Dakin's Top Moments of 2017
What a year Dakin has had…innovative and life-saving. We rescued animals at risk, implemented new programs, served our community (and their pets), perfected new surgeries, and more. And this was all made possible by people like you who care enough to adopt, volunteer, foster, support, and donate.
Dogs Playing for Life – This national program allows shelter dogs to play outdoors together in a carefully monitored, enclosed area. The playtime allows the dogs to expend excess energy and provides us with great photo/video opportunities to capture them in a relaxed and happy state, share those images on social media, and attract adopters quickly. Thanks to all the Dakin volunteers who help run this program, and to those of you who fell in love with these dogs and took them home.
Transport Partnerships Saves Lives – This year we took in more than 100 pets who were already in southern shelters to make room for those who became displaced by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Our message to you was a plea to adopt, to bring home those dogs and cats we were welcoming. You stepped up and gave those pets a new future.
Vaccine Clinic in Mason Square – Last June we held a free vaccine clinic in one of Springfield’s most financially-challenged neighborhoods to help people and their dogs. Thanks to all of you who attended to ensure your pet would remain healthy, and helped spread the word about it to your friends. Thanks also to all of you who donate to Dakin and request that your funds be earmarked for programs like this.
More Spirit Cat Adoptions – Spirit cats, as one Dakin staff member described them, “are like roommates. You know they’re there, but you don’t see them very often and they eat your food.” As we learn more about these shy kitties – and share that info with you – more of you opened your homes and hearts to take them in. In 2015 we found homes for 83 spirit cats and kittens. The following year that number went to 159. Onward and upward!
Mouse Neutering – Dakin's skilled veterinarians are always learning and applying new treatment methods for shelter animals. This year, they began performing neuter surgeries on shelter mice. Your support enables us to find innovative ways to expand our services.
Upgrade of Dental Equipment – Thanks to a grant from the Banfield Foundation, Dakin will soon be upgrading its dental equipment. Senior pets with dental issues are brought to us in increasing numbers, and very often these animals need care before they can be adopted. Thanks to your willingness to adopt seniors, we’ll have great equipment to help them feel better and go home!
59 Guinea Pigs That Needed Homes – Last May Dakin received 59 guinea pigs in one day when their person became overwhelmed in caring for them. Many foster volunteers stepped up to take some of the pigs home for a while to ease the strain on our adoption floors, and several of you adopted these cuties.
As this remarkable year draws to a close, we find ourselves gearing up for an equally exciting and groundbreaking 2018! We’d like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a happy and safe holiday season, and please keep Dakin’s animals in mind as you make your seasonal gifts.