In response to the Marianas Variety-Guam article "Lawsuit filed against animal shelter group" (8.14.2012):

I RECENTLY learned of the lawsuit being filed by Karon Johnson against Guam Animals In Need for GAIN’s unwillingness to renew her membership. First and foremost I would like to say that Karon Johnson was not and NEVER will be a founder of GAIN. It was at least a full year after the organization started that Ms. Johnson began volunteering at the shelter and if memory serves, it was close to another year before she became active on the board. Countless times and within numerous settings, Ms. Johnson has attempted to pass herself off as a founding member of GAIN. I find it offensive and disrespectful, to the individuals who sacrificed so much in the beginning, for her to make this claim. And I find it gross for an Assistant U.S. Attorney to attempt to rewrite history, blatantly LIE and misrepresent herself and her contribution to this very important effort. In my opinion, this alone is reason enough to revoke or fail to renew her membership. On Nov. 28, 1989, Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Department of Revenue and Taxation for Guam Animals In Need. They were signed by the founding members: Tambra A. Bryant Maddock, Janyce Prall, Val Lisenbee, Jan Benedict, Rebecca Tomzik and Lowell Nelson. 

I believe inflated egos are often behind this type of wasteful and damaging effort. Perhaps Ms. Johnson has had a difficult time seeing less effective programs, that she was a part of developing, being replaced with more effective programs by the current board. Perhaps she has been more a part of the “problem” than of the “solution.” Or maybe GAIN has simply outgrown her.

Whatever the reason for the deterioration of this relationship, it is my opinion that Ms. Johnson has lost sight of the true responsibilities of an individual that claims to love animals and claims to want progress and a better life for the animals of Guam. It appears Ms. Johnson has made the mistake of believing this – this effort to help animals – is more about her than the animals.

GAIN needs individuals, especially in leadership positions, that are forward-thinking, compassionate, intelligent and reasonable, with a heart for the animals and the people of Guam. What GAIN does not need is the contribution of individuals who would waste time and resources on self-centered desires propped up by dishonest claims.

I call on Ms. Johnson to reconsider this unfortunate path.

Rebecca A. Rodriguez (formerly Tomzik),
Founder,
Guam Animals In Need
Guam