The Official Blog of Dakin Humane Society

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.
Saving Those Left Behind
When Joe Smith, owner of Joe’s Junk Removal and More, responded to a recent call to clear out the home of an elderly woman who had passed away, he was in for a big surprise when he arrived at the house.

A Legacy for Lil Bit
When Jerry Marchand held his beloved feline companion Little Bit as she was dying on July 23, 2010, he made her a promise: “Because of you other kitties will have a chance at living and finding a home.
Love Some Bunny
With Easter coming soon, thoughts often turn to adopting a fuzzy and friendly bunny. However, did you know that – after cats and dogs – rabbits are the third most frequently surrendered animal to shelters?
Steve Lewis Subaru Supports Dakin
“Eighty percent of Steve Lewis Subaru clients are pet parents. We are a pet friendly dealership, so we are very lucky to see many of our four-legged customers each day,” says Project Manager Tracy Stearns of Steve Lewis Subaru.

Volunteer Spotlight
Two ladies with a passion for antiques and animals created one of Dakin’s most dynamic enterprises; the Diamonds in the Ruff Thrift Shoppe. Incredibly, their devotion has generated more than $243,000 for animals and community programs at Dakin.