This past Saturday was National Pit Bull Awareness Day, and here at the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, we celebrated with some very special guests.

Cherry Garcia, Vicktory Dog

Cherry Garcia once lived on the estate of Michael Vick, forced to participate in the cruel, gruesome, abusive, and illegal activity of dog fighting. In January of 2008, after Vick and others were indicted for numerous crimes, Cherry and twenty-one other dogs made their way to the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah.

Cherry is one lucky fellow. In September 2009, after being rescued from a life of terror, Cherry moved in with his new forever family here in the Northeast. Suddenly, Cherry had loving parents who devoted themselves to his well-being. What a change that must’ve been! His new parents make him homemade meals (due to his allergies), take him hiking, and provide all the love and affection he deserves.

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On October 6, staff, volunteers, interns, and foster families gathered for our annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration, which is our small way of thanking the hundreds of people who dedicate their time to the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society.

Dakin does not receive any federal funding. We are supported by donations from animal lovers like yourself. With an annual operating budget of about $3 million, we simply could not exist without our volunteers.

“The volunteers dedicate the equivalent of $400,000 in time every single year,” said my friend Ian Vukovich, President of the Board of Directors.

Many of our long-term volunteers were recognized and applauded at last Thursday’s event. Joanne Parker, Leverett Adoption Center volunteer, was recognized for 10 years of service. Marcia Pauly, who has also been with us for 10 years, helps with mailings, makes handmade cat mats, and does can-collection drives with volunteer Marion Markwell.

Trina Cysz, who has been at Dakin for 11 years, has done animal care, participated in our trap-neuter-return program, and runs the pet food bank.

“Trina now practically single-handedly runs the distribution of our pet food bank, which distributes food throughout the Pioneer Valley, and we deliver over 20,000 pounds of food a year up and down the Pioneer Valley,” said my friend Lori Swanson, Manager of Humane Education and Volunteer Services at Dakin.

Click the image to view the volunteer milestones for 2011.

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