The Humane Awards are awarded annually, in recognition of individuals who make a positive difference in the lives of animals and people. The honorees represent all ages and walks of life and demonstrate their commitment and concern for animals through their life and work. The Humane Awards honor members of the community who share Dakin's belief that the way we treat animals reflects the health of our community.
Now accepting nominations
Do you know a hero? Is there someone in your life who goes out of their way to care for animals in need? Dakin Humane Society needs your help to find extraordinary animal advocates, heroic pets, and compassionate community superstars!
If you know someone who demonstrates their commitment to animals through their life and work, please submit their nomination.
The Humane Awards is a celebration of our community and the individuals who actively improve the lives of animals in need and the people who care about them. Nominations will be accepted throughout the year and close on June 30, 2025. Read the official Rules & Guidelines.
Nominate an animal hero
The 2024 Humane Awards Recipients
Frances M Wells Award - Erin Aiello

This award, named for the Greenfield Animal Shelter’s benefactor, is given to an individual recognized for notable contributions to the health and welfare of animals. As an assistant district attorney in Massachusetts for 13 years, Erin Aiello has worked across different district offices to serve urban, suburban and rural communities. Wherever she has found herself, her caseload has always involved the prosecution of abuse-related crimes - including animal cruelty cases. In 2023 Ms. Aiello helped start the Animal Protection Task Force through the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office for Hampshire and Franklin Counties. This task force is a multi-disciplinary team consisting of sworn law enforcement officers, deputy sheriffs, probation officers, prosecutors, shelters, animal control officers, and other related agencies. Ms. Aiello also works as a law enforcement trainer with the Humane Society of the United States, traveling across the country to educate prosecutors, animal welfare officers, and law enforcement on the crucial connection between animal cruelty and family violence.
Youth Award - Girls on the Run of Western Massachusetts

This award honors a hero, 16 or younger, who displays extraordinary care and compassion to make a difference in the lives of animals, and makes the world a kinder and gentler place. This year’s recipient was Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts, which was recognized for its emphasis on the importance of community involvement and collaboration to make a difference. Over the last several years, Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts has seen many groups select a project that directly supports animals - especially the most vulnerable animals at shelters. Alison Berman of Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Champion Award - Dr. Rachel Geller

This award honors an individual who serves in the public or non-profit sector who has faithfully made life better for tens of thousands of animals and people. Dr. Rachel Geller is founder and president of a non-profit organization named All Cats All the Time which helps provide financial assistance for veterinary costs, prescription food, and other necessities, all in her continuing goal to keep cats with their families. In her ongoing mission to keep cats with their families, Dr. Geller authored the Surrender Prevention Specialist certification. To date, over fifteen hundred people have been certified through this groundbreaking course. Her generosity also extends to donating 100% of proceeds to shelters from her book “Saving the World One Cat at a Time: What I Know About Cats and Why You Should Know it Too.”
Woodbury Philanthropy Award - Marianne and Jim Gambaro

This award is bestowed to a leader (or leaders) in the community whose contributions are transformational and demonstrates extraordinary dedication. These individuals display a remarkable sense of stewardship in sharing time, talent and resources to improve the lives of animals and people who love them. The Gambaros have been longstanding supporters of - and volunteers at - Dakin Humane Society, and often volunteer at events. Jim has contributed his time and skills as a photographer, while Marianne has become an invaluable presence as part of the KICU Critical Care Crew, and as a member of the Cat Positive Pro enrichment team that works with shelter cats. In addition, their generosity has enabled Dakin to provide a number of services for animals in need, and the people who love them.
Distinguished Animal Award - K9 Dex and Officer David Olszak

This award recognizes an exceptional animal (and human handler) whose extraordinary devotion to people has proved transformative or lifesaving in challenging or exceptional circumstances. The team of K9 Dex and Officer David Olszak, his handler, received this award based on their 9-year partnership and combined effort to help prevent crime and serve the public. Officer Olszak began his K9 career in 2006 as a United States Marine at the Military Working Dog school in San Antonio, Texas. He was deployed to Iraq, where he and his K9 partner tracked insurgents and located kidnapped Army soldiers. His work took him to the Washington, D.C. area, where he worked with explosive and narcotic K9s, before he joined the Springfield Police Department and partnered with K9 Dex, who also had a highly successful career. One notable incident involved K9 Dex tracking an individual wanted for armed home invasion through incredibly challenging terrain to the Chicopee River. It was K9 Dex’s alert that led to the capture of the suspect, who was armed and intended to use the weapon on officers. Following his recent retirement, K9 Dex is living out his golden days with Officer Olszak, his fiancé and children at home.
Corporate Leadership Award - 94.7FM WMAS

This award is presented to a business or its corporate foundation that demonstrates outstanding commitment to improve the lives of animals through employee giving, volunteerism, or partnership. 94.7fm WMAS is being recognized for helping animals find homes through their highly-rated morning show, The Kellogg Krew. During the show they promote adoptable pets by sharing each animal’s special story while they await a new home. WMAS also recognizes the crucial need for food and other essential supplies at Dakin, often encouraging their listeners to contribute to help vulnerable animals. 94.7fm WMAS has consistently stepped up as a media partner for Dakin events, offering a generous schedule of public service announcements, on-air mentions, and onsite emcee duties. Accepting the award on behalf of the station were Chris Kellogg and Dina McMahon of The Kellogg Krew.