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 for the 2027 Humane Awards

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.

The nomination period for the 2026 Humane Awards has closed. Submit a nomination for the 2027 Humane Awards. Read the official Rules & Guidelines.

Nominate an animal hero

Photos from the 2025 Humane Awards ceremony

Event photography courtesy of Branden Bruso

The 2025 Humane Awards Recipients

Frances M Wells Award - Dr. Lauren Atkins

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. After launching her career in animal welfare 28 years ago in South Carolina, Dr. Lauren Atkins eventually moved north and became the first veterinarian hired when Dakin moved into its Springfield location. She also spent a decade at Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, continuing to improve shelter medicine and the quality of care for thousands of animals. Dr. Atkins’ most compassionate chapter began when she founded Paws Finding Peace, a practice dedicated to at-home euthanasia that allows families to say goodbye to beloved pets with dignity and love. She chose this practice because it provides a peaceful transition for the pet, especially those with behavioral issues, and allows the grieving family to be together, along with other pets, to provide comfort to the animal in their final moments.

Youth Award - Trystan Candelario

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, Trystan Candelario, began helping animals at age seven. In 2023, at the age of 10, he rescued two vulnerable and hungry puppies while visiting Puerto Rico, brought them back to his Massachusetts home, and helped them find families to care for them. Trystan has built feral cat outdoor shelters to help cats stay warm in the winter, fundraised for animal causes, and helped rescue animals both locally and far away. He has also returned to Puerto Rico after natural disasters to help feed animals left without homes, and sets a remarkable example of how compassion, dedication and love for animals can make a difference.

Champion Award - Melissa Dawn Vancini

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. Melissa Dawn Vancini is founder of Missing Mutts Search & Rescue, a volunteer-based, non-profit group that helps reunite lost pets with their owners through free search and rescue services. The group is the culmination of a decade spent as a foster caregiver for dogs, many of whom were scared and a flight risk. Through patience and care, Melissa learned how to work with and understand these dogs. Over time, an idea took shape to open her own dog recovery group, which became Missing Mutts Search & Rescue. Since then, her work has made an incredible impact on countless animals and the people who love them. From fostering scared dogs to leading a community movement that helps find pets when they are lost, Melissa’s dedication is extraordinary.

Woodbury Philanthropy Award - Katelin Welles

This award is bestowed to a leader (or leaders) in the community whose contributions are transformational and demonstrate 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. Katelin Welles is a Navy veteran and a former addiction counselor who currently volunteers as a wildlife rehabilitator. She is especially dedicated to caring for neonatal kittens, and recently completed a surrender counseling workshop to help families keep their beloved pets whenever possible. Dakin is one of several east coast humane societies she supports philanthropically, and her generosity has enabled Dakin to enhance its Kitten ICU, provide winter shelters for feral cats, restock much-needed supplies, and provide a number of services for animals in need, and the people who love them.

Distinguished Animal Award - Bernie (Guide Dog) & Attorney David Roulston

This award recognizes an exceptional animal (and human handler) whose extraordinary devotion to people has proved transformative or lifesaving in challenging or exceptional circumstances. Few partnerships embody the human-animal bond more beautifully than Attorney David Roulston and his guide dog, Bernie. Attorney Roulston has spent his life in service to others, and his work has been guided by integrity and compassion. For the past 45 years as an attorney, he has defended people navigating addiction, mental health struggles, and the legal system, while living with an incurable eye condition he's had for nearly half that time. Beside him every step of the way have been his guide dogs, including his companion of 10 years, Bernie. Attorney Roulston and Bernie were honored for demonstrating how the human-animal bond can transform lives with service and grace.

Corporate Leadership Award - Berkshire Bank

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. Berkshire Bank, a division of Beacon Bank & Trust, exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. As a trusted advisor its clients rely upon, Berkshire Bank is committed to helping those in its communities live their best lives and reach their full financial potential. In addition to giving back to the communities it serves through grants, sponsorships and campaigns, Berkshire’s employees tirelessly support Dakin’s work in a variety of ways, including serving on its Board of Directors, volunteering at Dakin’s Will Run for Cookies 5k, holding a “kitten shower” to collect donations from local financial center personnel and standing in as Mrs. Claus at a “Pet Photos with Santa” event.

Janet Wilder Dakin Lifetime Achievement Award - Charlotte Cathro

This award is bestowed to a person whose life’s work has exhibited exemplary leadership, selfless commitment, passion, and extraordinary dedication to advancing animal welfare. This year’s recipient is Charlotte Cathro, whose journey with animals began long before she served on Dakin’s Board of Directors. From her early love for animals to the school trip that inspired her lifelong commitment to their wellbeing, Charlotte has dedicated herself to rescuing, fostering, and caring for animals. After moving to western Massachusetts in 2011, she joined Dakin’s Board of Directors, serving as treasurer, finance chair, and ultimately president. She helped build the organization’s strong financial foundation while juggling her own business, teaching, and family life. A steady, thoughtful leader and devoted foster caregiver, Charlotte believes the joy animals bring is meant to be shared. This award recognizes her quiet, consistent, and transformational service.