This will be my last article for The Durango Herald as the La Plata County Humane Society executive director. After two deeply rewarding years, I am moving on for personal reasons, with my last official day being Dec. 31. It is with a mixture of sadness and immense pride that I reflect on the incredible work we have accomplished together during a truly transformative period.
My time here has been dedicated to strengthening the foundation of an already vital community asset. I leave confident in the stability and positive trajectory we have established. The progress achieved reflects a tireless commitment to our mission, and I am proud of the steady management that has positioned LPCHS for a successful future.
The role of executive director at a humane society is uniquely demanding. The constant balancing of operations, fundraising, community relations and animal welfare requires immense perseverance. I am proud that my tenure demonstrated a deep personal commitment to these goals, highlighting the potential for sustained success. The coming year offers a beautiful opportunity for the organization to build on this progress – deepening community engagement, prioritizing high impact activities and creating a clear strategic vision for the next five years.
The board has recognized and expressed appreciation for my leadership through this time of progress and challenges: “Julie’s performance reflects strong leadership during a transformative period. The combination of steady management, commitment to mission, and willingness to confront challenges directly has positioned LPCHS for a successful future.”
I will miss the friends I have made among the dedicated staff, volunteers, board members and donors. Our shared mission created profound bonds, and I will always cherish the compassion for vulnerable pets I witnessed daily. These individuals are the backbone of the shelter, and their work is what makes our community a better place for pets and people who love them.
And, of course, I will miss the shelter pets. Every moment spent with our beloved cats and dogs – working to protect them, facilitating the joyous reunions when they are returned to their families and ensuring that they find new, loving homes – has been a treasure. The connection I felt with them and the work LPCHS did together to safeguard their welfare is the experience I hold dearest.
While the decision to step down was difficult, it was necessary. I remain fully supportive of the organization and am committed to ensuring the transition is as smooth as possible.
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity I was given to learn and grow as a professional at LPCHS. My commitment to the animals of La Plata County will not end with my tenure. I look forward to continuing to support LPCHS in any way I can, including fostering pets. I wish the entire team all the best for continued success in achieving our mission to protect, return and rehome vulnerable pets in our community.
Thank you, La Plata County, for two years of profound support and for trusting me with the helm of such a vital organization.
Julie Dreyfuss is executive director of La Plata County Humane Society.
