13 Dakin Legends Honored
Dakin Legends (from left): Dr. Sherri Therrien, Abigayle Bogdan, Betsy Bernard, Eliza Fischer, Meghan Delaney, Debbie Massarelli, Brenda Forsell, Kayla Thibodeau, Megan Tolpa and Lee Chambers. Seated in front (left to right): Alanna Regan and Mary Jane McGuire.
Animal shelter work has its moments of great satisfaction and accomplishment, but it can be a demanding industry that requires unlimited dedication and compassion, long hours, and involves many emotional moments. Therefore, it’s not surprising that retaining employees in the field can present challenges at times. At Dakin Humane Society, 13 staff members were honored recently for having reached work anniversaries ranging from 10 to 20 years, and dubbed “Dakin Legends.”
“We’re so grateful to have so many long-term team members at Dakin,” said Kayla Begnoche, human resources manager. "Shelter work takes more than skill; it takes heart. Every day, our team brings compassion and dedication, whether they’re working directly with pets and their people, keeping vital programs and services running, handling essential administrative tasks behind the scenes, or collaborating with partner organizations. They have an unwavering dedication to this work, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have staff who bring their whole hearts to it every single day.”
More than 20% of Dakin’s staff have worked for the nonprofit organization for at least 10 years, while 44% were hired five or more years ago. According to Dakin’s Executive Director Meg Talbert, “We are delighted to recognize this incredible group of long-term employees in a special way and look forward to making it an annual tradition to celebrate our newest Dakin Legends. Dakin is a special place and each and every one of our team members, new to the field or Legends, give of themselves daily to advance our mission and uphold our core values: integrity, compassion, and innovation.”
The 13 employees were given gift bags that contained, among other items, a personalized zip-up hoodie with the Dakin logo as well as their first names followed by the title “Dakin Legend.” Those team members honored recently are:
20 Years:
Alanna Regan – Adoption Center Manager
15 Years:
Betsy Bernard – Animal Resource Counselor
Eliza Fischer – Animal Resource Counselor
Dr. Sherri Therrien – Spay & Neuter Veterinarian
13 Years:
Rachel Murphy – Animal Caregiver
12 Years:
Brenda Forsell – Spay & Neuter Clinic Administrator
11 Years:
Abigayle Bogdan – Veterinary Technician
Meghan Delaney – Veterinary Technician
Mary Jane McGuire – Veterinary Services Manager
Megan Tolpa – Foster Coordinator
10 Years:
Lee Chambers – Media Relations & Development Specialist
Debbie Massarelli – Finance Coordinator
Kayla Thibodeau – Veterinary Technician
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