One of the North-east's most dedicated animal welfare champions is celebrating an incredible milestone this month, as Marie Simpson marks 40 years of service with Mrs Murray's Home for Stray Dogs and Cats.
Marie joined the Aberdeen charity in June 1986 as a Kennel Maid, having left school on a Friday and started work at the Home the following Monday.
"It wasn't where I thought I'd end up," she laughs. "I wanted to work in a record shop."
Forty years later, she is now General Manager, having devoted her entire career to improving the lives of animals across the North-east.
Over the last four decades, Marie has witnessed huge changes in animal welfare, rescue and rehoming. When she first joined Mrs Murray's, many animals had to be put to sleep simply because there were not enough homes available. Today, the focus is firmly on rehabilitation, rehoming, and giving animals a second chance.
Marie and her colleagues were among the first in Aberdeen to introduce vaccinations and microchipping within a rescue environment, helping drive standards forward long before legislation changed.
Continuous improvement has always been important to her. When Marie started, there were just ten kennels used for dogs looking for homes at the Home the rest were for strays and boarding. Today, there are around 30 kennels for rehoming, and she is now helping lead The Big Build, an ambitious fundraising campaign that will create modern, purpose-built facilities for future generations of rescue dogs.
Looking back on her career, one of the things Marie is most proud of is helping animals that others may once have given up on.
Marie Simpson being presented with flowers for her 40 years of service by Chairman Alan Grant, surrounded by some of the wider team.
One such animal was Miley, a six-week-old stray Cocker Spaniel puppy who arrived at Mrs Murray's in 2018 suffering from Swimmer Syndrome, a developmental condition that affects a puppy's ability to stand and walk properly.
Despite being told the outlook was poor, Marie and the team were determined to give her a chance.
Marie fostered Miley at home, taught themselves rehabilitation techniques, encouraged her to build strength by swimming in the bath, and even built a cardboard walking frame to help her learn to walk. Today, Miley is eight years old and living happily with her forever family.
Marie said: "Mrs Murray’s is not a sad place. It's a joyful place, full of hope, love, and amazing stories. Whether it's a rescued puppy learning to walk, a nervous stray finding confidence, or a much-loved pet getting a second chance, helping these animals is what has kept me coming back every day for 40 years."
Over the years, Marie has also overseen the introduction of long-term sanctuary care for animals whose medical or behavioural needs make rehoming impossible.
Among them was Max, the much-loved long-term resident who recently became the face of the charity's Big Build fundraising campaign, but who sadly passed away in May.
The Home has also cared for numerous long-term resident cats over the years, adapting its approach to ensure animals with complex needs can continue to enjoy a safe, happy and comfortable life.
Chairman Alan Grant said: "Forty years of service is an extraordinary achievement, but what makes Marie's contribution truly special is the belief she has instilled throughout the charity that every animal deserves a chance.
“Mrs Murrays is full of wonderful memories, and Marie has played a part in so many of them. She has devoted her working life to improving the lives of animals across the North-east, and it is impossible to measure the impact she has had on the thousands of dogs and cats that have come through our doors during that time.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have her leading the Home, and even more fortunate that she continues to bring the same energy, compassion and determination to the role today as she did 40 years ago."
For Marie, however, the biggest achievement has never been about reaching a milestone. "Mrs Murray's isn't just a job, it's part of my life. I'm lucky to have an incredible team around me who are as passionate as I am, and we support each other to do the very best for the animals in our care."
While the exact number may never be known, one thing is certain: few people have touched the lives of more rescue animals in the North-east than Marie Simpson.
And after 40 years, her passion for helping them, and the people who care for them, shows no sign of slowing down.