Thomas Kingman: A Lasting Legacy of Compassion

When a dog enters a shelter, whether they arrive via transport, or through a local surrender, they are facing a whole new world of people, smells, sounds and experiences.  Some dogs roll with the changes and adjust without a great deal of fuss, but for many others, their new environment can confuse or worry them.  

No matter what type of dog we welcome, each one is able to rest easier, receive compassionate attention, feel safer and more cared for, thanks to the generosity of someone whose legacy is forever linked to the well-being of dogs.

Tom Kingman loved dogs, and typically had at least a few huskies in his home at any time.  He took pride in the fact that he had rescued each of them, and he talked about them frequently.  A longtime resident of Cataumet (on Cape Cod), he owned and operated Kingman Marina, a family business, for many years and was a dedicated member of his community.  After his years at the marina, Tom devoted his time to his spiritual well-being and his animals.

According to a close friend and neighbor, “Tom loved his dogs.  He cooked all their food and only allowed some dry food in-between.  He also made sure they had everything they needed, and became an animal masseur so they got regular massages. When he passed away, his dog Logan was 16 years old and he lived another two or three years.”

Tom passed in 2021. His Will directed the Personal Representative of his Estate to distribute the bulk of his Estate to charities and other organizations, as chosen by the Personal Representative, that promote the health and welfare of dogs, and to prevent cruelties to them. His Estate has provided significant investments in Dakin’s future, allowing us to improve our dog housing, support dog transports, and provide shelter care examinations and spay/neuter surgery for shelter dogs, among other things. We are deeply grateful for his generous support and for transforming countless dogs' lives in our care. Tom’s deep love for dogs and his advocacy for their comfort now enriches the lives of many Dakin dogs, and adds to his already significant legacy.

Our Forever Friends Legacy Society was established to honor its members for their commitment to enhancing the lives of animals in need and the people who care about them.  If you’d like more information to create your own animal-friendly legacy at Dakin, please click here.