ARL President (1977 – 2005)

Arthur Slade and his ARL-adopted puppy, Winston.

In Memoriam

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Arthur G. Slade, President Emeritus. During his 41 year tenure at ARL, Arthur was a tireless advocate and unwavering champion for animals in need.  He was extremely passionate about ARL’s mission and cared deeply for every member of our organization and surrounding community.

Arthur served as ARL’s President for 28 years (1977-2005), as ARL’s Vice President for 1 year, and as Director of Operations for 12 years.

For young staff members like Lisa Lagos, ARL’s Dedham Shelter Manager, he was a true role model. “I strive to be more like Arthur every day.”

At ARL’s 100th anniversary celebration, Arthur was awarded the Anna Harris Smith Award. Upon his retirement from ARL in 2005, he was first recipient of the Arthur G. Slade Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I had the pleasure of meeting with Arthur on numerous occasions and true to his reputation”, says ARL’s President, Mary Nee, “I found him to be a gracious and generous individual, deeply committed to ARL and animal welfare.”

A New England native, Arthur graduated from University of Connecticut in 1956. Following graduation, Arthur served as a first Lieutenant in United States Army, and remained in the Army Reserves until 1965 achieving the rank of Captain.

Prior to joining ARL, Arthur Slade held positions at the Connecticut Humane Society as a law enforcement agent and later as the Director of the Animal Department;  President and Director of the Massachusetts Federation of Humane Societies; Director and Treasurer of the New England Livestock Conservation; Director of the American Humane Association (AHA); National Chairman  of the Animal Advisory Committee of the New England Service Council of the AHA; Director and Assistant Treasurer of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA); Director of Red Acre Farm Foundation; and President and Advisory Director of the Pets and People Foundation of Boston.

Arthur Slade poses with Lt. Alan Borgal at an ARL event.

“Mr. Slade was very passionate about animal advocacy and helped push through key legislation in the state with regard to pet shops, rabies vaccinations, dog licensing, and much more,” says Lt. Alan Borgal, ARL’s Investigations Specialist. “He was very well-respected in our field.”

During his long career in the humane field he received many other honors and awards; among them were the Distinguished Alumni Award, College of Agriculture, University of Connecticut in 1986 and the National Lifetime Achievement Award, American Humane Association in 1995.

“Mr. Slade was a man of integrity and always had the best interest of the animals at heart,” says Dr. Rashel Shophet-Ratner, Veterinarian at Boston Veterinary Care.

We know that Arthur’s dedication to animals and people in need can never be put to words, but today we remember him for his genuine kindness. “His compassion shone through in everything that he said and did,” says Beverly Hardcastle, Practice Administrator of Boston Veterinary Care. “Our heart goes out to his family and loved ones.”

Click here to make a gift in Arthur’s memory.