Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 7/2/2021
SPRINGFIELD – Dakin Humane Society is currently accepting nominations for their 2021 Humane Awards.
Nominations are open until Aug. 1 and there are five different awards.
The Frances M. Wells Award recognizes an individual for their notable contributions to the health and welfare of animals. This award originated during Dakin’s early years in honor of Frances M. Wells, benefactor for Greenfield Animal Shelter. The shelter was originally named after Wells to recognize his contribution in building the area’s first animal shelter.
The Youth Award is for anyone 16 or younger who has displayed care and compassion for animals and has made a difference in the life of an animal. The Champion Award honors a public servant who has served and bettered the life of thousands of animals and people in the area.
The Woodbury Philanthropy Award is named after Richard and Nathalie Woodbury, the couple whose “vision and legacy secured Dakin’s future.” It is given to an individual who shares time, talent and financial resources to improve the lives of animals. The Animal Hero Award is given to an animal, and their handler when applicable, who displayed valor, devotion or life saving in dangerous or challenging situations.
“The awards are a way to honor those that share Dakin’s beliefs that the way we treat animals reflects our community health,” said Kaitlyn Holloway, development and events coordinator at Dakin.
All nominees must reside in Central or Western Massachusetts or Northern Connecticut. A full list of rules and guidelines are available on Dakin’s website.
After nominations close, finalists will be notified by Sept. 1.
The award ceremony will take place on Sept. 19 during Barks & Brews, a fan-favorite outdoor dog party hosted at Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton.
According to Holloway, both winners of the 2021 Humane Awards and the 2020 Humane Awards will be invited to attend for a celebration and to receive their plaque.
2020 winners had a virtual ceremony last year due to COVID-19.
Barks & Brews is also open to the public to attend and tickets will go on sale on July 15.
Holloway said that these awards are an important and great way to recognize those in the community who go above and beyond for animals.
“I think it’s really important to recognize and honor people that have positively influenced animals in our community. It’s important to recognize that that is a measure of our community's success and sharing and showing the ways in which people care about animals and the health and welfare of animals can be inspiring to others,” she said.
Those interested in learning more about the Humane Awards or nominating someone are encouraged to visit Dakin’s website at
https://www.dakinhumane.org/humane-awards.html.