GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. – The role of the Animal Humane Society is to help thousands of animals in need throughout Minnesota.
That’s exactly what Janelle Dixon has been doing for over thirty years.
“Everyone comes in because they love animals,” said Dixon, president and CEO of Animal Humane Society.
That love led her to leave Silicon Valley in 1991 for Ramsey County, where she took on a role as volunteer coordinator for the Humane Society.
She joined at a time when euthanasia was more common.
‘It would make me cry [laughs]! You would see these animals that were completely perfect,” Dixon said. “There was no hope for them.”
Dixon was determined to change that. In 2007, she was elevated to president and CEO.
“She is a force,” said Melissa Peacock, senior advisor for planned donations for Animal Humane Society.
Peacock has worked closely with Dixon for the past 29 years.
“She has been able to change the way animal welfare works in our community and brought people together,” Peacock said.
WCCO
Dixon was instrumental in merging the Animal Humane Society with the Humane Society for Companion Animals and the West Metro Humane Society.
With fundraising and major events like Walk For Animals, what was once a $1 million annual budget is now $23 million.
“That was a real game changer and a sea change in what could be done,” Dixon said.
Also crucial was a strategic plan for better pet outcomes.
“When I started, animals in shelters were really seen as damaged goods, and people were really hesitant to adopt them,” Dixon said. “Maybe 60% of the animals would find homes and 40% wouldn’t.”
The team at Animal Humane Society has taken that placement rate from 60% to 95%.
“Huge, life-changing consequences for animals,” Dixon said. “You see these animals with heart disease and diabetes and three legs and one eye. They get adopted and people want to have them in their homes.”
Dixon revealed one benefit of retirement: She won’t be tempted to take another shelter home.
“I have four dogs. So I try not to enter because then my logic is defeated [laughs]! I can’t have five dogs!” said Dixon.
After his retirement, Dixon plans to volunteer with nonprofit organizations. She and her husband will also be traveling across the country in their RV, with a few dogs in tow.
As part of National Animal Shelter Week and Give to the Max, all donations to Animal Humane Society will be tripled by an anonymous donor.
If you’re inspired to help, visit animalhumanesociety.org.
