Then I shake off the sleep and realize it’s just another batch of “Dixie Dogs” arriving from their long journey.

Fernando

In addition to serving local dogs here in our community, Dakin has spent the past several years working with outside organizations to find homes for dogs coming from overpopulated areas in the southern United States. In partnership with Operation Pets Alive, our most recent Dixie Dog group arrived on April 7, 2012, from Montgomery County, Texas.

My friend put together this video about the most recent Dixie Dog transfer.

I often get to meet the Dixie Dogs after they are cleared to go up for adoption. This most recent group is pretty swell. If you’re looking for a small- to medium-sized dog, you should get here quick! Although they’ve often spent weeks or months waiting for new homes in Texas, the Dixie Dogs are usually adopted in less than a week here in Massachusetts.

Big Mo

Thanks for listening! Maybe I will see some of you soon when you come to find your new canine friend. Now back to that nap…

~Chip ^..^

I’ll make this post brief: I’ve got six special friends I’d like you to meet. Jae, Siegfried, Tigger, Tea Ching, Darren, and Hugo Wolf are all available for adoption at the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society.

Because they are so special, we’ve decided to make a short video that includes each cat. Please take the time to watch this film, and spread the word! These five gentlemen and one lady are in need of homes.

For more information on the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), please visit this page created by the Best Friends Animal Society.

For information about adoption at Dakin, please visit our adoption information page.

Please note that the adoption fee for FIV+ kitties is waived. The adoption includes sterilization surgery, rabies and distemper vaccinations, appropriate blood tests, parasite treatment, a collar and ID tag, a bag of kitty food, and thirty days of emergency health insurance. Donations are welcome, of course!

All the best,

~Chip ^..^

Banana, fostered by Danielle Graziano Nov. 19 – Dec. 17, 2011. Adopted Dec. 20, 2011!

Ah, winter. Time to curl up on the couch, watch the snow fall, and rest up in preparation for Kitten Season 2012. Kitten what?, you ask. Allow me to explain. Kitten Season encompasses the warmer months of the year, which is when most of the kittens are born. It’s the time of year when we rely most heavily on our foster families to take babies (those with and without moms!) into loving homes to provide the TLC kittens require to become healthy, happy house cats.

It seems like just yesterday that my friend Leslie Harris, Executive Director here at the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, was posting on her blog about Kitten Season 2011. What a year it has been! More than 1,200 animals were placed in foster care in 2011. That’s an increase of about 33% compared to 2010.

The Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society Community Spay/Neuter Clinic is working diligently to reduce the number of kittens born in western Massachusetts. Unfortunately, there are currently more cats being born than homes available for those cats. Spaying and neutering is the best way to reduce animal homelessness right here in our community.

Since opening in 2009, the Dakin Community Spay/Neuter Clinic has neutered more than 22,000 cats and dogs. This number includes 1,885 feral cats, who produce many of the kittens that seek shelter at Dakin. Thankfully, through participation in the Clinic’s trap-neuter-return program, the community has given many feral cats a second chance. Feral cats—wild cats that are not social and cannot be touched by humans—still deserve a chance to live out their lives much like any other wild animal. A visit to the Dakin Community Spay/Neuter Clinic ensures that litters will not continue to be born to feral cats. The cats will also receive an all-important rabies vaccination.

We are hopeful that, over time, the Dakin Community Spay/Neuter Clinic’s efforts will reduce the number of homeless animals in our community. Until then, we are grateful for local rescue organizations, foster families, donors, and caring members of our community who are working hard to provide for homeless animals.

Orangina, an orphaned kitten fostered by the Ferrier family in June, 2011.

Thanks to 283 foster volunteers who opened their homes in 2011, Dakin has been able to provide for many more animals than we could have if we had to care for those animals in-house. We are forever grateful to those foster families who have opened their homes and hearts. Let’s take a look back at just a few of the foster families who have provided loving homes to Dakin alumni in 2011.

The Fediers have fostered a whopping 114 animals since they began volunteering in 2009. This number doesn’t include their prior experience volunteering for the MSPCA, which owned the Union Street building before Dakin. The Fediers estimate that they have fostered over 200 kittens since they first became foster parents.

“We started taking in kittens four years ago when we stopped in to visit at the MSPCA and saw a poster looking for foster homes for cats and kittens who need some extra TLC. We were looking to adopt a kitten at the time, so I thought we would try to foster maybe once or twice and see what it was like,” reports Mary Ann Fedier, reflecting on how her family began taking in kittens.

Stew, fostered by the Fediers in Sept., 2011. Adopted Nov. 2, 2011.

“Our ‘job’ is to feed, play with, and socialize the kittens. We have to handle and kiss and cuddle and keep them healthy and fat and happy until it’s time to go back and find their ‘forever home,’” said Mary Ann.

For the Fediers, fostering is a nearly constant experience. It seems that as soon as they’ve raised on litter of happy kittens, they are willing to take on the next! Fostering is not always easy, and the Fediers have taken on many animals who need special medical care.

“Now I have to be honest, it is a lot of work and responsibility. Very unfortunately, we have lost a couple of kittens, but that is nature,” Mary Ann points out. “To see all the fat, healthy, happy kittens that have left our home makes it worth every minute.”

We certainly appreciate all the time, expense, and hard work the Fediers have taken on as foster volunteers. Thanks to them, hundreds of kittens have received the attention and socialization they so desperately need at a young age to become friendly, happy adult house cats. The Fediers fostered moms like Sativa, who was found with her six kittens under a porch in South Hadley.

Sativa and her kittens just before going into foster care. Peanut Butter is the most visible kitten in the photo.

Just one week old when they entered foster care, Sativa’s kittens probably do not remember their days living under a porch. Unlike Sativa, her kittens will never know a life without love. After two months of foster, all seven cats returned to Dakin to be placed up for adoption. Sprinkes and Hot Fudge found their forever home on November 19, Jim Dandy and Peanut Butter went to their new homes on November 20, and Creamsicle, Banana Split, and Sativa were adopted on November 22. What a happy ending!

Peanut Butter shortly before her adoption on Nov. 20, 2011!

Like the Fediers, the Alexanders began fostering several years ago while considering adoption.

“We had been thinking about getting a cat or a kitten for a while.  My husband was not so sure about this as he was not a ‘cat person’,” recalled Nancy Alexander. “We heard about Dakin and their need for foster families. Our family thought it would be both a way to help animals and a way to see if a cat would blend into our household, since we already had two rescue dogs.”

Nancy remembers their first foster kitten, Oliver.

“He needed medication daily and some TLC and handling, which my then eight-year-old daughter was more than happy to provide. None of us had been around little kittens before—what a delight! The chasing of tails, the fearless climbing, the stalking of human feet and the pouncing on anything that moved was so much fun to watch,” she said.

Eventually, it was time for Oliver to go up for adoption. Nancy shared the following story with us:

Well, Oliver finally “made his weight” and it was time to send him back to Dakin for his surgery and eventual adoption. Have you ever tried to take a kitten away from an eight-year-old girl? She had known from the beginning that this was coming, but that did not make it any easier. There were tears and hugs, but she bravely accompanied us to the Greenfield location and said goodbye.

What is the best way to get over missing a kitten? Get some more! We fostered three or four more litters over that summer and enjoyed every minute, truly. Our last litter that summer was a trio—Mila, Montana, and Stetson. My husband and I came to the conclusion that we would adopt one or two of this litter for our own. Monty (Montana) and Mittens (Stetson) have been full-fledged members of the family for four years now and effortlessly boss all of us around—especially the two dogs.

Donnie, fostered by the Alexanders in 2009. Adopted April 17, 2009.

Why have we continued into our fifth “kitten season”? My daughter has learned compassion, responsibility, and lots about caring for young ones. We have had moms nursing litters, singletons, duos, and trios on up to litters of five. We have enjoyed longhairs, shorthairs, tabbies, tuxedos, and torties. We have medicated, nursed, weighed, and measured. Most of all we have loved, cuddled, chased, petted, and played with an estimated thirty or more cats and kittens. (Captain’s note: 44 to date!)

Bambi, fostered by the Alexander family in 2010. Adopted June 16, 2010.

I am continually asked how do we do it. How can you open your hearts and home and then give them back? It really does become easy. We realize that we are just a few of the many helping hands that find these little ones their forever homes. Knowing that makes our short time with them the most enjoyable way I can think of to volunteer.

And my husband? He has officially become a cat person!

The Alexanders have taken on some very difficult fosters, including kittens with medical issues. We cannot thank them enough for donating their time to provide for so many fur babies!

Debra Bercuvitz first encountered the Dakin foster program when she adopted Duffle, a kitty who had spent his early kittenhood with a foster family.

“His complete and utter loving and relaxed self was apparent from the first moment that I saw him. I was so taken by how beautifully socialized he was that I sent a note to his foster parents in appreciation of their hard work,” she remembers.

Sadly, Duffle passed away less than a year later when he got out of the house and was hit by a truck. Devastated and mourning the loss of her dear friend, Debra decided to become a foster parent.

“I didn’t want to own another cat again after Duffle, but I felt like the best thing that I could do to honor him and the hard work of his foster parents was to become a foster parent myself, which I have been doing for the past year,” said Debra, whose children assist with kitten care.

“My nine-year-old son has been a great socializer, spending hours playing with all of the fosters. My kids understand that none of them will stay with us, but that we are helping them to be ready to find a forever family,” she said.

Although the Bercuvitz family has only been fostering for the past year, it is clear that they care deeply for the animals.

“One day last year my librarian looked tired, and I asked her if everything was okay. She sheepishly admitted that she was fostering for Dakin and was sleeping on the couch while the kitties had her bedroom,” Debra said. “I laughed and told her that I, too, was on the couch while the kitties had my bed.”

Horace, adopted Oct. 20, 2011!

Most recently, the Bercuvitz family fostered Horace, a single kitten who was left at Dakin this past September. Suffering from ear infections and diarrhea, Horace was on medication and needed special food and fluids. Debra and her family tended to Horace’s needs and brought him to his visits with vet staff as necessary. He recovered from his illnesses and was adopted on October 20.

“I can’t bring Duffle back, but I can be a part of preparing other kittens and cats to go to homes where they will hopefully be as beloved as Duffle was,” said Debra. “It is also another way to support the incredible work of DPVHS.”

Small animals need foster care, too!

Kittens aren’t the only animals that Dakin places with foster families. Other animals seeking foster include shy cats who aren’t doing well in the Adoption Center environment, adult dogs who are stressed out in the Adoption Center, Momma dogs with their puppies, small animals who are pregnant or have babies, female small animals who need to be on a gestational hold (to ensure they are not adopted out while pregnant!), and animals who are recovering from injuries, surgeries, or illness.

My friend and co-worker Tiffany Barrow, Adoption Center Manager, is a new face in the building, but she’s not new to the animal welfare field. Having worked with humane organizations in New Hampshire and Washington, D.C., Tiffany has a ton of experience working with animals. She and her family have provided foster care for many animals, including those who need socialization or medical care.

“As a family we like to open our hearts and home up to the animals in the most need,” said Tiffany, whose son patiently works with under-socialized kittens to gain their trust.

“In the winter months, when the kitten population drops, we tend to take in medical cases,” she told me, recalling some of her foster cats. “We helped a cat that was trapped in fire regain her strength and nursed a cat back to health after paint was dumped on her, and she lost all her hair and suffered liver damage from ingesting the paint.”

For her first official foster here at Dakin, Tiffany has taken in a chihuahua/dachshund mix named Nena. Nena gave birth to four puppies. Puppies are a lot of work, and the Barrow family has been patiently caring for the litter for seven weeks!

“Each foster teaches a new lesson in compassion, and every foster has been special to us. We are forever changed because we were blessed by the time that they spent in our house,” said Tiffany.

This past June, a friendly cat named Ebony came to Dakin. She was immediately treated for fleas and upper respiratory infection. After she chewed open the sutures to her spay incision, she required extra post-surgery care. When her blood work showed a low-positive result for Feline Leukemia, a blood sample was sent to a lab for further testing. The second result was negative. Due to the discrepancy, Ebony needed to be retested two months later before she could be cleared for adoption. Despite her rough start, Ebony was willing to be anybody’s friend. Norma Wanegar volunteered to take Ebony into her home so Ebony would not have to sit in a kennel for two months.

“Ebony was to be my summer foster kitty,” explained Norma, who gladly cuddled with her new foster feline. It wasn’t long before Ebony’s personality began to blossom.

“I soon learned that she is an exceptional ping pong player, feather chaser, and quilt cat. A quilt cat chases anything that moves under a quilt, namely my hand,” Norma said.

As it sometimes goes with foster families, Norma and Ebony developed a special bond. When the two months were over and Ebony once gain tested negative for Leukemia, Norma decided that Ebony should remain part of the family.

“What cinched it for me is that, occasionally, she sleeps with me and licks my hair clean as a whistle. She also chirps. Who would know a totally black cat could have such love and pizzaz?!” Norma said.

Ebony, adopted Sept. 16, 2011

We are thrilled to know that Ebony has such a loving mom. Thank you, Norma, for giving her a chance to shine.

These are just a few Foster Stories from 2011. I wish I could thank every member of the hundreds of families who foster for Dakin. Without your support, we could not help nearly as many animals in our community. You put up with irritable Momma cats, messy kittens, and chewing puppies. You bottle feed, give fluids, and administer medication. You bring your fur babies to Dakin for bandage changes, surgery, and medical exams. You open your hearts to our animal friends even though you know they are not permanent members of your family. You wish them well as they head off to be adopted by their forever families. Your selfless acts of kindness and compassion are deeply appreciated by everyone here at Dakin.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent for cats, dogs, or small animals, please  visit the foster information page on our website. After reading through the information, you can submit the Foster Application form online.

Thank you, again, to all our lovely foster families.

My coworkers and I would like to wish our readers a very Happy New Year! My resolutions are to eat more, sleep more, and sleep more.

~Chip ^..^

Preparing for Kitten Season 2012...

Although the Adoption Centers are closed on Thanksgiving, the staff here at the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society work 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to ensure all of our animal residents receive daily care. In addition to their usual daily tasks, the staff will be preparing for our Black Friday Felines Adoption Event, which will take place on Friday, November 25, at both the Leverett and Springfield Adoption Centers from 12 noon to 5:30 p.m.

This Friday only, any cat or kitten with even a hint of black fur will have his usual adoption fee—$150 for kittens and $95 for adults—waived. Dakin exists thanks to donations from people who care about the animals in our community, so adopters are welcome to make a donation when they take home their new family member. The adoption includes sterilization surgery, rabies and distemper vaccinations, appropriate blood tests, parasite treatment, a collar and ID tag, a bag of kitty food, and thirty days of emergency health insurance, so it’s quite a deal!

I’m pretty excited for this event. No, we’re not opening at some ungodly hour or serving hors d’oeuvres to our visitors (darn!), but we are proud to devote this day to our black cats. Black cats are often overlooked, and they find homes at a slower rate than other cats. Isn’t that silly? As a gentleman with a lovely black and white coat myself, I am quite fond of the color.

Yours truly!

This year, Black Friday Felines include any cat or kitten with black on his or her fur. Solid black? You’re ace. Torties? Meow! Tuxedos? Looking snazzy! Calicos? We’ve got those! They’re all up for adoption at our fee-waived adoption event. Now where did I put that black Sharpie…

Before I depart for my pre-Thanksgiving feast, I’d like to profile just a few of my friends who will be featured at our Black Friday Felines event.

Let’s start with my friends Siegfried, Dingo, and Darren who are all Feline Immunodeficiency Virus positive (FIV+). This feline-only virus is not easily spread between cats and cannot be spread through casual contact. It’s typically spread through deep bite wounds. (That’s why intact males who live outside are more likely to contract FIV. This is yet another reason to neuter your feline friends!) Most FIV+ cats live normal lives. We recommend FIV+ cats either be the only cat in your home or live with other FIV+ cats. Check out this FIV fact sheet:

Siegfried and Dingo are both here in Springfield and can be adopted together or separately.

Siegfried

My friend Darren is available for adoption in Leverett. He is really a trooper. He was found as a stray, and his left eye was so badly infected that the vet staff had to remove it. Even so, Darren seems like a pretty happy fellow. He must know that he’s in good hands now! He is looking forward to meeting his forever family and enjoying all the luxuries that come with being a house cat.

Darren

Twinkle

Speaking of one-eyed wonders, did you catch Twinkle on 22 News Pet Corner last Monday, November 22? Found by a dumpster, she came in on November 2 with an injured, infected eye. Twinkle is no throw-away! She is a marvelous cat who, after two eye surgeries, holds no grudges. She has a zest for life and is looking forward to living with a family who will love her. She is up for adoption here in Springfield.

Baby Girl

My friend Baby Girl also came in with severe eye infections, but thanks to the wonderful veterinarians who work with Dakin, Baby Girl was able to keep both her eyes. She is a doll with her long, black fur and stub-tail. She came to Dakin in August but spent two months in foster care while undergoing treatment for her eye infections. She is now in a colony room here in Springfield and can’t wait to move in with her new family. She has experience living with other cats, so if you’re looking to have a multi-cat household, Baby Girl won’t mind. Be sure to swing by the sports department after your adopt Baby Girl. She loves to play with ping-pong balls!

Sam Adams

Speaking of love, Sam Adams has a lot to give. Now, he isn’t fond of other animals. He’s made it pretty clear that he wants to be an only cat. But, Sam is a relentless lover if you’re a human. He will actually climb on to your lap and wrap his arms around your neck, mooshing his face into yours. In short, he’s a hugging cat. He’s also a lap cat, a talker, and he’d make a great companion for someone who is looking to share his or her home with only one animal friend. Yes, it’s been harder for us to find him a home because he doesn’t like other animals, but for the right person, he could be the best cat ever (aside from me, of course). When you come to the Springfield Adoption Center, ask to meet Sam Adams!

Missy

Missy is a seven-year-old beauty with long, black and white hair. She grew up in a household with adults and no other animals, yet she’s adjusted fine to living in a colony room here in Springfield. She’s an independent cat who is happy to spend some time by herself, but on the other hand, she does like attention and likes to play. She would be a good match for someone with a typical work schedule because she is content to spend some time by herself, yet she’s friendly and would like to spend part of the day hanging out with her family.

Lulu

Lulu is a charmer. Like Missy, Lulu spent her entire life living in one household. When her person passed away, she came to Dakin to find a new family. She immediately made an impression on staff with her cute kitten antics. You would never guess she is eight! She is available for adoption in Leverett.

Baby

Baby is also available for adoption in Leverett. At just two years old, Baby is looking for a home to call her own. She’s got a beautiful black and orange tortoiseshell coat with a white bib. She can be shy around new people, but will warm up quickly. She loves to play, so be sure to stock up on cat toys before you adopt Baby!

Damien

Like Lulu, my friend Damien is also a charmer. When he first came to Dakin, he was so shy that he hid right under his blanket. But within a week, we saw the true Damien shine through. He is now hanging out with the other kitties in one of the colony rooms here in Springfield. Damien would be happy to share his home with another cat, and would be overjoyed to share a spot on your bed.

We also have lots of kittens here at Dakin. They come and go so fast, I can hardly keep track! Check our website, www.dpvhs.org, for the latest list of animals for adoption.

The staff at the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society want to wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. Appreciate your loved ones, eat a tasty meal, and set up that spare room for your new kitty! See you Friday.

~Chip ^..^

Cherry Garcia, Vicktory Dog

Cherry Garcia once lived on the estate of Michael Vick, forced to participate in the cruel, gruesome, abusive, and illegal activity of dog fighting. In January of 2008, after Vick and others were indicted for numerous crimes, Cherry and twenty-one other dogs made their way to the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah.

Cherry is one lucky fellow. In September 2009, after being rescued from a life of terror, Cherry moved in with his new forever family here in the Northeast. Suddenly, Cherry had loving parents who devoted themselves to his well-being. What a change that must’ve been! His new parents make him homemade meals (due to his allergies), take him hiking, and provide all the love and affection he deserves.

Check out this video of Cherry when he was still struggling to adapt to his new life as a “normal” dog.

Best Friends DogTown Manager John Garcia talks about Vicktory Dogs in January, 2011.

We were honored to welcome Cherry to Dakin this Saturday along with his mom and dad, Melissa and Paul, and his dog sister, Madison (who is also a Pit mix). Cherry spent three hours greeting visitors and posing for photos. It was amazing to see how friendly, social, and happy he has become. I don’t know about you, but after three hours, I’d be ready for a nap! Cherry didn’t complain, though. He was just happy to represent his breed and show everyone why Pit Bulls are one of man’s best friends.

Cherry poses for photos

Paul shared some of Cherry’s story with us.

“When we went out to Best Friends to meet [Cherry], he took to [Madison] first before us. She kind of brought him to us,” Paul said. “She’s taught him so much. You’ll notice sometimes if he gets stressed out, she’ll go over and step in between him. He checks in with her a lot to make sure everything is all right,” he added.

Dogfighting is illegal and inhumane.

Cherry comes to public events to help combat the stereotypes that surround his breed, but he also learns a lot from his travels. “[Going to events] builds his confidence and he does new things at our house. It really helps him take a step forward,” Paul said.

Sweet Pea was rescued by the ASPCA in New York City. Paralyzed in the rear, she found her forever home in 2006 with Eddie and Leslie Grinnell, owners of Eddie’s Wheels based in Shelburne Falls, MA. Eddie’s Wheels makes custom wheelchairs for animals, like Sweet Pea, who need some extra help to become mobile. You should see her move around on her wheels!

Sweet Pea and her wheels

“When they get their wheels, they get happy,” said Leslie, who told us that the company makes about two-thousand chairs per year. That’s two-thousand animals who are able to maintain their mobility thanks to their custom-made wheelchairs.

Joey visits Dakin to support Pit Bull Awareness Day

Carter

We also had several visitors from Pittie Love Rescue, a rescue organization with foster homes all over Massachusetts. Lady, an adoptee from the organization, was visiting with her parents and their latest foster dog, Carter. Carter was a wonderful young ambassador for his breed, playfully prancing around and dutifully sitting on command. (I love dogs who can follow directions!) He will be moving in with his forever family tomorrow thanks to the nice folks at Pittie Love Rescue.

Seven is looking for her forever home!

Did you know that Dakin offers special pricing for Pit Bull neuters at our Community Spay/Neuter Clinic? We love our Love-a-Bulls, and spaying or neutering your dog is one important way you can combat canine homelessness here in our community. Check out our website for details, or call 413-781-4019.

Last, but certainly not least, our good friend Seven stopped by to check in. Seven is a seven-year-old “Love-a-Bull” mix who is up for adoption here at Dakin. She is very smart and loves learning. When her family lost their home, she found herself here. She is currently in a foster home, as she has been with us since August 30. Seven doesn’t get along with cats (I know, right?), but she would be happy to share her home with another dog and kids over the age of ten. Thanks to a donation from one of our wonderful volunteers, Seven’s adoption fee has been reduced to $75. If you’re interested in meeting Seven, call our Springfield Adoption Center at 413-781-4000 (leave a message if you get the machine!) or email springfield@dpvhs.org.

Dakin staff show their support!

Whew, what I day. My friend Ashley dressed me up for the occasion, and I think I sported the dog-bones motif quite well.

All dressed up!

It’s definitely time for me to make like Carter and take a nap. (He was all tuckered out by 3 p.m.!) If you have room in your home and heart for a love-a-bull dog, or any other breed, please visit our website to see the dogs available for adoption both in Springfield and Leverett.

Being a breed ambassador is hard work for a little pup!

Thanks for reading, animal-lovers.

~Chip ^..^

Dakin does not receive any federal funding. We are supported by donations from animal lovers like yourself. With an annual operating budget of about $3 million, we simply could not exist without our volunteers.

“The volunteers dedicate the equivalent of $400,000 in time every single year,” said my friend Ian Vukovich, President of the Board of Directors.

Many of our long-term volunteers were recognized and applauded at last Thursday’s event. Joanne Parker, Leverett Adoption Center volunteer, was recognized for 10 years of service. Marcia Pauly, who has also been with us for 10 years, helps with mailings, makes handmade cat mats, and does can-collection drives with volunteer Marion Markwell.

Trina Cysz, who has been at Dakin for 11 years, has done animal care, participated in our trap-neuter-return program, and runs the pet food bank.

“Trina now practically single-handedly runs the distribution of our pet food bank, which distributes food throughout the Pioneer Valley, and we deliver over 20,000 pounds of food a year up and down the Pioneer Valley,” said my friend Lori Swanson, Manager of Humane Education and Volunteer Services at Dakin.

Click the image to view the volunteer milestones for 2011.

Several volunteers have been with Dakin since before we even had a facility. Diane Houston has been with us for 17 years; Judy Milbury, 19 years; and Doris Holden has dedicated a whopping 27 years to the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society. Doris knew Janet Dakin, original founder of the Dakin Animal Shelter.

“She would be so excited to see it today,” said Doris, referring to what the organization has become.

The ceremony concluded with a few words from Lori. “It’s an honor to manage the volunteer department because without you, we would not be able to do what we do,” she said.

The event was a success thanks to donations from local businesses. Annie’s Garden and Gift Store donated the flowers; Elegant Affairs donated cups and saucers; Starbucks Coffee donated coffee, tea, and ice; Linda Suprenant made the beautiful cake; and Quonquont Farm donated apple cider.

Dakin cake!

Goodies at the volunteer reception

Unfortunately, I was not allowed to enjoy any of the yummy goodies provided at the reception. (I was a little huffy about that at first, but forgot all about it when Ellen offered me her lap.)

Dakin Board member Ellen Kosmer with Capt. Chip

My friends and I want to make sure our volunteers, interns, and foster families know how important they are to the staff here at Dakin, so we made you this short video. I hope you enjoy it!

Wishing you all warm laps and catnip,

~Chip ^..^

Orangina

Since the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society opened its second location in Springfield in 2009, we have found new families for more than 7,000 homeless animals. Some are homeless as a result of a change in family circumstances. Others come in as strays, picked up by good Samaritans who have found them wandering the neighborhood.

One of the very first things that happens with each new animal, even before her medical exam, is that she is given a name. We feel that each animal is important and should be recognized with a name. Some animals come in with names already, while others are named at intake.

If you’ve ever tried to name your child, human or furry, you know what a task it can be. Dakin staff are constantly trying to collect new names so they can have them on hand, especially during the spring.

“Kitten Season,” as it’s known, starts around April and ends in October or November. Because animals who have not been neutered tend to procreate during the warmer months, Dakin has an influx of kittens during this time period.

So far this year, Dakin has taken in 1,142 kittens. That’s 1,142 names!

Yahoo

Many litters are named as a group. For example, we’ve had the internet litter (Twitter, Yahoo, Google, and Mozilla), the cars (Jeep, Isuzu, Subaru, Kia, and Chevy), the local towns litter (Leeds, Florence, and Williamsburg), the college litter (Stanford, Harvard, and Yale), the punctuation litter (Asterisk, Comma, Ampersand, Dash, Bracket, Ellipsis), and the metal bands (Pantera and Metallica).

Let’s take a look back at some of the memorable names we’ve seen here at Dakin in past years.

Joe Pesci

Famous people are always ripe for name-stealing. Lady Gaga, Frank Zappa, Marc Jacobs, Sammy Davis Jr. Jr., Jagger, Amelia Earhart, Joe Pesci, Michael Jackson, Francis of Assisi, Mel Brooks, Tolkien, Tedy Bruschi, Prince William and Duchess Kate, Annie Oakley, Maury, Joe Bradley, King Arthur, Sally Jessy Raphael, Lincoln, Elvis, Darwin, Elton John, and Calvin Coolidge have all graced us with their presence.

We’ve also had many fictional characters. Robin Sherbatsky, Marshall Eriksen, Ted Mosby, Lily Aldrin, Barney Stinson (from How I Met Your Mother); Bobby, Cindy, Peter, Marsha, Greg, and Jan (from The Brady Bunch); Doogie Howser; Keith, Laurie, Danny, Chris, and Tracy (from The Partridge Family);  and Laverne and Shirley were all named after television characters.

Batman

We’ve also seen the likes of Bonnie and Clyde, Corduroy, Barbie, Betty Boop, Luke Skywalker, Optimus Prime, James Bond, Batman, Raggedy Ann, Bombalurina, Pooh Bear, and Snow White (and her seven dwarves!).

Places usually make good names: Alaska, Egypt, Montgomery, Memphis, Boston, Beijing, Trinidad, Denver, Miami, Montana, Roswell, Cleveland, Dallas, Cincinnati, Melbourne, Poland, and Mississippi.

Other animals are named after their size, sometimes deceptively so: Little Boy, Fat Boy, Little Fatty, Fatty, Fatcat, Chubs, Little Big Head, Mr. Big, Tiny, and Little One.

Fatcat

We always like to have a few with creative spellings: Essance, Lavendar, Buddah, Varement, Creedance, Shurbert, Cornicopia, and Viscious.

Some of the most popular names are listed below, along with the number of animals that have had that name at Dakin since we began using our current database system in 2006:

Shadow

Prince

Prince/Princess (151)
Sam/Sammy/Samuel/Sampson (140)
Bella (130)
Baby/Baby [insert name here] (127)
Tiger/Tigger (121)
Smokey/Smoky (95)
Max (92)
Buddy (89)
Oreo (71)
Shadow (71)
Charlie (69)
Lucky (58)
Precious (55)
Lucy (55)
Molly (54)
Midnight (54)

Baby

Patch/Patches (53)
Fluff/Fluffy (53)
Lola (51)
Bear (51)
Pepper (50)
Bob/Bobbi/Bobby (49)
Lily (45)
Gizmo (45)
Kitty (44)
Mittens (44)
Angel (43)
Sophie/Sophia (43)
Nena/Nina (41)

Patches

Gizmo

After 140 Sams, unusual names are always appreciated. Babushka, Little Bike Shorts, Noctowl, Kozwoska, Rapidash, Amoskeag, Jenny Any Dots, Zamperini, Bubbles Tumble Weed, Julitza, Nelson E. Pippers, Galadriel, Booganhogan, Puddle Jump, Jazz Hands, Mr. Truffles Shuffles, Sir Paw McCartney, and Tasha Beijing White have all come through our doors.

Kozwoska

Zamperini

Petunia Bean Purr Purr

Sometimes our staff like to get even more creative, and they christen the newbie with a really long name (such as Captain Chip Billingsworth, Esq!). We’ve had a Sunshine During My Eclipse, Petunia Bean Purr Purr, and Jack Johnson Heavyweight Champion of the World!

One of the most often used name categories is foods, and our staff certainly have a sweet tooth!

Brownie

Ms. Snickers

Hershey

We’ve had breakfast foods (Pancake, Waffle, Cinnabun, Doughnut, Muffin, and Cookie Crisp), main dishes (Ravioli, Penne, Torellini, Fettucini, Alfredo, Meatball, Nugget, Fajita, Noodles, Pita, Lentil, Taco, Sticky Rice, and Mashed Potatoes), fruits and vegetables (Blueberry, Boysenberry, Raspberry, Lemon, Apple, Peach, Clementine, Tangerine, Pear, Plum, Banana, Coconut, BeanSprout, Pumpkin, Carrot, Radish, Broccoli, Cucumber, Brussels Sprout, Bokchoy, and Asparagus), snacks (Popcorn, Trail Mix, Cheddar, Marshmallow, Dilly McPickles, Walnut, Cashew, Almond, and Peanut), drinks (Orangina, Champagne, Mocha, Guinness, Mountain Dew, Cocoa, Martini, Spritzer, and Milk), toppings (Salt, Sugar, Pepper, Chives, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Dill, Coriander, Basil, Parsley, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Agave, Honey, Relish, and even Spice Rack), candy (Mallo Cup, Snickers, Skittles, Sour Patch, War Head, Licorice, Peppermint, Taffy, Hershey, Cadbury, Rolo, Peanut Brittle, Candy Cane Pez, Gummy Bear, and Lollipop), dessert (Milkshake, Banana Float, Creamsicle, Banana Split, Sprinkles, Cupcake, Brownie, Twinkee, Creme Brulee, Pudding Pie, Chocolate Mousse, Tiramisu, Banana Bread, Custard, Crepe, Butterscotch, Popsicle, Cookie, and Cookie Dough), and my personal favorite, Tuna.

Whew!

Mallocup

Nugget

Cocoa Crispy

If you’d like to help the staff out by making a few name suggestions, head on over to my contact page and email me your list. You can check our website, www.dpvhs.org, to see if any of your suggestions pop up under our animals for adoption.

Unfortunately, each year thousands of our furry friends find themselves without a family. One thing you can do to help combat animal homelessness is to spay or neuter your four-legged companions.

Did you know the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society operates its very own Community Spay/Neuter Clinic? The clinic, which specializes in spay-neuter services, can help you neuter your dog or cat. They even offer assistance with feral cats through their Trap-Neuter-Return program.

Just last week, the Dakin Community Spay/Neuter Clinic celebrated its 19,000th patient since opening its doors in October 2009. Baby, a brown tiger kitten, was spayed using funds from the PetSmart Charities grant.

“Dakin received $200,000 this spring from PetSmart Charities, targeted to reduce the number of homeless kittens entering animal shelters in our area. Last year, people living in just 12 zip codes brought in HALF of the kittens that Dakin received,” said my friend Karina, who is the Director of the Spay/Neuter Clinic.

Already, more than 1,200 cats have been neutered this year with help from the PetSmart Charities grant.

“It’s early yet, but we’re already seeing results. In 2011, we’ve received 366 kittens from the 12 target zip codes. In the same time in 2010, we received 464. That’s a 21% reduction in homeless kittens – from the areas that produce the most homeless kittens – and that’s something to celebrate!” said Karina.

For more information, and to find out if your kitty may be eligible for a fee-waived surgery, please visit this page.

There are no residency or income requirements to use our spay/neuter clinic, so be sure to visit our website to find out more about their services. Remember, the cost to have your pet spayed or neutered is much less expensive than the cost to have and care for a litter or litters, and neutering your furry friend will help save lives!

Thanks for caring about homeless animals in our community, and thanks for listening. I look forward to receiving your name suggestions!

Purrs and Cuddles,

~Chip ^..^

“Named for a young shepherd mix with a cardiomyopathy, the Buddy Fund is the special account we use to provide treatment beyond the standard spay/neuter surgery or vaccinations. When an animal comes to us sick or injured, but with good prospects for recovery and a full life in a new home, we call on the Buddy Fund to help him out,” said Executive Director (and dear friend) Leslie Harris.

Check out these photos taken by my friend Sarah, who helps coordinate our volunteer program here at Dakin:

Starz, available for adoption in Springfield, with volunteer Laura. Starz has been at Dakin since July 27 and is part of the Lonely Hearts Club.

Volunteers Susie, Lauren, and Rochelle

Staff members Pat, Lori, and Michelle with furry pal Bogart

Thank you to all the sponsors, the folks at Five Star, and Dakin staff and volunteers for making this a successful event! If you were not able to attend this fundraiser, you can still make a donation to the Buddy Fund. Your donation will help save a life.

Love and Purrs,

~Chip ^..^

The crowd started lining up at 11AM!

Staff, interns, and volunteers worked tirelessly to match my feline friends with appropriate new families. Many of my friends found their forever homes yesterday, including some cats who took a ride over from the Thomas J. O’Connor Adoption Center later in the afternoon. By the end of the day, 43 cats in Springfield and 18 in Leverett had been adopted, and many more will be going home next week after their neuter surgeries. Here are just a few of the kitties that will be sleeping in their new houses tonight:

Sophia Lynn had been at Dakin since June 28, 2011. She came in with a skin infection and was treated with antibiotics. A large cat with the cattitude to match, Sophia Lynn was waiting for just the right home. A very nice gentleman scooped her up, and I suspect they’ll be great companions.

Sir Spikey came in on July 31, 2011. A former tom cat that lived on the streets, Spike quickly made it clear that he was not happy with his new temporary residence. That’s when Michelle, who works in the offices upstairs, stepped in to have a talk with him. They agreed he could live in her office just until the right family came along. Well, yesterday, Spike met that family. We are so happy for him.

Like Sir Spikey, Heathcliff was living outside as a homeless kitty in Gardner, MA. Lisa, who works in the Leverett Adoption Center, picked him up and brought him to Dakin. He was very friendly so she knew she could find him a home. Well, as it sometimes goes, Lisa soon fell in love with Heathcliff. Finally, when she couldn’t bear his cuteness any longer, she decided to adopt him herself. Heathcliff is back in Gardner tonight, this time sleeping on a cozy bed indoors rather than out on the streets!

Mindy and Bertha, both transfers from Thomas J. O’Connor, went home with Holly and Bridget, two Dakin volunteers. We are excited that Mindy and Bertha (now known as Cindy) will share a home, and we hope they are fast friends.

Becky, one of our stellar Adoption Counselors, completes adoption paperwork with Holly

Baby, my 11-year-old friend who I mentioned in my post about mature adoptees, also found her forever home yesterday. Her new mom is thrilled to have a cat like Baby in her life, and we couldn’t be happier for both of them.

Thank you to everyone who visited Dakin yesterday. It means so much that people care about the cats in our community. If you haven’t found your furry companion just yet, there are still homeless animals awaiting adoption. I encourage you to visit your local animal adoption center to find the right loving fur ball for you!

All the best,

~Chip ^..^

Because I’m an older gentleman myself, I’d like to take a moment to recognize my older friends who are up for adoption this week. If you have room in your heart for an adult cat or dog, these fellas are ace.

Keep in mind that Dakin has a lovely program called Seniors for Seniors. Any adopter 60 years or older may adopt any cat 5 years or older at no charge. Just as with any adoption, your kitty will have had his neuter, routine vaccines, appropriate blood tests, microchip, and dewormer. He will also go home with a safety collar, ID tag, bag of food, and thirty days of emergency health insurance.

This Saturday, September 17, we are also hosting the $5 Feline Adoption Event. That means you can adopt one of these loving kitties for just $5! Additional donations are always welcome.

Thanks for caring about homeless animals.

~Captain Chip ^..^

Baby (in Springfield)

Update: Baby was adopted!

Baby is an 11-year-old, long-haired brown tiger. She’s shy in new places but loves attention. When you pet her, she purrs like a motor! Baby is an indoor-only cat and she does have experience living with other cats. Even though she is older, she still likes to play. She’s been known to chase bugs and especially enjoys her jingle bell ball. She lived with the same family since she was a kitten, but she is adjusting well to her temporary residence here in the Adoption Center. She cannot wait to meet her new family and settle into her forever home.

Cuddles and Storm (in Springfield)

Update: Cuddles and Storm were adopted (together)!

Cuddles and Storm, both declawed, are 8 years old. They are very friendly and affectionate. These large boys are currently hanging out in the cat colony room in Springfield. You’ll know when you’ve encountered this duo because they’ll stare at you and say, “Which one of us are you gonna pet first?” Because they’ve lived together for their entire lives, we are looking to place them as a pair. If you have room in your heart for these big fluff balls of love, they would be happy to sit on your couch, watch the house while you’re at work, and eat any tuna you happen to drop of the floor.

Louie (in Leverett)

Update: Louie was adopted!

Louie is a 10-year-old miniature poodle mix. He would love nothing more than to curl up and snooze on your lap! He has experience living with other animals and would not mind sharing the house. He had dental disease when he came in to Dakin, so Dr. Spaulding and her excellent team cleaned and polished his teeth. What he needs now is a warm bed in a loving forever home.

Shai (in Leverett)

Update: Shai was adopted!

Shai, a Cardigan Welsh corgi/chihuahua mix, is 9 years old.  She is looking for a quiet household where she can relax and get to know her new family. Children make her nervous, so she would do best in a household with children no younger than 13. Because new places can be frightening for her, she needs an adoptive family who will be patient as she emerges from her shell in her new home.

If you can provide a loving family for any of these “oldies but goodies”, please visit the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society in Springfield or Leverett, MA.