Dakin Receives Donations of Dog and Cat Food to Help Community Struggling to Feed Pets

SPRINGFIELD — GreaterGood.org donated 43,000 pounds of dog and cat food to Dakin Humane Society last week to augment its Pet Food Aid Program, which provides free dog and cat food for people struggling to feed their pets, whether from COVID-19-related issues or other financial hardships, according to an announcement from Dakin Executive Director Carmine DiCenso.

GreaterGood.org reached out to several organizations on March 20 with whom it had partnered in the past to offer the food, with the stipulation that it be used to help people facing crises feeding their pets. “They asked us to fill out an online grant request for the food, which we did immediately, and within a few days we heard that we would be receiving some of their pet food for our program. It arrived on March 27,” DiCenso said.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by GreaterGood.org in providing this pet food,” he added. “Dakin is a committed member of our community, and our mission is keeping people and pets together. It’s more important than ever to have a loyal and loving pet by your side because they’re very soothing companions. We want to help keep people and pets together and provide support in times of need.”

The food, which consists of Eukanuba dry dog food and a limited supply of Royal Canin canned Persian Loaf cat food, was sent by truck on 20 pallets to Dakin’s Springfield Adoption Center and brought into the building by a forklift truck, which was generously loaned to Dakin. The food is available to the public starting today, April 3. The amount of food people receive should feed their pet for about a month.

People wishing to pick up pet food must make an appointment online by clicking here. When they arrive at their appointed time at Dakin’s Springfield Adoption Center at 171 Union St., the food will be delivered to their car by Dakin staff members, who will maintain the recommended social-distancing space.

The food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and is available while supplies last. The online reservation is especially important, as it allows Dakin staff to know what type of food is being requested so they can plan accordingly.