Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Dyche.
Hi Jill, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I spent my career as a management consultant. I had my own firm, advising corporate executives on technology strategy. But I’d also gotten increasingly involved in animal rescue.
I remember driving by a home in Sylmar one day and seeing a border collie tied to a heavy chain in a front yard. Her head was bowed from the weight of that chain. I returned the next day, and the dog was still there. I rang the doorbell and the owner answered. Irritated, he explained that the dog was shedding, so he kept her outside. I offered him $100 for the dog. He unhooked her from the chain, she jumped in my car, and neither of us looked back.
I promised myself that if I ever left consulting, I’d help animals find homes. When we were acquired, I began spending more time visiting animal shelters and saving dogs. Outta the Cage became a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2016.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing about animal rescue is smooth. It exposes you to both the best and, sadly, the worst of humanity. Perfectly good dogs are dumped at shelters daily by their families.
Some don’t have a choice, they lack the means to continue caring for their pet. Others are cavalier. The dog peed on the carpet, jumped the fence, or got pregnant. We see so many animals in shelter kennels, depressed and confused about what’s happened to them. One day they’re chewing a kong toy on their dog bed at home, and the next day they’re laying on a cold cement floor in their own feces. You can see the fear in their eyes, and it’s heartbreaking.
But it also keeps us going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
2022 has been a difficult year in animal rescue. Animal shelters are out of room. They are putting more than one dog in some kennels just to buy some space. But, as fewer adopters show up, euthanasia is a reality.
Rescues like ours are full. It’s taking around 3 times longer to find shelter dogs homes than before the pandemic. That strains our resources. At the same time, donations have plummeted.
These days we’re focusing on dogs who are out of time. That usually means large-breed dogs, seniors, or dogs with medical issues. Sure, these dogs are harder to find homes for. But they’re also friendly, playful dogs who deserve a chance.
We are so thrilled when adopters step forward for these dogs! We’ve found families for senior dogs, those with medical conditions, and some who need ongoing training. There are kind people out there willing to invest time in their new pets. Successes like these keep us going.
We’re planning our first-ever fundraising event in December. (Watch our social media!) We need the funding so we can continue saving dogs. But it’s also about celebrating our donors, volunteers, fosters and adopters. These days, we all need to remember to celebrate our successes.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve had a lot of mentors, and I’ve been a mentor. I don’t use the term “mentor”–I think there are lots of talented people from whom we can learn from by example. We’re all good at something, and we all have our limitations. I just make a point of spending time with people I can learn from. Hopefully, they find value in it, too. It’s about finding that sweet spot.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://outtathecage.org
- Instagram: @OuttatheCage
- Facebook: @OuttatheCage
- Youtube: Outta the Cage
Image Credits
All images owned by Outta the Cage.
