March 21, 2022

Looking Back: A Retirement Interview with Irene Dakin On Friday, March 25th, Irene Dakin will bid goodbye to the Humane Society London & Middlesex family after a long career with the organization. Claire Belsheim, HSLM Marketing & Community Engagement Coordinator, sat down with Irene to discuss her career, life at HSLM and upcoming plans following her well-deserved retirement. How many years have you been employed with HSLM?  "I was hired in November of 2000 and will have been employed with HSLM for nearly 22 years upon my retirement."

What inspired you to join the HSLM team nearly 22 years ago? "I worked as a Cosmetician for 16 years at Eaton's. After Eaton's closed I took some time off and called it a sabbatical. After that time, I knew that I had to find a job doing something that I enjoyed doing and then figure out a way to get paid for it by working with animals at HSLM. The rest is history." Can you please list your various job titles and roles throughout your HSLM career?

"I was first hired as an Animal Care Attendant, primarily working with the shelter dogs and cats as well as doing pet memorial services. In 2005, I transitioned to become the Animal Care Attendant Supervisor as well as an Adoption Counsellor. In 2018, I became the Shelter Manager and have stayed in that role since then." What do you like most about the HSLM organization? "The opportunity to grow professionally with the company, while also having the pleasure of seeing the organization grow and evolve alongside me." Out of curiosity, how many pets have you adopted from HSLM over the years?  "I've adopted 22 pets in total, including 4 cats, 5 dogs, 7 birds, 5 guinea pigs and 1 rat." If you could compare yourself with any animal, what would it be and why? "I would compare myself to a cat, as I feel that I am independent, adventurous and a little bit mischievous. I did ask my husband this same question, and he said that I remind him more of a mouse because I can't sit still very long."

If you got to choose a song that would play every time you entered a room, what song would you pick and why? "This was a tough question, but it later came to me with the help of my husband. It would be "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley. I actually have some of the lyrics on a wall in my house because I believe you can't sweat the small stuff!"

What would you say has been your most challenging experience? "One of the most challenging periods for me was working throughout the pandemic. Adapting to the frequent changes in order to maintain shelter operations including the adoption process and surrendering of pets was difficult at times. This experience did however prove how strong we are as a team."

What will you miss most about your team/colleagues? "The comradery and humor! In our work environment where you have good days and bad, you really need a support system and a lot of laughter." If you could describe your experience with HSLM in one word, what would it be? "Educational - I've learned a lot!" Plans for retirement? "Aside from volunteering with HSLM, I am excited to spend more time gardening and traveling. Eventually, I would like to plan a tour of Europe as I've always wanted to do this."

HSLM staff will be celebrating Irene's retirement at Pete's Pad (609 Clarke Rd Unit 1, London, ON) on Friday, March 25th, 2022 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm and extend an open invitation to anyone who wishes to attend to celebrate Irene alongside us.

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Humane Society London & Middlesex 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 519-451-0630 | administration@hslm.ca | www.hslm.ca

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