!
Animal Chronicles: First of all, when you look back, what do you count as your greatest success at MHS?
Diane Allevato: Most importantly, for all the animals that come our way, health and behavior problems are no longer barriers to lifelong, loving homes. When I first started, the numbers were daunting. It just was not possible to fix every broken body or rehabilitate every behavior problem. We were limited in our resources and overwhelmed by demand. But now, when animals come in the door, we have every expectation that they will be able to head home with a family. This is huge, and only possible because of the incredible support of the community and people of Marin.
Animal Chronicles: Are there particular animals, or cases, that stick out in your memory after all these years?
Diane Allevato: I will never forget the moment I turned the corner of the stray kennels in October, 1986, and saw the most adorable puppy I had ever laid eyes upon. It was instant love, and Dolly became mine. She was not just any dog, she was my dog. She was an incredible animal and we had a remarkable life together.
As far as memorable cases, there are hundreds, if not thousands. One that comes to mind was that of an absentee West Marin landowner who had abandoned his ewes during lambing season. We had to rescue 100 ewes and 100 lambs late at night in the middle of winter. We brought them to the shelter and I can still remember all the staff scrambling to fit every last animal into paddocks, stalls, and even the dog kennels, to keep them safe and warm. They all survived and, eventually, were adopted out to small, caring family farms all over the western United States.
Animal Chronicles: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your work?
Diane Allevato: You have to be able to move forward each day. You can’t rest on your laurels, but you also can’t get discouraged or stuck in yesterday’s disappointment. It’s hard work, and there are tough days and even tougher decisions, but you forge ahead because the animals need you to. And you remember the good things … the compassionate, generous, giving people who make the work possible. You don’t let the occasional insensitive, resistant or brash person get you down or discourage you. You keep planning for tomorrow. You have to.
Animal Chronicles: What do you see as the biggest continuing challenges for MHS and shelters in general?
Diane Allevato: It is an ongoing effort to continually increase the circle of compassion, to expand the diameter of it. Technology moves us along a path toward the future, but we can’t leave animals behind. Homeless animals and animals in distress will always depend on us. And we have to be vigilant. For example, technology can work to our benefit. Microchipping and GPS systems for locating lost animals are just a couple of examples. But cloning, patented animals and genetic engineering represent threats. We have to be one step ahead to protect animals.
Animal Chronicles: Are you going to miss the Marin Humane Society? How will you fill your time?
Diane Allevato: I am leaving the job, but not the work. I will still work on behalf of animals. I plan to do volunteer work for farmed animals through Animal Place in Vacaville, and work with other non-profits. I will be traveling more, searching out species I have dreamed of seeing in the wild: anacondas, lemurs and tigers, and also taking more birding trips. I will enjoy having more time to explore new cultures and to set my own agenda!
My dogs have already placed dibs on my time. Dale would like to go on many more open space hikes, and Kit, an almost fully trained sheepdog, is expecting to attend classes, clinics and trials. I may be retiring, but Kit’s career is just getting started.
Animal Chronicles: Any final words of wisdom?
Diane Allevato: The mission of the Marin Humane Society, and indeed animal welfare and protection in general, transcends any one person. This is an auspicious time; MHS and I are both celebrating big birthdays in 2007. The time is right for a change. But this organization is healthy, strong and more focused than ever on its goals. Just move forward and look to the future—good things lay ahead.
Elaine Sichel is a former employee, longtime volunteer and current board member of the Marin Humane Society.
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