Springfield Couple Matches Donations to Nick’s Nursery at Dakin

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield couple Jan and Bernadette Piepul have provided a challenge pledge to Dakin Humane Society donors. They will match, at a two-to-one ratio, every gift that is made to Nick’s Nursery through Sept. 30, up to $6,000. This will essentially cover all the medical expenses that Dakin’s kitten nursery is expected to incur during its busy summer and fall months.

Nick’s Nursery, which was officially opened in 2014 at Dakin’s Adoption and Education Center in Springfield, provides medical attention and nurturing to newborn kittens too young for adoption. It was named for Nicholas, one of the Piepul’s pet cats. Last year the Piepuls provided a generous grant to open and support the nursery in its first year of operation.

“I remember vividly the time Nicholas had been set on fire as a homeless kitten many years ago, and we adopted him from the shelter as he was healing,” said Bernadette Piepul. “We know how critical it is to provide the proper care to save lives, so we are happy and proud to support Nick’s Nursery at Dakin. We hope people will join us in donating to ensure that these helpless kittens thrive and find loving homes.”

In addition to encouraging donations for Nick’s Nursery, Dakin has also launched its Summer Appeal campaign. “The summer season is incredibly hectic here,” said Executive Director Leslie Harris. “New cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies are turning up every day, and our efforts to treat, shelter, and feed them stretch our resources. We rely on donations from people in our community to save these lives.”

The nonprofit organization also offers a ‘guardian donor’ option, which allows supporters to pledge a monthly amount of their choosing via credit card. For the second summer in a row, Dakin is conducting a drive to enlist 50 new guardian donors between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

For more information on Dakin and its services, visit www.dakinhumane.org.