Dakin Cat Alumni

Gone Home! We thought you would like to read some of the letters and email we receive from people who have adopted Dakin companion animals. If you have a Dakin companion animal, and would like to share your story, please let us know by mail or email at info@Dakin.org.

ryuu

Dear Dakin, I adopted Ponio this past June. I did not visit Dakin intending to bring home a cat, but as soon as I saw Ponio I knew I had to take him home. I changed his name to Ryuu. My little nephew absolutely loves him, and Ryuu loves him as well. Every time he comes to visit, Ryuu always finds a way to be near him. They even cuddle together at nap time. Thank you!

ruby

Dear Staff at Dakin,
On May 21^st, I drove 50 miles one way to adopt the cat of my dreams. I saw her on your website and instantly fell in love with her. She was THE ONE. Her name was Trinity.
Her new name is Ruby. When I got her home and opened her crate, she walked out and instantly made herself at home.
She has complete roam of the house and has window perches in the dining room, living room and my office. She loves her new toys and enjoys playing "mousey" with her tiny cloth mice (no fuzzy ones, she doesn't like those). Two of her favorite games are "flash light" and "feather" which I have to play with her. She likes to be brushed and rolls on her back so I can do her tummy. And, she's very talkative. We hold quite a good conversation together. And when I stop, she stretches out her paw and grabs my finger ever so gently.
So I just wanted to let you know that Ruby has found a good home and I have found a wonderful companion. Sincerely, Pat

kelly

To the amazing crew at Dakin:
I wanted to write and tell you that I am so impressed with your staff and facility. And to thank you for all your kindnesses when I recently adopted a kitten (Kelly, adopted 2/19/11). Kelly is THRIVING and loving her new home. I have a 10 year old cat who has proven herself to be Mother Theresa when it comes to the playful abuse Kelly dishes out. To my great pleasure, the two of them have become pretty good roommates in less than a month…and I’m sure that a firm friendship can’t be far behind. Kelly has brought her own brand of humor, energy and love into my home…I can’t BEGIN to tell you. Granted, she thinks that every day starts at 3:30am, there isn’t ONE item in my house that she doesn’t consider a toy and exclusively hers, and she acts sometimes as if live bees are in her head…but of course this comes with the territory. She’s a delight, even in her naughty moments, and I am thrilled to have her. You do the work of angels there…and I hope that you know that it is incredibly appreciated by people like me who have benefited from it. -Best wishes…Lee

luna

Hi folks, My girlfriend Paige and I adopted Bermuda on Feb 6th and we just wanted to let you know she's doing great. We took her to the vet the following weekend and she is all caught up on her shots, ear mites and flea control regiments.
We named her Luna, and she is a great cat. She loves to play. We spend time every day playing with her with mice on strings, rattle balls and feathers. She really likes boxes and we've made her various box mazes that she plays in as well. Although she is excited about her toys she is very respectful of our house and belongings and only ever chases or paws her own toys.
Thanks again for introducing us, we both love Luna a lot. She seems pretty happy too. - Paul

turbo

Hi Dakin,
Turbo is doing very well. I wanted to let you know that if you ever get a flame point Himalayan kitten or young cat, please think of me. I believe that the universe sends them to you at a given time and place and if it is meant to be. I’m not in a hurry since I have the three, but if somebody that fits that description comes in, please let me know. Thanks for Turbo! -Val

chester

Hello Dakin!
I thought you might like an update on Bogart (now Chester/Cheddar). He is such a friendly and people-oriented cat! He tries to help around the house whenever possible, when I am trying to read, or tie my shoes, or make the bed. The dog gets a little jealous of the cat sometimes, but Chester just bites him in the head or swats him to show who is boss now. He has really brightened our lives. I will definitely get my next cat from Dakin, it is such a great value for your money. You will pay more just for spaying/neutering alone. I can't say enough about you guys!
Thanks,
Erin and Chester

shanequa

We just wanted to give you a quick update on Shanequa, whom we adopted at the beginning of December 2010. She was fairly shy at first, but within two weeks she was sleeping on our bed. Now she sprawls out everywhere, shows us her belly, and runs around the house like a wild woman. She quickly learned the sound of my alarm clock, and runs from wherever she is to come snuggle in the morning and *gently* remind us that IT"S TIME FOR FOOD! It is just so, so nice to have her as part of the family. Thank you, Dakin! -Lissa and Jesse

deerfield

To all the people at Dakin,
Thank you so much for everything you do. My boyfriend and I adopted Deerfield (from the Leverett shelter) as our Valentine's to each other this year. He is the sweetest cat and we thank you so much for taking care of him so that he could find his way to our home. In spite of having to have his tail amputated he is very trusting and sweet. When we first brought him home the moment we opened the carrier he came out and immediately came over to sit in my lap. He loves to explore but he prefers to be in the room "his people" are in. Our vet had nothing but praise for him and the care he had received from you. And we know that he has been able to retain his loving nature and faith in people because of how caring your staff and volunteers were to him. We were truly impressed with the level of care AND caring that your shelters provide. He is getting spoiled rotten with attention and loving every minute of it. -Melissa

lola moon

I had to share this shot of Kathy with Ketu, the Tibetan Spaniel, and Lola Moon, one of our two newest family members (both adopted from Dakin, of course)! Ronnie

Brie & Colby

I just wanted to let you know how the kittens I adopted in November are doing. I have attached pictures of Oprah and Boo, now named Brie and Colby. They have settled into their new home and are happy kittens.
Cade Jerome fostered Brie. Please let him know she is doing well. She is becoming more outgoing every day and enjoys romping around the house with Colby. Have a Happy New Year!

Judy

Jinxie

Hello,
Now that the holiday has quieted down, I wanted to share a few picture of Buttercup. My husband and I adore her. She is the perfect match for our home. We changed her name to Jingles, but we call her Jinxie. My husband, (Mike) and I love the movie Meet the Fokers and the cat in that movie is named Jinxie.
She is completely at home and comfortable. She sits on our laps in the evening and she has slept with us on our bed since the first night we brought her home. She purrs so loudly you'd think a freight train is coming through. She sits on our couch back and watches the birds at the feeder. She is not afraid of our small grandchildren, and nuzzles with them when they visit. A perfect match and exactly what I was looking for in a cat!
Enjoy the pictures, and thank you so much for the care and thought you all put into placing Jinxie with us.
Donna and Mike

Boots & Sneakers

Hi -
We are Sneakers and Boots and we had been guests for a little while at your shelter in Springfield. At the beginning of March, we were sad to part ways with the good folks from Dakin, but happy to find a new home (especially because being both 12, we started to lose hope that we would ever find someone to love us).
We are writing to you to let you know that we are very well and happy! It took us a little bit to find our confidence again and to enjoy the little things in life. We were very scared at first, but in time, we started again to play-wrestle with each other and chase the catnip toys. We are very much loved and in return, we are the most well behaved kitties ever. Our big sister indulges us every wish! Well almost every - if it was up to us we would be petted 24/7, and wrestle in her bed at 3AM.
Last Sunday we celebrated the first Halloween in our new home (we've attached a couple of pictures). I, Sneakers, was on-candy duty and my brother, Boots, the Little Emperor, was overlooking the candy-handling process. It was so much fun!! Next year we should just remember to buy more KitKat!
Wishing all the best to the good folks from Dakin and fast-adoption to all the dear cats and dogs! Love,
Sneakers and Boots

pookie & bella

Dear Dakin Staff, I have been meaning to write you for quite some time to let you know how grateful I am for the work you do! Because of you I have been blessed to have two amazing cats as part of my family. I first adopted in 2006- a longhair grey kitten named Layla (now Bella). Bella was the shyest kitten of her litter. She has become such a love and my best buddy. I felt Bella needed some companionship, and I came across Pookie in the winter 2008. Pookie suffered an illness during his stay at your Leverett location, but I waited for him. After he became well again under your care, I knew I made the right decision when his big eyes looked up at me! Bella and Pookie are doing well, are best of friends, and getting lots of love and attention from my whole family. Thank you for your commitment to all furry creatures great and small and ensuring that good homes are found for all those needing love. Kristen

piper & cody

Dear Dakin, We adopted our kittens from you- one came home in early March and the other right after Easter. Our little girl was called Middy at the shelter. We call her Piper now. Our little boy was called Rusty, we call him Cody. They are both cuddlers, but Cody can be a jealous boy. If I am holding Piper, he comes right to my feet to let me know it is his turn. As you can see in the picture they love each other. They spend their days chasing and wrestling, or cuddled up sleeping. Thank you so much for helping us find such great furry members of our family. They are a joy to have. The Capalbo Family.

toby

Hello! Toby is very happy cat! The things he does makes everyone want to hug him! He has adjusted so well to his new home and we want to thank Dakin. He loves to box and play with his feather toys. He enjoys watching all the bugs, birds and wild bunnies in our yard from his perch on the front porch. Thank you again for our best friend! The Hamiltons.

dennis

Hi there. We adopted Dennis at the end of April 2010. The first night home, Dennis jumped right up onto the bed and plopped himself down between my husband and I. We have quickly learned that we are here to serve him! With 4 kids and 2 dogs, our house is quite active. This has not phased Dennis at all. He is very nosy and has to investigate everything. We still cannot believe Dennis is 10 years old. He certainly doesn't act his age! Thank you so much for introducing us to Dennis! Kathleen and Family

Drui

Here is a picture of our beautiful boy! He's right at home now and we love him! Mr. Cocoa Puffs is now called Drui (pronounced Droo meaning "one who knows" or "wise"). We are a little concerned, however, that he just can't seem to relax, as you can see in this photo! He is an unbelievable cat! It was a pleasure dealing with the staff in Springfield. What a wonderful group of people, doing a wonderful job, now in a wonderful building. Thank you very much from the both of us! Jean

hedwig

Hi Dakin folks, It has been a year since our family lost our two older kitties (14 and 18). Our remaining kitty who is now 9, seemed to be a little lonely, having only our golden retriever to lie around with. This is the first time we have adopted as our other companions found us and I must say we were amazed by the way the shelter’s warm and comforting environment...classical music playing for kitties was so soothing.
We narrowed our search down to Jeremiah, a two year old gray kitty. In the end, Jeremiah won our hearts with his laid back personality. He came home with us on Friday and settled in pretty well the first night. By the next morning, he was ready to play a bit, ate his first meal and explored his new room. Our other pets definitely knew there was something going on “behind the door”, and soon took up a position in the hallway.
Jeremiah, now named Hedwig, has the tiniest meow and loves to cuddle next to his humans. His favorite toy is the flying feather and his acrobatic moves are pretty awesome. At night he seems to enjoy a cozy spot on our computer desk.
Thank you for all you do. Liz, Sam, Jocelyn and Steph

Alley

Dear Friends at Dakin, In August I went home with the Space family. For the first week or two I was really scared, but after meeting the other two cats in the house I felt better. The huge, fluffy, orange cat Zeke thought he was boss, but I showed him that size does not matter! The woman who lives here bought me a mouse house to sleep in. I like her very much, but the men around here are big and make too much noise! They feel bad that I don't like them, but they just need to be patient with me like the woman is. I really like it here. Love, Alley

Bonesy

Good day everyone. Bonesy has been with us for a week now. His transition into the house and family went very smoothly, and we are so happy with him. He seems most happy when he is able to follow me around like my little shadow. He also enjoys sitting on the screen porch watching the birds. I know he can never replace my missing cat, but Bonesy needed a loving home, and I needed him. Again, thank you for Bonesy! Jeanette

Little Mikey

Hi. I recently adopted Murrow, now called Michael Jackson or Little Mikey. He is doing great, such a good boy! We just love him! Thanks Dakin! Wendy

Ghandi

Hello Friends!
I wanted to send you all some pictures of Ghandi and his new home. He has made himself quite at home here. He does not like to be any further than 5 feet away from us at any time....bathroom and stairs included. He is quite the lover!
Hope all is well with you and things are going well. Hope plenty of kitties are finding new homes!
Hannah

george

Hello Dakin, I wanted to update you all on George, adopted in winter 2009, who still sucks his thumb when he's feeling happy and relaxed. He is doing really well, has lost a few pounds, and loves to love. George now has a routine of eating when he can, sleeping on or under the beds during the day, and having marathon purr sessions when it quiets down after the kids' bedtime. George has established who is in charge with our Aussie Blueberry, and loves to tease her into thinking that he wants to snuggle with her, and then will swat at her. I was nervous about bringing an adult cat into our busy house, but he fits in just fine. George is great, patient and a perfect guy for our family.

Thanks, Kate and Family

bradley

Hello! Bradley is turning out to be great! He gets pesky from time to time, but is still extremely cute, regardless. He's quite curious about the outside world, but we don't let him out. He's the most playful, little thing- we have a cat tree that he has totally taken over! Hope all is good, send all our love to Dakin! Bradley's Family

fangs dracula

Hey all! I'm emailing you with an update on Fangs Dracula, whom I adopted about two months ago. At four months old now he is teething and causing trouble, but he gets along great with our other cat Yasmine. They play, sleep, and cuddle together, kind of like brother and sister. They enjoy each other's company and are always searching for one another. Always, Chrissy

oskar

Hello, I adopted Oskar in February, and he ended up keeping his name as it seemed to suit him well. He had only been at the shelter for less than a day, but the staff who were there that morning may remember him as the talkative kitty who was meowing incessantly. After meowing for the entire ride home, Oskar's meows quickly turned to purrs as he began to explore his new home. I had tried to give him a small room while he adjusted, but he wanted to explore the entire apartment right away. He is very curious, and he has become a very playful little guy. He loves pouncing on his catnip mice and chasing ping-pong balls. Oskar is also very affectionate, and he loves to be around people and sit in your lap for some head rubs or next to you while you read or watch tv. He's adjusted very well to his new home, and he's still a talkative guy, but now it is mostly reserved for when it's time to eat or if there's a closed door he'd like to get into and explore. Thank you all for your help in finding my new little friend! Colleen

levon

Hi! Here are a couple of snaps of our lovely boy, Levon (formerly known as Nemo), whom we adopted in January. He's the peacemaker of our little zoo; everyone loves him. As you'll see, he's very tight with Trixie, our border-collie/corgi mix. Enjoy! Anne

Gus

Hi, we had adopted Mocha (now Gus) on Friday, and thought we would send a little update to show how much he's loving his new home. I also wanted to say a special "Thank You" to Scott, who was such a great help in the adoption process. When I had called about Mocha, I had told Scott about how our cat Leo (only 2.5yrs) had lost his litter mate brother, Koby, a few weeks ago due to severe heart failure and we had been trying to find a companion for him. Well, Leo is definitely loving his new friend, and I thought I would send some pictures. Thank you again for all your help!

Kate & Family

Kit Kat

About a month and a half ago, we lost our oldest cat, Cleo, 14yo, to an accident. Our family missed him quite a bit. Even our youngest cat was searching for him constantly. My husband and I decided to see if we could find another cat who would fit into the mix. I also have a 10yo female, that doesn't take to change well. We had decided that a kitten would probably be our safest bet. So, two weeks ago, we took a ride to your shelter. There was a cute black kitten sitting in a cage in front of the desk. Kit Kat was his name, and he was 9 weeks old. This kitten reminded us of our Cleo. We adopted him on sight. I am sending you an update on his progress. Kit Kat had his name changed to Smudge, and he's responding to it already!

He's now 3.8lbs. and loves to eat (he's going to be a good sized cat) with my youngest cat. They are inseparable. The first 2 days, our older cats were wondering who the new visitor was, but after that , no complaints from them. It was a great experience going to Dakin. I wish I could have adopted a few more.

Thank you, Kris

casey rose

I've attached some pictures of Baby, the grey tabby we adopted in February. Our boys, who are 3 & 4, changed her name to Casey Rose the day we adopted her. She's doing wonderfully and our vet could not get over how affectionate she is for having been a stray. She loves her whole new family, which consists of the kids, 2 other kitties, a dog and 2 parakeets. She spends lots of her time watching the parakeets or rolling around with one of the other cats! We love her lots and are so happy to have her in our home. Just wanted to let you know she's doing well.

Amy

cooper

Just a quick photo to let you know that Cooper (formerly Lincoln) is enjoying life here at his new home.

Bonni

alex, sophie, izzy and jack

Dear Dakin,

I just wanted to send you a picture of all of our kitties. Alex (the tiger) I received as a Valentine’s present in 2007. Then a year later when were killing time before a party we decided to spend some time at the shelter. We fell in love with these two cats that were in the quarantine area and had to get on the list. We were originally only going to take one but we could not decide who to leave and felt horrible splitting the two sisters up. So we ended up with both snowshoes, Sophie (was Flower) and Izzy (was Pepper). Then almost a year later we went to the shelter to just go “look” and ended up with Jack (was Harpo). They truly make our house a home and I can’t imagine what it would be like to come home and not see them all come running. I wish I could bring them to work with me.

Thanks so much for all your help! You guys are awesome!!

cookie and jasper

Dear Staff/Volunteers at Dakin:

Just want you to know how much I appreciate what you do. I have adopted animals from you several times and am always impressed with your facility and the care and professionalism you provide to both the animals and adoptive families. In May my two children and I came in to adopt two kittens. We picked two beautiful, unrelated kittens and brought them home (one a week before the other). Cookie and Jasper (formally Yellow Mellow) have adapted wonderfully to their home and love each other so much. Our older dog, Guinness has been very accommodating and patient with both of them. It's been eight months now and we are so thrilled with joy to have these two cats a part of our family.

Thank you! Kara

Mel

First, Meg has re-named him Mr Mel Gibson, or "Mel". He is also called variously Fathead, Pumpkinhead, Melvin and Moose. His name should really be Love in a Fur Suit, and he's nothing but walking gratitude. Very affectionate right out of the box, and not thrilled with quarantine because he hates to be alone. He's sneaked by twice and been rounded up and replaced. He met Hannah on one of his escapes—they came face to face as she exited my bedroom and he came flying out of Meg's. Everyone stopped and waited. Hannah (who's 15, calico, and grumpy) hissed and growled, and he thought for a moment, then sniffed the air and said "Nasty old lady!", turned and walked slowly away. She looked very shocked, and then went and sat in a snit and pouted "He did not even try to molest me!!" Since then we've kept our hands low when entering Meg's room to keep him in as he's pretty slippery for an ox. Hannah I expected to have more issues with his presence but has had less. She actually curled up on the towel from his box and fell asleep the first night. We gave him her dead mouse pillow which he sniffed but mostly ignores. I think this will be the tone of their relationship - Hannah with unrequited love for the (much) younger man, thinking she's still 4 and a man-magnet, and he ignoring her completely.

Anyone who enters Megan's room must be rubbed and must rub in return. He comes right over, all affectionate greetings, then lots of rubbing. He does not like to be scratched near his tail. He turns and suggests to you that rubbing is preferred, and then appears to apologize for being snippy with extra rubbing and purrs. He's just incredible and we all adore him!

THANK YOU!! Melissa

Elvis

Elvis has been settling in beautifully and as he does he shows me new facets of his personality, which can be really funny. He has slept at the foot of my bed since the first night he came home. He’s very talkative, especially in the morning and his favorite spot during the day is on one of the window sills of my porch. He always greets me at the door when I come home from work. I think he’s happy here and I’m really happy to have him in my life. He makes my house a home.

Sandie

Theo and Mama

Dear Shelter Staff and Volunteers-
This February my husband and I went to your shelter with the intention of finding a cat to bring home. As fate would have it, the cat we chose to have one of her kittens at the shelter, although he wasn't quite ready for adoption yet. Everyone agreed it would be ideal to keep them together, so we ended up bringing two cats home- Eleanor and Theodore. Somehow Theo (pictured above) kept his name, but we renamed Eleanor 'Sweet Pea', although we just call her Mama all the time.

Thanks to all the staff for their help and information. You all do a great job and of course Mama and Theo send their thanks as well. Enjoy the photo, Theo's quite a model.

Thanks again, Judy and Peter

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