There's a new executive director at the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, and he's just brimming with enthusiasm.

"I have the best job in the world!" said David Janusek, 46, of Baldwin Borough.

Granted, he's only been on the job since Jan. 1.

I wasn't trying to rain on his parade when I pointed out that the society founded in 1874 operates "open-door" shelters on the North Side and Elizabeth Township that never turn away any animal. At WPHS, that means taking in more than 14,000 animals per year.

The society finds homes for about 80 percent of the dogs, 65 percent of cats and all of the rabbits. That, by the way, is a very good batting average for shelters that have to sometimes euthanize to make room for the never-ending wave of incoming animals.

"Yes, it's a tough mission," Mr. Janusek said, but he quickly went back to his upbeat mode.

"I have worked for nonprofits for over 20 years, and I have never worked with such an enthusiastic staff. Everyone here really cares about the animals," he said.

He also has high praise for the more than 700 volunteers who walk dogs and play with cats and rabbits. The 125 foster families who care for, train and socialize animals in their own homes "are absolute heroes," Mr. Janusek said.

He succeeds former WPHS executive director Lee Nesler, who left in October to become executive director of the Lemur Conservation Foundation in Myakka City, Fla.

Mr. Janusek describes himself as a "passionate" animal lover, but he has never worked for a shelter. He has a strong background in fundraising, according to the news release from the board of directors. His last job was seven years as executive director of the Western Pennsylvania chapter of the American Diabetes Association. His resume includes six years at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Mr. Janusek has made it his personal mission to find out exactly what all the shelter employees do by shadowing them as they do their work. He'll soon spend a day with one of the humane agents who investigate and prosecute reports of animal abuse and neglect. It's arguably one of the toughest shelter jobs.