To Our Midcoast Community:

For the past seven years, I have served as the bookkeeper for PAWS. I am also an avid volunteer for the organization dating back to 2001.

I did not know Shelly Butler before she arrived at PAWS but quickly realized she was there with intent and great purpose. Shelly Butler is first and foremost a champion for animal protection and ensuring quality care for them until they find safe and loving homes. Shelly’s idea of care went beyond the superficial basics, however important those may be.

She extended this care by transporting animals from kill shelters in southern states where their chances of survival were minimal.

She created a program that kept beloved pets of domestic abuse victims safe until their abused owners could properly care for them.

She accepted pets of the elderly that may or may not be able to return home but in the meanwhile, had a safe and loving environment at PAWS. 

Most importantly, she spearheaded the creation of the PAWS Cares Clinic—a place for those unable to afford or secure veterinarian care for their animals to find help for everyday needs and to spay and neuter their pets on a timely basis. This clinic also provides spay and neuter services for other animal rescue organizations throughout the midcoast region.

 She listened to the needs of the community—from veterinarians to social workers—and committed PAWS to solving challenges. The PAWS Cares Clinic became a reality under her tenure and has grown ever more critical in serving the community. 

Those of us on staff and key volunteers are now forced to reckon with the fallout of her termination by the board and question the lack of transparent procedure and adherence to nonprofit organizational protocol in that decision.

The recent board decision about the future of PAWS forced me to reconsider my position in the organization and whether I can possibly continue to support PAWS with the present leadership in place. I find myself unable to move forward with intent when the board has made what I consider an improper and monstrously poor decision in opposition to our mission statement.

PAWS has been a wonderful place to work and a sanctuary of love and care for the animals. I hope we may find our way back to a healthy and transparently functioning PAWS again. 

Shelley Johnson lives in Rockland