Longtime Laguna Beach Animal Shelter Caregiver Retires

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Longtime zoophilist Laura Dunaway, who has worked with animals since entering the workforce at the age of 17, will retire this week.

Dunaway's retirement follows 35 years of serving as an animal care specialist for the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, where she has worked since 1986.

In a news release, the shelter said Dunaway first began working with animals at the age of 17, when she took a job at a Laguna Beach veterinarian's office.

Dunaway went on to work for a wildlife veterinarian in Kerrville, Texas, before becoming an animal control officer.

Danbury returned to Southern California in 1986 to begin working at the Laguna Beach shelter, where she continued to work for 35 years.

During her time in Laguna Beach, she helped rescue animals from several major floods and fires, including a 1993 blaze that required a rapid evacuation followed by an extensive remodel.

Now, Danbury is looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren, dog, cats, bearded dragon and husband of 37 years, the shelter said.

"During Laura’s service as an Animal Care Specialist, she has worked tirelessly to make sure the animals were fed, walked, and taken care of," the release reads. "For 35 years, Laura has often put the welfare of the animals ahead of her own. A truly dedicated professional and animal lover, Laura will be missed by her colleagues and shelter volunteers."