The Official Blog of Dakin Humane Society
Dakin's Top Moments of 2017 - Thanks to You!
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.
When Spaying Saves Lives
“You and Dakin may be our last hope, and Roxie's as well,” the email read. “I hope you can help.” When Dakin's Executive Director Carmine DiCenso read the message sent by Paul St. Pierre last month, he was moved by Paul's plight and sprang into action.
Black Fur-iday Adoption Event Sends 91 Pets Home!
Dakin’s Black Fur-iday Adoption Event, the most-anticipated of the year, was a huge success! Doors opened at both our Springfield and Leverett adoption centers at 12:30pm on November 24, and by day’s end, 91 pets had found new homes
Read more … Black Fur-iday Adoption Event Sends 91 Pets Home!
In Praise of Senior Pets
November was Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and despite the fact that December is upon us, that message rings true 12 months a year.
Building a More Humane Community
Read about Dakin's efforts to help pets airlifted from hurricane-stricken Puerto Rico.
Willie's Dedication to Community Cats
Willie Ortiz of East Hartford has been a soldier, a mechanic, a bus driver and a welder. At the age of 75 he faces his most challenging, yet rewarding work yet…saving cats.
How You Have Helped Pets Affected By Hurricanes
Your support of Dakin makes great things happen. Animals being transported here from hurricane-ravaged southern states are getting a fresh start, thanks to you.
Volunteer Spotlight: Nick Rossi
September is back to school time, and Dakin Volunteer Nick Rossi is hitting the books and still finding time to tend to our small animals.
Mouse Neutering: A Whole New Ballgame
Tell all your friends! Earlier this year Dakin's medical team broke new ground by introducing mouse neutering to its capabilities.
Thinking INSIDE the box!
When a cat who normally practices good litterbox habits starts eliminating elsewhere in your home, it’s very challenging to know how to respond. We asked Dakin’s Feline Success Coordinator, Alanna Regan, for some pointers.
Strike a Pose!
Demi Moore did it, so did Beyonce and many other women. So why shouldn’t pregnant Peggy have a photo shoot to glamorize her baby bump?
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?
The Changing Face of Cat Adoption
What a difference six years makes. In 2010, Dakin welcomed 1,873 kittens. The total number of kittens brought to us in 2016 was 1,270. Why the reduction in kitten intake?
Barks & Brews
Barks & Brews 2017 was a "2 Paws Up" success! On Sunday, June 11 over 500 people (and LOTS of canines) gathered at Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton to celebrate a day of fun in the sun with their best friends.
Feline Weight Watchers: An Ounce of Prevention For a Pound of Cure
Dora, a gorgeous 11 year old tortoiseshell cat, came to Dakin earlier this year when her person passed away. She was scared and depressed by the loss of her companion and familiar environment until she met Dakin's Feline Weight Watchers team.
Read more … Feline Weight Watchers: An Ounce of Prevention For a Pound of Cure
Volunteer Spotlight
Call her the rat whisperer. Although she loves all animals, Dakin Volunteer Kimber Bennett has a special affinity for Dakin’s “smalls.”
Dasiy Candles Light Fundraising Way
When Kay Gregory combined her love of animals with her creativity and generosity, the Dasiy* Candle became a reality.
Dakin to the Rescue!
When the news came that there were 59 guinea pigs who needed to be taken in for adoption, the Dakin team rose to the challenge to provide a second chance for these animals in need.
A Volunteer's View
Sometimes when you’re low, the only way up is to lift others. Here’s a remarkable letter from a Dakin volunteer that will make your day.