My Nonprofit Reviews
ToadKisser
Review for Falconridge Equine Rescueincorporated, Valley Center, CA, USA
I became aware of Falconridge Equine Rescue in June of 2012, when I was asked as to come evaluate an abandoned horse that had been rescued from the High Desert 4 months earlier. Having dealt previously with other rescues, I was apprehensive about what I would find when I arrived at Nicki Branch's Valley Center facility. While it is reasonable to expect a certain number of thin, feeble and overtly-stressed horses at any rescue, I was more than pleasantly surprised to arrive and see all of the horses I saw at Falconridge to appear healthy, in decent body condition, and more importantly, exhibiting relaxed body language. Since that day, when Nicki and I met and reached an agreement to work together using our combined resources to meet the needs of the horse I was originally contacted about, I have come to know much more about the phenomenal way that Falconridge is run and the number of horses it is able to serve despite the fact that it has very low resources (both human and financial). As an expert in horse training, behavior and animal care management, I honestly do not know how Nicki is able to do what she does for so many horses. She feeds them in a way that their body condition scores improve rapidly, yet I see few signs of gastric discomfort. She has no paid staff to help her, but manages to provide a clean and safe environment, despite suffering an extremely serious knee injury that should have sidelined her for months. She currently has no horse trainer in residence, yet she manages to have each horse evaluated properly (and HUMANELY), then posts their information online and places many of them in excellent new homes. Yet she still gladly keeps the horses that aren't suitable for placement, and takes them back if a placement doesn't work out. I work for other charities, but none more deserving or more in need of donations. Not a cent is wasted, and much of the work Falconridge is doing could be considered lifesaving and/or life-changing in its impact.
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
...create more positive publicity, raise more money provide more volunteers and hope for less need.
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
Review for Pawsitive Teams Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
From top to bottom, Paws'itive Teams stands out from all others as being run in an intelligent, practical way with priority being placed always where it belongs: firstly on the welfare of the dogs, and secondly on the needs of the clients and community served. As a professional in the field of animal training I have worked with and for several service dog organizations in various capacities over the last 15-20 years. I have seen all kinds of problems crop up for otherwise well-meaning groups, whether it be disagreements over training philosophies, fundraising problems, communication difficulties, or simply growing too large, too fast. In the more than two years I have been volunteering for Paws'itive Teams Therapy Dog program and in other capacities as a trainer, this organization has become an integral part of my life. Every step taken, from the Board of Directors down to the Site Leaders, is thought out with such care and compassion for those it impacts, that the problems I am used to seeing just don't exist. Training concerns are addressed immediately with the animals' and client's best interests always as the guiding factor - no egos allowed. Money issues are handled in such a smart and organized way that it is never a visible source of contention. Communication happens in a well-organized fashion, growth is controlled but never stifled, and by keeping Paws'itive Teams local, everyone involved is allowed to feel like a part of new projects and successes. I cannot recommend this group enough as worthy of charitable donations. Not a cent is wasted, and the work they do has an overwhelmingly powerful effect on the San Diego community.
More Feedback
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
allow for more than one paid staff position.
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
