Big Dog Energy Unleashed

Two people smiling with a black puppy outside the shelter

Last month, Dakin joined forces with the MSPCA-Angell Adoption Centers and other Massachusetts Animal Shelter Support (MASS) coalition partners in unleashing Big Dog Energy state-wide!

All dogs one year and older had their adoption fees waived at nine shelters during the week of April 21-27, which resulted in 124 of them finding new homes. Dakin, which participated on April 26-27, saw 20 dogs adopted during our event. Other participating shelters include Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center, Berkshire Humane Society, Worcester Animal Rescue League, Boston Animal Control and all four MSPCA-Angell Adoption Centers in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville on Cape Cod.

Dakin also took extra steps to ensure the success of the event by discounting adoption fees for dogs under one year old, and taking in three dogs from Thomas J. O’Connor to help with their dog population. “At one point, the most popular dog here had nine people in line for him,” noted Dakin’s Behavior Coordinator Lauren Rubin.

“It’s important to minimize a dog’s stay in a shelter as much as possible,” said Dakin’s Executive Director Meg Talbert. “While they receive focused care, interaction with people, and any medical attention they may need at Dakin, we also want to keep them in good spirits. Dogs in shelters can experience a loss of autonomy. They rely entirely on staff or volunteers for food, exercise, and companionship, and this lack of control over their environment can lead to stress. Adoption events like Big Dog Energy help us move dogs into homes more quickly.”

The MASS coalition was formed nearly a year ago to increase adoptions, reduce euthanasia, and improve health and wellbeing of shelter animals across Massachusetts. The group encourages participating shelters statewide to work collaboratively in holding adoption events that target a particular type of pet that has been waiting a long time to find a new family.

Adoption events like Big Dog Energy guided many dogs throughout Massachusetts to bright new beginnings. When shelters join forces to tackle challenges, the result is happier pets, fulfilled missions, and stronger communities.