Dakin Unveils Pat’s Cats Fund To Help Homeless Felines

SPRINGFIELD — Dakin Humane Society has announced the formation of Pat’s Cats Feline Success Fund to provide necessities and upgrades for several aspects of cat and kitten care at Dakin’s two locations in Leverett and Springfield.

The fund is named for the late Patricia Ford Yurkunas, former director of development and marketing at Dakin Humane Society. Yurkunas, who passed away in March 2015, had provided a bequest for Dakin which has been used to establish the fund. Yurkunas was especially fond of the cats and kittens who arrived at Dakin and spent considerable time caring for them. She adopted several during her seven years at the nonprofit organization.

“Pat’s generosity enabled us to launch this important fund, and we are asking the public to join in to help these cats and kittens,” said Nancy Creed, president of Dakin’s board of directors. “Your contributions will bring many wonderful essentials and enhancements to the lives of these felines as they await a new home, including nebulizers for sick kittens in Nick’s Nursery, which is our kitten-care ward, as well as life-saving medical treatments, specialized behavioral support, spay/neuter surgery for community cats and mothers with litters, enrichment toys, climbing surfaces, and more. You’ll also help with much-needed renovations to our cat-housing areas. The cost of providing these life-saving services is more than $110,000, so we hope you will help make them a reality for these homeless cats. Every donation counts!”

Donations can be accepted online at www.dakinhumane.org/support. Whether choosing to make a one-time gift or a monthly contribution, donors may select Pat’s Cats as a designation option. Those wishing to send a check may write ‘Pat’s Cats’ on the memo line to ensure their gift will be directed to the fund. Donations may be mailed to Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101.