The Beanie That Started It All

Beanie, rescued by Dakin's Kitten Street Team, in recovery in 2022

This year marks Dakin’s 5th annual Will Run for Cookies 5K Run/2K Walk — and what began as a fun race has grown into a joyful, heartwarming tradition for people and pets alike. Each year, our community gathers not just to run or walk, but to celebrate the animals who change our lives and to ensure brighter futures for those still waiting to be adopted.

When we were planning the very first Cookie Run in 2022, we wanted to thank participants who raised $100 through sponsorships or team building with something meaningful. At the same time, a tiny kitten was capturing hearts inside our shelter.

In the bitter cold of January, a litter of feral kittens had been discovered sheltering beneath an outdoor staircase. Dakin’s all-volunteer Kitten Street Team worked tirelessly to humanely trap them and bring them to safety. The first to be rescued was a petite tabby female — brave, alert, and clearly the leader. We named her Beanie.

Within days, all the kittens were safe and reunited before heading to foster care to recover from the freezing temperatures. During her healing process, little Beanie wore a pink knitted beanie to help keep her warm. The sight of this tiny survivor in her cozy cap delighted everyone — and sparked an idea.

That year, we gifted “Beanies for Beanie” to participants who raised $100 or more. Beanie became the face of our very first Cookie Run — a symbol of resilience, hope, and the many animals whose futures would be transformed through community support.

Now, as we prepare for our 5th annual event, we couldn’t help but wonder about the mischievous kitten who inspired it all, so we reached out to the family who adopted her.

Today, Beanie is thriving in a loving home with Hollie, Greg, Madison, Troy, and Scarlett — along with a Pomeranian and a King Charles Cavalier mix. Adopted as a kitten to help fill the void left when an older sibling headed off to college, Beanie quickly made herself indispensable.

“She settled in so quickly and is an amazing, lovable cat,” Hollie shared. “She wakes me up every morning by tapping my head for her breakfast. I call her my alarm clock.”

Affectionate, fearless, and just a little bit mischievous, Beanie keeps everyone entertained — even initiating play with her canine siblings by literally rolling right into the action. Holly describes her as “the perfect mix.”  

Beanie was the ideal face for that very first Cookie Run — full of spunk, determination, and heart. And just like Beanie, this event has grown stronger every year, bringing joy, connection, and life-changing impact along the way.

Now it’s your turn to be part of the story.

Early Bird registration is open through March 31. When you sign up, consider fundraising in honor of a special animal who has touched your life. Share their story. Invite your friends and family to support you. Every dollar raised helps Dakin continue its vision of a world where the human-animal bond is accessible to all and companion animals are no longer vulnerable. Join us. Run, walk, fundraise — and help write the next happy ending.

Who knows… you might even earn a beanie of your own.

Beanie at home, living large