Ethiopian Review

SPRINGFIELD – Deedee A. Gonsalves left the new Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society with a new addition to her family – a fluffy gray and white kitten.

Gonsalves, of Ludlow, attended Saturday’s open house at Dakin’s new adoption and education center at 171 Union St. She brought along her children, Gabrielle, 4, and Lucas, 3, and some friends to help her find a cat.

It didn’t take her long to pick out the kitten named Mary. The name will change, she said. They were thinking about Sally.

With lemonade, popcorn, cotton candy and dog biscuits, the opening of the new Dakin shelter was celebrated. A throng of people gathered outside the former home of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, waiting to view the interior.

Homeless animals were in a precarious situation after the financially struggling MSPCA closed its doors in March. The MSPCA took in more than 7,000 animals annually.

The Dakin society, which has had a presence since 1968 in Franklin and Hampshire counties, stepped in, buying the building for $1.2 million and expanding its operations into Hampden County.

“I think it’s phenomenal,” Karla M. Lupien, of Holyoke, said about the opening. “It was such a loss when the MSPCA closed its doors. We really needed something for the animals.”

Rose M. and Frank J. Gaulin, of Holyoke, brought along a donation, a 15-pound bag of Whiskas cat food.

“We’re so glad it’s opening, so people don’t dump their unwanted animals,” Rose Gaulin said.

Candice H. Lash, director of community and media relations, gave an emotional address, thanking everyone who made the day possible, from the 25-member staff and board members to the volunteers and community.

The event also was attended by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and State Rep. Cheryl A. Coakley-Rivera, D-Springfield, who brought her adopted Skye Terrier Little Liam to the event.

Coakley-Rivera gave a citation from the House of Representatives. She said she was pleased Dakin chose to open in Springfield.

“They could’ve chose anywhere and they chose Springfield. The closest thing we have to God on Earth is our animals,” she said.

Executive Director Leslie A. Harris said the goal is to end animal homelessness in the Pioneer Valley and euthanasia of adoptable animals.

Lash said hours will be 1 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 12 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Hours will be expanded in September. As of Saturday, there were approximately 25 kittens, six cats, two dogs, lovebirds and a rabbit waiting to be adopted.

- By LORI STABILE | masslive.com