At the 26th annual Pet Rock Fest, held on Oct. 6, as always, we honored outstanding contributors to animal welfare, shining a bright light on their names and work to make this world a better place for animals.
The Animal Hero Award, which will now be known as the “Animal Hero Juno Award,” pays tribute to Juno Young of Juno’s Place for her lifelong advocacy. JoAnn Griffin, CMDART leader, received recognition for more than 20 years of volunteerism. VCA Animal Hospitals of Central MA were celebrated for their 26 years of steadfast support, providing vital services such as rabies clinics and microchipping at Pet Rock Fest since its inception.
These honorees embody the spirit of kindness and dedication to animals.
Animal Hero Award
In Loving Memory of Juno Young, the tiny but fierce advocate who became a symbol of animal welfare in New England
This year, we honor and remember a true animal hero—Juno Young. A driving force behind Juno’s Place, Juno dedicated her life to supporting rescues and shelters, advocating for stronger animal cruelty laws, and promoting the importance of spaying, neutering, and adoption. She stood resolute, particularly after the Puppy Doe case—a tragedy that shocked the nation—and used her platform to inspire change. But Juno’s heart wasn’t just for animals. She also touched countless lives by supporting local schools, providing food and supplies to children in need.
Juno was not only a beloved companion but also a therapy dog and a Paws to Read dog with Paws for Friendship. She would prance into senior centers and hospitals, lifting spirits with her presence, and into libraries, where children’s self-confidence blossomed as they read to her. With over 250,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, Juno became a social media sensation, sharing her adventures with fans worldwide.
Despite her tiny size, she lived a life larger than most, even rubbing paw-to-shoulder with celebrities who shared her mission. At just five pounds, Juno ruled her household with an iron paw. Whether it was a Pitbull or a Malinois, they all knew they had met their match. Juno’s motto was simple but profound: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
For more than 14 years, Juno worked side by side with her human, Deb Young, at Standard Auto Wrecking Co., earning a reputation for perfect attendance and spreading joy to everyone she met. Her courage, even in the face of chronic illness, was unmatched. She passed away on Dec. 20, 2023, surrounded by family and friends, after bravely battling intervertebral disc disease, renal disease, and progressive myelopathy.
Though Juno’s physical presence is no longer with us, Juno’s Place continues to spread the message without its tiny but mighty leader at the helm. Her legacy as an animal ambassador and tireless advocate for Pet Rock Fest continues to inspire. In recognition of her unwavering dedication and spirit, we not only honor her today but will continue to do so by naming all future Animal Hero Awards in her honor—the “Juno Award.”
Thank you, Juno, for showing us the true meaning of heroism. Your mission lives on, inspiring us all to be advocates, protectors, and friends to our fellow creatures. We miss you, little Juno, but your legacy remains eternal.
JoAnn Griffin: A Champion of Animal Welfare
Recognition for her volunteerism, loyalty and support for more than 20 years
For more than two decades, JoAnn Griffin has selflessly dedicated her time, energy, and expertise to improving the lives of animals and supporting her community. As a licensed clinical social worker and the volunteer president, team Director, team Lead, and primary advocate for the Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team (CMDART), JoAnn’s commitment to animal welfare is unmatched. CMDART, known for its motto ”Where Kindness Helps All Kinds” trains volunteers to rescue and care for animals during disaster situations. JoAnn has been instrumental in ensuring that animals are not left behind in times of crisis.
In addition to her work with CMDART, JoAnn has been a tireless supporter of the Pet Rock Fest for more than 20 years, educating the public on dog training and disaster preparedness. Each year, she leads CMDART’s efforts at the festival, demonstrating agility courses and spreading awareness about the team’s vital mission.
CMDART, Inc., under JoAnn’s leadership, played a critical role in preparing communities for emergencies that involve pets and animals. Since the devastation of Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina, the need for trained animal disaster responders has grown. Even now, as JoAnn steps back a bit in her role, CMDART ensures that volunteers are equipped to handle chaotic and traumatic situations with skill, structure, and compassion.
JoAnn embodies the true spirit of volunteerism. When asked who a volunteer is, she simply states, “Volunteers are people like you who care about pets and their community and are concerned about being prepared for emergencies. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, with varying expertise, but what unites us is our love for animals and our commitment to their safety. “
JoAnn’s dedication extends beyond her professional and volunteer roles. She resides in Douglas, MA, with her beloved husband, affectionately known as Griff; and her loyal canine companions, Duff and Summer. Her unwavering compassion and willingness to go the extra mile for animals and her community have made a lasting impact on countless lives.
This year, we honor JoAnn Griffin for her extraordinary contributions over the years to Pet Rock Fest. Her work epitomizes our mission of the importance of kindness, service, and the vital role that volunteers play in making the world a better place.
Veterinary Clinics of America (VCA)
26 years of continuous support to Pet Rock Fest
Twenty-six years ago, Pet Rock Fest was born out of a mission to promote kindness to animals, educate the public on responsible pet care, and emphasize the value of companion animals. The spark for this event came from a heartbreaking case of animal cruelty involving a Yorkshire Terrier, a case in which justice was sadly denied.
Determined to make a difference, Charlene Arsenault and Jeannie Hebert created and launched Pet Rock Fest, with the inaugural event held at Jeannie’s family business, The Hebert Candy Mansion in Shrewsbury.
Right from the start, Jeannie turned to a trusted friend and veterinarian, Dr. Laurie Klein, director of VCA Westboro Animal Hospital. Dr. Klein did not hesitate to offer her full support. She and her dedicated team conducted the first-ever free rabies clinic and microchipping service at the inaugural Pet Rock Fest, creating a foundation for what would become a cherished tradition.
Though Pet Rock Fest has moved locations over the years, and Dr. Klein has since retired, the unwavering support of VCA Animal Hospitals has remained a constant. For more than two decades, VCA has continued to conduct rabies clinics, offer microchipping, and provide valuable “Ask the Vet” advice at each annual Pet Rock Fest.
As we celebrate the 26th year of this incredible event, we want to express our deepest gratitude to VCA Animal Hospitals of Central MA. VCA's dedication, compassion, and steadfast participation has played a vital role in the success of Pet Rock Fest. Because of the wonderful staff at VCA, we are able to continue our mission to promote kindness and improve the lives of animals.
