Newtown Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason received the Excellence of Service Award from the Mark Twain House & Museum and Kenway’s Cause at the Third Annual Bark Twain Bash on March 15.

The fundraising event took place at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford and celebrated animals and the people who advocate for them.

According to the Mark Twain House & Museum website, K9 First Responders Executive Director Brad Cole gave the keynote address, and iHeartMedia’s Renee Dinino and Buzz Engine’s Jacques Lamarre hosted the festivities. There was food by David James Catering and Cake Gypsy, live music by The Rude Mechanicals, and a book signing from author Teresa M. Pelham.

Ms Mason enjoyed the evening with her son, Anthony, and his girlfriend.

When called to the stage to be awarded, she told the audience how very proud she is of Newtown and the support she receives.

Ms Mason has been Newtown’s Animal Control Officer since 2005 and leads a dedicated team, including Kennel Attendant Amy Sullivan, to whom she expressed thanks.

“I’m very appreciative of the award,” Ms Mason told The Newtown Bee.

She went on to add that what inspires her each day to go out and make a difference is not for recognition, but to help those who cannot speak or have their voices heard — the animals.

Proceeds from the Bark Twain Bash went to benefit the Mark Twain House & Museum as well as Kenway’s Cause, a nonprofit that raises funds to provide medical care to injured animals taken in by the City of Hartford Animal Control that would otherwise be euthanized. For more information about Kenway’s Cause, visit [naviga:u]kenwayscause.org[/naviga:u].