The Official Blog of Dakin Humane Society

It’s not where you’re going, but who’s riding with you.

Winter in New England doesn’t stop for anyone – and that includes Dakin dogs who need a bathroom break. For some new arrivals from the south, the snow was a very unexpected adventure!

When we were planning the first Will Run for Cookies event in 2022, we wanted to give our teams who raise funds for Dakin a meaningful token not only to appreciate them for their participation but one that connects to our mission. We were inspired by the name of a certain spunky kitten who was recovering from a dramatic rescue.

Enzo’s leg injury resulted in an amputation, and a team of dedicated people came together to give him a bright future. This is his story.

Every so often we receive an adoption update that just stands out. Here’s one we received from Jennifer’s family about a Dakin kitten named Nicolas Cage who they brought home to their cat, Bilbo Swaggins.

The Dakin van has a whole new look, and an important mission!

Thanks to a creative collaboration between Yankee Mattress and Dakin Humane Society, comfort is finding its way into the lives of pets and people alike.

Dental health is a important part of your pet’s overall well-being. Problems affecting the teeth and gums don’t just cause pain; they can also contribute to, or stem from, more serious health issues.

Polo arrived at Dakin a gentle giant – stressed, scared, but ready to love and be loved. It took the work of a dedicated and compassionate team to make his wish come true.

Most of the cats in this particular group had already been spayed and neutered, so a newcomer always raises some questions.

Dr. Katie is returning to work at Dakin after spending six years living and working in Hawaii. Learn about her intriguing career path, and what she will be handling as our new medical director.

Meet the 2025 Dakin Legends!  Honoring the long-term dedication of five special people.

You’ve scheduled your pet’s vet appointment. Here is how a little preparation can help make the visit smoother, safer, and more effective.

Chosen by the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) to conduct a surgical training workshop, Dakin shared spay surgery expertise with veterinarians. Learn about how we’re helping expand access to animal care beyond our walls, and why it matters.

Bella arrived at the busiest time of the year, and needed above-and-beyond care and compassion. Fortunately, she found a dedicated team ready to provide it.

For the fourth year in a row, first-grade students at Milton Bradley Elementary School in Springfield organized a donation drive to help the animals and programs at Dakin Humane Society. Read about their extraordinary efforts and what they learned along the way.

Sometimes the road to home feels impossibly long—but when love is waiting at the end, every step is worth it. For calico kittens Uma and Crouton, that journey required patience, perseverance, and a whole lot of heart.

Life can change in the blink of an eye, and for a young mom with two beloved cats, one hardship snowballed into another. Thankfully, her family found compassion and was able to stay together.

Leo arrived at Dakin covered in bites and injuries, but fought a four-month battle to regain his health and start again. Thanks to a dedicated team that tended to his many medical and emotional needs, he triumphed.