"I Can't Work Without..."

We asked several Dakin employees what one thing they find particularly helpful (or even inspirational, in one case!) in getting their jobs done. Here’s what they told us:

 

Sarah Pentowski (Admissions & Capacity Coordinator):

“Peacock feathers, because they make a great all-purpose cat toy. Cats will not play when they are stressed or scared, so if I can help a cat feel safe enough to play, I know that they are making progress and starting to relax!”

 

Lorie Benware (Veterinary Technician)

“I keep spray cheese handy. It’s great for keeping dogs calm during examinations by veterinarians or other staff members. It’s a tasty treat!”

 

Eliza Fischer (Shelter Operations Coordinator):

“Stevie Nicks’ music. It has been with me throughout my career in animal welfare. Her songs provide comfort and inspiration when I need it.”

 

Dr. Sherri Therrien (Community Spay/Neuter Veterinarian):

"I can't work without Sam Splints. They're splints you can custom cut to a particular shape. The splints help hold the legs in place of anesthetized male cats for their neuter surgery, so we can have a better, more sterile, surgical area. They keep the patient’s legs and tail out of the way."

 

Zoe Noyes (Animal Resource Counselor)

“I’ve always got a dog poop bag handy. You never know when a mess will be made and you’ve gotta be ready to clean up!”

 

Molly Biechele (Associate Director of Development):

“I need dust cloths. When you have office cats, the room gets dusty and there’s cat hair everywhere. I like to be able to keep the phone, keyboard and monitor clean from cat fur!”

 

Chris Skelton (Facilities Manager)

“My watch. I have to be on time for what I do. I need all the things I do in the building to be done before we open to the public.”

 

Alanna Regan (Adoption Center Manager) and Amanda Rock (Senior Animal Resource Counselor)

Alanna: “Our animal-themed post-its can fit in my pocket and I can jot down a reminder at any time. After a long day I can sit and look back at the things ‘past Alanna’ was reminding ‘future Alanna’ to do.”

Amanda: "It's a note on the go!  It reminds me of what I have to do AND you can tape it to yourself!"

 

Caitlin Osgood (Animal Resource Counselor)

“When I’m anywhere in the building, I’m interacting with animals and I need a pen on me at all times to take notes!”

 

Meg Delaney (Veterinary Technician)

“My mortar and pestle. They help us vet techs grind down medications into small doses for smaller patients. They can also turn a powder medication into a liquid!”