A Mouse Tale

 

Step inside either our Springfield or Leverett Adoption Centers and you’ll see an unusually high number of cages with spinning wheels, cardboard tubes, tiny food dishes, water bottles and, yes, mice. We’ve got a record-high number of them right now.  So how did that happen?

A few months back we received a call from the MSPCA shelter in Boston asking for assistance with a large intake of mice. Given Dakin’s partnership with several shelters (both inside and outside the region), we were quick to step up and help our colleagues in Boston, just as they have come to our aid when we have been overwhelmed by large numbers of animals.

Before long, more than 40 mice of all ages (including one who was pregnant) were under our roof. After an initial evaluation of all the arrivals, the baby mice were placed in foster homes, while the adults were prepared for adoption.  The pregnant female soon delivered 16 babies, a larger-than-average litter. 

While some mice have already found homes, there are now 35 of them (including the babies, who are now of adoption age) waiting to meet their new people. Mice are not the first creatures that come to mind when most people consider adopting a pet, but they have a considerable fan base.  In addition to being very smart, mice are clean by nature and they’re quite friendly.  They crave daily interactions with their people.  Mice are a great first pet for an older child who has some small animal handling experience.

In an effort to create attention for the mice (and spread the word about their availability), special photos featuring them with a variety of fun props were taken by Dakin Volunteer Kimber Bennett. Dakin’s “See Adoptable Animals” page on our web site is currently filled with images of the mice frolicking with fidget spinners, toy cars, wagons, doll house furniture, pirate ships and more.

“These mice are here because a sister organization in Massachusetts reached out for our help,” said Dakin’s Director of Operations Karina King. “We’re stretching ourselves to help them, and in order for this rescue to go really well, we need help from the people of our community to find homes for them.”

If you’re not in the market to adopt a mouse, you can help these bright-eyed pets by sharing this story (or some of the adorable photos of them on our web site) with friends who might be interested. If you’d like to make a gift to help offset their cost of care, your gift would be much appreciated!