People are passionate about their pets, and rightfully so.

They provide us with companionship, joy, laughter and unconditional love; yet require so little in return. People routinely refer to their dogs and cats as children or “fur babies.” They touch our souls. And the plight of abandoned and abused animals is especially heartbreaking.

No wonder passions are running high about the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society and recent turnover in paid personnel and volunteers.

Several directors and other key employees and volunteers have come and gone in the past couple years. This seemingly unsettled situation has caused much concern among those who have ardently supported the shelter in the past, with some threatening to pull their financial support.

Maybe it’s a result of conflicting personalities. Perhaps it is the challenges presented by a new facility and its attendant expenses. Some of it could be just a matter of timing, as people leave for other opportunities.

Wh...