The Artist Behind Dakin's 2026 Pride Merch

In 2021, Dakin launched an online merch store that quickly filled with apparel designed digitally by Dakin's Digital Marketing Coordinator, Danielle Cookish. Since the official launch, more than $13,000 has been raised from merchandise sales, directly supporting Dakin's programs and resources that serve animals and the people who love them.

Originality and creative design are very important to us, especially during a time when AI is becoming more prevalent in digital spaces. Dakin's marketing team has always chosen to avoid using AI and instead turn to the creative minds of our staff members for digital content and art.

In 2026, we doubled down.

Danielle joined forces with Animal Resource Counselor and talented artist Isabelle St. Andre to create a truly handmade 2026 Dakin Pride collection. Isabelle has been creating art for as long as she can remember, starting with pencil illustrations and, more recently, digital art, which includes hand-drawing on a tablet.

The goal was to create two designs that represented Dakin as an organization, the animals we dedicate ourselves to helping, and the all-inclusive celebration of Pride. Isabelle finds inspiration from animals who were once residents of the shelter. She said, "You see so many memorable faces come and go. You find each animal has a personality that sticks with you long after they're adopted." She added that part of the inspiration for the "Little Lions - BIG PRIDE" design came from Lisa Frank's colorful, cutesy style.

Dakin's commitment to being a safe space for everybody runs much deeper than our LGBTQ+ Pride Month celebrations every June. For more than 55 years, Dakin has been rooted in compassion, acceptance, and inclusiveness. In that time, we've all fostered a sense of belonging and safe space for ALL humans and their animal companions. As a friend of Dakin, you can help us celebrate Pride every day by continuing to promote love, reject hate, and maintain a safe, humane community for all to enjoy together.

Isabelle St. Andre has been a staff member at Dakin for three years. Originally from the Worcester area, Isabelle now calls the Connecticut River Valley home with her husband, a pair of Dakin alumni guinea pigs, Cherry and Blossom, and an elderly mouse by the name of Bean.

Danielle Cookish is originally from the Boston area, but now lives in Connecticut with her husband and two tuxedo cats, Bitsy and Andy. She has been a staff member at Dakin for 10 years.