February 3, 2026 • 11 mins
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Katie, I know you probably are getting this over and
over and over again. You're probably going to continue getting
it over and over and over again. But when we
talk about Humane Colorado, give the elevator, pitch the mission,
because I think a lot of people go Humane Colorado.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
What's that?
Speaker 1 (00:13):
I thought it was the Dumb Friends League, Well, it.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
Was the Dumb Friends Lyau.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
We changed our name in March of twenty twenty five,
and although our name is different and our branding is
a little different, our mission has not changed. Our mission
is to end pet homelessness and animal suffering, and it's
central to everything that we do as an organization, and
it is really.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
My guiding light as the CEO.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
So as our name has changed, as our leadership has changed,
that mission is really the thing that is the thread
through all of it.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Before we dive a little bit into your mission and
your goals as the new CEO, talk about just the
overall current status of your shelters, the state of adoptions
and just like what we're seeing right now with Humane
Colorado or maybe just overall shelter our state.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Human Colorado are bread and butter for the one hundred
and almost sixteen years that we have been an organization
has been sheltering, and at this current time we are
much more than an animal shelter. Not only do we
have three companion animal shelters, we have the Malone Center
in Denver, the Buddy Center in Castle Rock, and the
(01:21):
Family's Valley Animal Center in Alamosa, but we also operate
a community veterinary hospital at the CSU Spur Campus.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Where we served over twenty eight thousand.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Owned pets whose families needed veterinary care last year. And
we also operate an equine facility in Frinktown. And so
we have had so much community support and been able
to expand the ways that we serve people and pets
in our community. And now is such an interesting time
in animal welfare. It feels like there is a lot
(01:52):
of momentum and a lot of possibility. It also feels
like there's a lot of need in the community, and
we're seeing things like the cost of veterinary care continuing
to rise and family struggling to be able to afford
that care. We're also seeing that animals, especially dogs, taking
a little longer once they're in a shelter for them.
Speaker 3 (02:12):
To get adopted. Maybe that's because of the.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Cost of veterinary care and people are kind of hesitant
to take on in another an additional dog, or it
could be because the availability of housing, especially dog friendly housing,
or the cost of housing.
Speaker 3 (02:28):
So there are a lot of variables to it.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
But there are some challenges that our organization and other
animal welfare providers are facing. But we also feel like
this is a time where the community has provided such
strong support and is embracing our organization and our mission
and the types of work that organizations like ours do
in the community and do.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
For the community. And so because of.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
That, those challenges do not seem insurmountable, and we are
seeing strong collaboration across the state and that really is
something that's important to Humane Colorado.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
I mean, as you think about our new name, our statewide.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Responsibility and our ability to provide statewide impact is really
front and center to us, and so we are constantly
looking for the ways that we enhance animal welfare in
the communities where we have shelters and also help communities
in all of the different parts of the state be
able to do the same for the animals and people
that live there in their communities.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
Katie as the new CEO, stepping into this new role
and position. You're not new to Humane Colorado, but what
are maybe some new things that you're hoping to implement
with this new president and CEO role.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
You know, it's so interesting because I am I am
not new, and I've had the benefit of being here
for the last five and a half years and really
being able to have a voice and hand in guiding
our strategic direction and helping to shape the programs that
we do and that we offer to the community. But
I think there are a couple of things that are unique.
(04:03):
When the world changes, you know, when the conditions in
our society and our community change, we respond. It's our
duty to respond and to evolve the way that we serve.
And so I think for me, we will be continuing
to focus on those relationships across the state with a
renewed energy and a renewed focus.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
Because of COVID, I think.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
Because of the challenges that societies have faced coming out
of COVID, we have not had the same capacity to
do that in.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
The past few years.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
And it feels like right now is a time when
conditions are right and we have.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
The capacity to be able to kind of expand our
embrace of animal welfare and.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Support services in places we haven't been able to focus
for the past few years. So I think that'll be
something that that renewed focus will be something exciting that
we'll be doing. I also think, although it's not a change,
we will really continue to focus on both advocacy and
programmatic work that helps people get access to veterinary care
(05:09):
for their pets. That was essential to Able's legacy and
to the work of Human Colorado over the past decade
and is very important for me that our organization continue
that work and also find new ways to do it.
Creative workforce solutions, creative programs, creative delivery methods, really just
(05:29):
across the board figuring out all of the different things
we can do to make that care more accessible.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Yeah, there's so much more to Human Colorado than just
being an adoption center. I think people aren't aware sometimes
about some of those programs that you talk about and
some of the things that they can take advantage of.
What are some of those things that you hope that
will continue into twenty twenty six and grow, specifically talking
about some of those programs, what are things that Colorado
residents can really take advantage of with Human Colorado.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Yes, you know, I love that you asked that. While
we we love our pet adoptions, we love the bonds
that are created and the stories that we get to hear,
but all of the other pieces of our work are.
Speaker 3 (06:08):
Very important too.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
And pet ownership is a life cycle for people and
for families, and so we work hard to be able
to holistically support that whole life cycle of pet ownership.
And so whether your story starts with a pet adoption,
and then we have post adoption veterinary and behavior resources
available to make sure that that adoption sticks, that it's
(06:30):
a good fit, and we help everyone to succeed in
that new relationship. We have some behavior classes available to
the community where people can come in and learn about
pet ownership and a lot of different facets of it
so that they can be the best pet owner and
have the most likelihood of having a great lifelong relationship
with their pets. For our community Veterinary services, we offer
(06:55):
vaccine and other wellness services to help establish a healthy
pet and then keep that pet healthy through its lifetime.
Our CSU SPUR provides subsidized urgent veterinary care to make
sure that pets don't have to suffer because their families
cannot afford the care that they need.
Speaker 3 (07:14):
We also, of course have Lost and Found services.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
One of the great things our teams get to do
is to reunite lost pets with their owners, whether that's
through a microchip that the family paid special attention made
sure to keep all of the information up to date
so in case of worst case scenario and a lost pet,
they're able to be contacted right away, or whether that
is they knew their pet accidentally snuck out the door
(07:37):
and they were able to get down to the shelter
right away to make sure that they could be reunited.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
That's one of the most.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
Joyful things that our team gets to do is facilitate
those reunifications. Another huge part of our work is the
equine rehabilitation that we do through Harmony Ecoin Center, and
we work to shelter animals impounded by law enforcement across
the state of Colorado and rehabilitate those animals so that
they can find a new life with a new family,
(08:04):
whether they're going to be ridden or a companion horse,
or a wide variety of different things. But our equine
work is probably one of the lesser known components of
what we do. But it is a really amazing facility,
and it's work that makes a real difference because it
allows agencies across the states to take action when cruelty
or neglect is happening in their communities, when otherwise they
(08:27):
might not have a place.
Speaker 3 (08:28):
To put the equine animals. They're involved this make sure.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
That having that place isn't a barrier to taking action.
So that's a snippet of some of our programs. We
have lots more to offer, and all of those things
you can find on our website.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
But the other thing I'd love.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
To mention is that through all of our programs, we
have a wonderful, dedicated team of staff and we rely
very heavily on the amazing volunteer work that community members
contribute to getting our mission and done. And so if
people are interested in getting involved, we have volunteer opportunities
across the spectrum of the programs and services that we do.
(09:09):
And so if you're interested in our work, volunteering is
a great way to get involved, to learn more, and
to really find a community of like minded people.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
We're speaking with Katie Parker, President and CEO of Humane Colorado,
and Katie going into this new position. How are you feeling?
Is it excitement? Is it nerves? Is it overwhelming?
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Is it?
Speaker 1 (09:27):
Like you said, this isn't new to you. It's not
your first rodeo with Humane Colorado. But is it just
a lot to kind of take in and follow in
the footsteps of April.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
I will tell you of all the emotions that you
mentioned from time to time, I feel all of them,
But the one that really.
Speaker 3 (09:43):
Shines through for me day after day is excitement.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
I am so excited by what this organization does and
what this organization has to do in our future. I
have felt through this transition, all the communications that we
have had with community, with the people that know our organization,
there is just such an amazing commitment to our success
(10:07):
and to the successful completion of our mission. And so
it's just been inspiring and energizing. So every day I
feel honored that I have this responsibility. I'm really excited
for what this team and this organization, with the spectacular
support our community has always given us, what we are
(10:27):
going to be able to accomplish.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
You already gave a number of ways that listeners can help,
But where should they go for more information? If they
want to look to volunteer, look to donate, look to
adopt the best places to.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
Go Absolutely our website Humanecolorado dot org and all of
our information is accessible there.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
One exciting upcoming opportunity is the.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
Furry Scurry in May. It's our annual fun run, dog
friendly festival, kind of all inclusive party celebrating pet ownership
at Washington Park and we would love to have our
biggest participation in our biggest support from the community ever.
So if you're interested you want a fund morning at
(11:09):
Washington Park, head over to the website and sign up
for the Furry Scury.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Katie Parker, President and CEO of Humane Colorado, congrats on
the new role and thank you so much for joining
me this morning.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
Thank you so much, and thanks to everyone in our
community who has just reinforced how much this organization is
beloved and embraced and really supported across Colorado.
Speaker 3 (11:30):
Where you're so appreciative, so honored,
Katie, I know you probably are getting this over and
over and over again. You're probably going to continue getting
it over and over and over again. But when we
talk about Humane Colorado, give the elevator, pitch the mission,
because I think a lot of people go Humane Colorado.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
What's that?
Speaker 1 (00:13):
I thought it was the Dumb Friends League, Well, it.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
Was the Dumb Friends Lyau.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
We changed our name in March of twenty twenty five,
and although our name is different and our branding is
a little different, our mission has not changed. Our mission
is to end pet homelessness and animal suffering, and it's
central to everything that we do as an organization, and
it is really.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
My guiding light as the CEO.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
So as our name has changed, as our leadership has changed,
that mission is really the thing that is the thread
through all of it.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Before we dive a little bit into your mission and
your goals as the new CEO, talk about just the
overall current status of your shelters, the state of adoptions
and just like what we're seeing right now with Humane
Colorado or maybe just overall shelter our state.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Human Colorado are bread and butter for the one hundred
and almost sixteen years that we have been an organization
has been sheltering, and at this current time we are
much more than an animal shelter. Not only do we
have three companion animal shelters, we have the Malone Center
in Denver, the Buddy Center in Castle Rock, and the
(01:21):
Family's Valley Animal Center in Alamosa, but we also operate
a community veterinary hospital at the CSU Spur Campus.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Where we served over twenty eight thousand.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Owned pets whose families needed veterinary care last year. And
we also operate an equine facility in Frinktown. And so
we have had so much community support and been able
to expand the ways that we serve people and pets
in our community. And now is such an interesting time
in animal welfare. It feels like there is a lot
(01:52):
of momentum and a lot of possibility. It also feels
like there's a lot of need in the community, and
we're seeing things like the cost of veterinary care continuing
to rise and family struggling to be able to afford
that care. We're also seeing that animals, especially dogs, taking
a little longer once they're in a shelter for them.
Speaker 3 (02:12):
To get adopted. Maybe that's because of the.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Cost of veterinary care and people are kind of hesitant
to take on in another an additional dog, or it
could be because the availability of housing, especially dog friendly housing,
or the cost of housing.
Speaker 3 (02:28):
So there are a lot of variables to it.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
But there are some challenges that our organization and other
animal welfare providers are facing. But we also feel like
this is a time where the community has provided such
strong support and is embracing our organization and our mission
and the types of work that organizations like ours do
in the community and do.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
For the community. And so because of.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
That, those challenges do not seem insurmountable, and we are
seeing strong collaboration across the state and that really is
something that's important to Humane Colorado.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
I mean, as you think about our new name, our statewide.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Responsibility and our ability to provide statewide impact is really
front and center to us, and so we are constantly
looking for the ways that we enhance animal welfare in
the communities where we have shelters and also help communities
in all of the different parts of the state be
able to do the same for the animals and people
that live there in their communities.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
Katie as the new CEO, stepping into this new role
and position. You're not new to Humane Colorado, but what
are maybe some new things that you're hoping to implement
with this new president and CEO role.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
You know, it's so interesting because I am I am
not new, and I've had the benefit of being here
for the last five and a half years and really
being able to have a voice and hand in guiding
our strategic direction and helping to shape the programs that
we do and that we offer to the community. But
I think there are a couple of things that are unique.
(04:03):
When the world changes, you know, when the conditions in
our society and our community change, we respond. It's our
duty to respond and to evolve the way that we serve.
And so I think for me, we will be continuing
to focus on those relationships across the state with a
renewed energy and a renewed focus.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
Because of COVID, I think.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
Because of the challenges that societies have faced coming out
of COVID, we have not had the same capacity to
do that in.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
The past few years.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
And it feels like right now is a time when
conditions are right and we have.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
The capacity to be able to kind of expand our
embrace of animal welfare and.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Support services in places we haven't been able to focus
for the past few years. So I think that'll be
something that that renewed focus will be something exciting that
we'll be doing. I also think, although it's not a change,
we will really continue to focus on both advocacy and
programmatic work that helps people get access to veterinary care
(05:09):
for their pets. That was essential to Able's legacy and
to the work of Human Colorado over the past decade
and is very important for me that our organization continue
that work and also find new ways to do it.
Creative workforce solutions, creative programs, creative delivery methods, really just
(05:29):
across the board figuring out all of the different things
we can do to make that care more accessible.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Yeah, there's so much more to Human Colorado than just
being an adoption center. I think people aren't aware sometimes
about some of those programs that you talk about and
some of the things that they can take advantage of.
What are some of those things that you hope that
will continue into twenty twenty six and grow, specifically talking
about some of those programs, what are things that Colorado
residents can really take advantage of with Human Colorado.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Yes, you know, I love that you asked that. While
we we love our pet adoptions, we love the bonds
that are created and the stories that we get to hear,
but all of the other pieces of our work are.
Speaker 3 (06:08):
Very important too.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
And pet ownership is a life cycle for people and
for families, and so we work hard to be able
to holistically support that whole life cycle of pet ownership.
And so whether your story starts with a pet adoption,
and then we have post adoption veterinary and behavior resources
available to make sure that that adoption sticks, that it's
(06:30):
a good fit, and we help everyone to succeed in
that new relationship. We have some behavior classes available to
the community where people can come in and learn about
pet ownership and a lot of different facets of it
so that they can be the best pet owner and
have the most likelihood of having a great lifelong relationship
with their pets. For our community Veterinary services, we offer
(06:55):
vaccine and other wellness services to help establish a healthy
pet and then keep that pet healthy through its lifetime.
Our CSU SPUR provides subsidized urgent veterinary care to make
sure that pets don't have to suffer because their families
cannot afford the care that they need.
Speaker 3 (07:14):
We also, of course have Lost and Found services.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
One of the great things our teams get to do
is to reunite lost pets with their owners, whether that's
through a microchip that the family paid special attention made
sure to keep all of the information up to date
so in case of worst case scenario and a lost pet,
they're able to be contacted right away, or whether that
is they knew their pet accidentally snuck out the door
(07:37):
and they were able to get down to the shelter
right away to make sure that they could be reunited.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
That's one of the most.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
Joyful things that our team gets to do is facilitate
those reunifications. Another huge part of our work is the
equine rehabilitation that we do through Harmony Ecoin Center, and
we work to shelter animals impounded by law enforcement across
the state of Colorado and rehabilitate those animals so that
they can find a new life with a new family,
(08:04):
whether they're going to be ridden or a companion horse,
or a wide variety of different things. But our equine
work is probably one of the lesser known components of
what we do. But it is a really amazing facility,
and it's work that makes a real difference because it
allows agencies across the states to take action when cruelty
or neglect is happening in their communities, when otherwise they
(08:27):
might not have a place.
Speaker 3 (08:28):
To put the equine animals. They're involved this make sure.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
That having that place isn't a barrier to taking action.
So that's a snippet of some of our programs. We
have lots more to offer, and all of those things
you can find on our website.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
But the other thing I'd love.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
To mention is that through all of our programs, we
have a wonderful, dedicated team of staff and we rely
very heavily on the amazing volunteer work that community members
contribute to getting our mission and done. And so if
people are interested in getting involved, we have volunteer opportunities
across the spectrum of the programs and services that we do.
(09:09):
And so if you're interested in our work, volunteering is
a great way to get involved, to learn more, and
to really find a community of like minded people.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
We're speaking with Katie Parker, President and CEO of Humane Colorado,
and Katie going into this new position. How are you feeling?
Is it excitement? Is it nerves? Is it overwhelming?
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Is it?
Speaker 1 (09:27):
Like you said, this isn't new to you. It's not
your first rodeo with Humane Colorado. But is it just
a lot to kind of take in and follow in
the footsteps of April.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
I will tell you of all the emotions that you
mentioned from time to time, I feel all of them,
But the one that really.
Speaker 3 (09:43):
Shines through for me day after day is excitement.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
I am so excited by what this organization does and
what this organization has to do in our future. I
have felt through this transition, all the communications that we
have had with community, with the people that know our organization,
there is just such an amazing commitment to our success
(10:07):
and to the successful completion of our mission. And so
it's just been inspiring and energizing. So every day I
feel honored that I have this responsibility. I'm really excited
for what this team and this organization, with the spectacular
support our community has always given us, what we are
(10:27):
going to be able to accomplish.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
You already gave a number of ways that listeners can help,
But where should they go for more information? If they
want to look to volunteer, look to donate, look to
adopt the best places to.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
Go Absolutely our website Humanecolorado dot org and all of
our information is accessible there.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
One exciting upcoming opportunity is the.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
Furry Scurry in May. It's our annual fun run, dog
friendly festival, kind of all inclusive party celebrating pet ownership
at Washington Park and we would love to have our
biggest participation in our biggest support from the community ever.
So if you're interested you want a fund morning at
(11:09):
Washington Park, head over to the website and sign up
for the Furry Scury.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Katie Parker, President and CEO of Humane Colorado, congrats on
the new role and thank you so much for joining
me this morning.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
Thank you so much, and thanks to everyone in our
community who has just reinforced how much this organization is
beloved and embraced and really supported across Colorado.
Speaker 3 (11:30):
Where you're so appreciative, so honored,
Popular Podcasts
Betrayal Season 5
Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com