Mass Saves Sends 21 Dakin Dogs Home

21 dogs at Dakin found adoptive families with open and loving arms over the course of five days in July, thanks to the efforts of a newly-formed alliance between a half dozen of the leading animal shelters in Massachusetts.

The MA Coalition’s Mass Saves event waived adoption fees for dogs one year and older during the week of July 14. The Coalition’s participating shelters (MSPCA-Angell, Worcester Animal Rescue League, City of Boston Animal Care and Control, Berkshire Humane Society, Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, and Dakin Humane Society) took part in the promotion, in addition to other shelters, including Lowell Humane Society, Animal Protection Center of Southeastern MA, and Baypath Humane Society. Collectively, these organizations guided 157 dogs into new homes by the end of that week.

The Coalition’s goal is to increase adoptions, reduce euthanasia, and improve the wellbeing of shelter animals in Massachusetts. Since the pandemic, more dogs have been entering shelters and staying there longer, which increases the chance of disease and behavioral issues, so the group’s first effort became an adoption event focused on getting dogs into homes. Going forward, the coalition will be working on other projects to benefit species found in Massachusetts shelters.

Before our doors opened on the first day of the event, a crowd waited outside to find the perfect dog.  One of the first pups to go home was Bella, a gentle, seven-year-old terrier/Chihuahua mix who had been waiting six weeks to meet her future family. An enthusiastic couple from Worcester County, who were near the front of the line to come in, cradled Bella in their arms as they made it official.

Dakin is incredibly proud to be part of this impactful coalition and to act in partnership with some of the leading shelters in Massachusetts dedicated to providing the best possible future for as many animals as we can.