It's the end of an era for RSPCA Tasmania, who is saying goodbye to a woman described as an invaluable part of the organisation.
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More than 30 years ago Lorraine Hamilton walked into the RSPCA Canberra office and asked if she could volunteer.
Two years later she was offered a paid position as an education officer, and by 1999 she was managing the shelter. It was a role she would hold for more than a decade.
Growing up in Tasmania, it was an early retirement that prompted Ms Hamilton to return to her home state. However, it didn't take long for her to answer a new RSPCA calling.
In a case of history repeating itself, just a few months into her retirement Ms Hamilton walked into the RSPCA Mowbray office and asked if she could volunteer.
But soon after, the shelter's manager left the position and Ms Hamilton once again found herself in the top job.
"I thought I would do it for a couple of years - but that was 13 years ago," she said.
"I guess you could call me a glutton for punishment."
Ms Hamilton managed the Mowbray shelter until 2018, when the Launceston RSPCA Animal Care Centre consolidated its model of care.
The next chapter saw her lead the organisation's Spreyton shelter.
It is here she will end a more than 30-year history with the RSPCA - a career she said had left her with plenty of memories - and a few extra pets.
"There are certain animals that I will never forget. I have seen a lot over all those years, but there are some who stay with you," she said.
"I would not be able to count how many dogs and cats I have had in my office over the years, that just needed that extra TLC.
"They needed a quiet spot to sit. It's lovely when I see them down the track."
Ms Hamilton also had nothing but praise for the organisation's countless volunteers, who she said not only made her job possible - but also helped changed the lives of thousands of animals across the state.
"Some of them have become my best friends over the years," she said.
Having led numerous fundraising events and initiatives over the years, RSPCA Tasmania chief executive Jan Davis said Ms Hamilton's retirement marked the end of an era for the organisation.
"The experience she brought to the organisation has been invaluable, and her commitment to improving the lives of animals has provided a role model for the many people she has worked with over the years," she said.
"Her influence has been enormous - co-workers, volunteers, foster carers, and people who have surrendered or adopted animals all hold her in the highest regard. As recently as this morning [Thursday], we had a message from someone who adopted a dog from the RSPCA seven years ago.
"They said the care Lorraine had taken them in matching them with their furry friend had changed their lives. We are very grateful to her for everything she has done. We just know she will continue to work for better outcomes for animals even when she is supposed to be retired."
Before she retires, Ms Hamilton's parting wish with the RSPCA is to help find a "furever" home for Oakey, who has been at the Spreyton shelter since February.
Described as a dog full of life and love, Ms Hamilton said Oakey would make a loving addition to a family.
"If we can get him the right person, he could be a very nice dog," she said.
In her retirement, Ms Hamilton said she would continue to volunteer and fundraise for the RSPCA. But most of all she was looking forward to spending more time with her own animals.
"Every animal I've had has come from the RSPCA. I've got four cats and two little dogs now who I just adore.
"I always joked we would end up with all the rejects, because they were the ones that needed the most work. I would say 'just come home with me for a few nights'. Six years later, they are still running the roost."
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