My job as a Principal can be a 24/7 commitment if I let it happen. Finding the “balance” can be very difficult some days. I have a 23 year old son at home, and I take care of my 83 year old mom who is fairly independent, but beginning to show signs of dementia/Alzheimer’s. Since the unexpected death of my husband three years ago, I have been searching for something that would help me find that balance. I found it at the CT Humane Society, where I volunteer in a few ways: I am a foster caregiver, I attend functions to share the mission of the Humane Society, and I assist staff weekly in the Medical Department.  It is here where I witnessed the incredible compassion of a few staff members.

When I joined the staff for my “shift” yesterday, I saw a few technicians with the veterinarian huddled around a scared and shaking 7 year old chihuahua. This poor little one had a large hernia and bone cancer, and in obvious pain. They were discussing his case and determining whether he should be saved or euthanized. They could fix the hernia and they could amputate the leg with bone cancer. They just weren’t sure how far the cancer had spread, and whether the surgery would cause him more pain and suffering. Having had to make this decision with my own dog many years ago, I know how heart wrenching it can be. But looking at a group of people who didn’t even know this dog existed a few hours ago, I was amazed to witness the incredible level of compassion, caring, and concern.

Although our decisions at school are not as life threatening as the one I shared above (thank goodness!!), I know that my staff cares deeply about each and every one of the students that enter our building year after year. They are excited when a student passes a difficult test, they share in the happiness when someone wins a dance competition, and they are sad when the pet hamster dies. We become a family at Brownstone for the two short years that your children visit us, and I am so happy and proud to be a part of your lives.

And that little chihuahua? The staff agreed to make him comfortable and run more tests in a few days in order to make a more informed decision about his future. He is so lucky to be a part of the CT Humane Society family.