Dear Friends of Animals,

You’ve probably heard of the starfish story, originally published in 1969 by Loren Eiseley and adapted many times throughout the years. In the version I remember, a child is walking along the beach where hundreds of starfish have been swept up by the waves and left stranded. The child is tossing the starfish back into the water, one by one, when an adult notices the child and asks the child what they are doing. The child explains that they are saving the starfish because the tide has gone out and they will die. The adult, amused, replies that there are miles and miles of beach; the child can’t possibly make a difference. The child bends down, picks another starfish up, gently throws it into the water, and says,

“It made a difference for that one.”

The story is one of Vicki Davis’ favorites.

I imagine it got her through many a difficult day over the years. One by one, more and more each year, she has led the charge in making a difference for countless animals – and people – in Central Minnesota and beyond.

From adopters to donors to volunteers to staff, Vicki has helped transform our community into one of deep love and respect for the human-animal bond. Having worked for her for nearly 20 years, I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor. She has also put our “small-but-mighty shelter” (as she fondly calls it) on the map, gaining respect and admiration from animal welfare professionals across the nation. We have much to be proud of, and we owe Vicki a great deal of thanks for that.

As she prepares to retire on February 3rd, let us show her just how much of a difference she has made in her 39 years of employment at Tri-County Humane Society. Please join me in making a gift for animals in Vicki’s honor, and, if you feel so inclined, share with us how Tri-County Humane Society has made a difference in your life.

Together, we can make a bigger difference.

For the animals,

Marit Ortega
Incoming Executive Director
ed@tricountyhumanesociety.org
320-252-0896 ext 13