Nicol Barnes: The word from KHS

COEUR d'ALENE - When the Kootenai Humane Society needed a new development coordinator, word went out.

One name came back that caught the attention of Rondi Renaldo, KHS executive director.

Nicol Barnes.

"We were beyond thrilled to have her application, to have somebody that's already involved in the community, has 14 years of experience, truly knows and cares about being involved in a nonprofit," Renaldo said. "Her heart lies in helping people and animals."

Barnes is a familiar name and sight through North Idaho because for the past 14 years she's been at the American Cancer Society, where she was the community relations manager.

That meant she was in charge of fundraising, and her new title at KHS means the same thing. She'll be out meeting people, making calls, sending letters and notes, arranging events, making appointments, all on behalf of the dogs and cats of the shelter at the end of Ramsey Road.

The Coeur d'Alene High School graduate doesn't get a fancy office or company car or six figure salary. What she does get, and what matters most to her, is the chance to make a difference for the 150 or so cats and dogs in kennels and cages.

"We're all in this together to make it better," she said.

What brings you to the Kootenai Humane Society?

I love animals. That was a big draw for me.

How do you like things so far?

It's good. It's challenging, learning how the humane society works and what my role is, what I've got to get done. I'm just kind of diving in head first.

What are your responsibilities?

Fundraising. I'm in charge of fundraising.

How do you do that well?

You really have to think about it. You can't just run out there and throw everything together. You have to have a plan and be efficient about what you're doing. Hopefully, I can help bring that to the table.

Will it be difficult in this economy?

I don't think it's going to be a huge challenge. There's a lot of people in the community that already support the humane society and want to continue to do that. I just want to come in and help build up the events they've had and they're continuing, come in and help keep those going and make them bigger and better.

I'll be in charge of the two major events we do. One is Tails at Twilight and that's in July. And then Roaming with Rover, which will be in June.

With 14 years of fundraising at ACS, are you confident you'll be able to have the same success at KHS?

I think so. Their events have already proven that. They already have well established events. I'm coming in and hopefully helping, keeping it going, bringing in new thoughts, ideas, making things bigger, better. I definitely have a lot of experience.

How do you relate the story of KHS and its animals to people?

I've been working with The Press 14 years. That was one of the first things I did when I got on at ACS, go to The Press and introduce myself. And I got to work with Roy Wellman. He sort of took me under his wing. I came in completely fresh, not knowing much. He gave me tips on how to do an ad, how to prepare information for The Press, how to make it easy for The Press, get the story to the reporters. I've had a great relationship with The Press ever since.

Did you have pets growing up?

I did. Dogs, cats.

So you've always had a heart for animals?

I love animals. I'm not as passionate about it as maybe some people are, but I love all animals. I'm one of those kind of people, I really believe in being a responsible animal owner. I don't own an animal right now because I can't afford it. If you can't afford to feed your dog, you shouldn't have one.

I'm real big on education. We have a program where we go into schools, kindergarten through fifth grade, educate kids on responsible pet ownership. I just know there's so many animals out there that aren't treated well.

What can be done about the mistreatment of animals?

That's the thing that gets me the most, when people don't treat animals well. They're abandoned, not taken care of, and we end up with them.

The good thing is, they get amazing care here. They're loved and cared for. They're so incredible with the animals here. That's the big thing for me, being passionate about people taking care of their animals and being responsible.

Do you get a chance to visit the shelter animals very often?

I go in every day, two or three times. I like to make the rounds and say hello to all the animals. My goal is to take a dog for a walk every day to get some exercise for me and the dog.

What's one thing you would want people to know about KHS?

The biggest thing is, these dogs and cats are amazing animals. All they want to do is love, so think of us when it comes to adopting or donating.