Dakin assists Louisiana SPCA in Hurricane Ida relief

Date: 10/7/2021

SPRINGFIELD – Three staff members from Dakin Humane Society recently traveled to the Louisiana SPCA to assist in Hurricane Ida relief efforts.

The staff members were joined by a former Dakin employee who is now a dog trainer. According to Dakin Executive Director Carmine DiCenso, he and the quartet coordinated with a national nonprofit group in Rhode Island to travel down to New Orleans. DiCenso explained that relief organization efforts have been significantly improved since Hurricane Katrina impacted New Orleans in 2005. “Going back to Hurricane Katrina, responses to that disaster were kind of chaotic. Groups from all over the country showed up with great intentions but were uncoordinated,” said DiCenso.

He revealed that Dakin responded immediately once inquirers reached out. Once the volunteers arrived, DiCenso said they felt mixed emotions when aiding Hurricane Ida relief. “It was a sad and depressing scene in many ways … but at the same time, it was very uplifting for them to support other people and focus on the common good,” said DiCenso. He explained that the volunteers worked long, busy days without power in grueling weather conditions.

The volunteers assisted the SPCA in a variety of ways during their week of work. DiCenso said the team worked on data entry for incoming animals, cleaning the space and its inhabitants, and assisted with animal vaccinations. “They provided the whole service of what we do here at Dakin every day but on a much larger scale,” said DiCenso. He shared that the team felt exhausted upon their return from Louisiana, but also felt a sense of fulfillment from their communal work.

Offering relief in a time of need holds personal resonance to Dakin. According to DiCenso, their facility was hit by the 2011 tornado that ravaged the city of Springfield. During that time, other shelters opened their doors to house animals while Dakin was bringing in an influx of misplaced animals from across the city. “We know what its like from the end of being a part of the disaster, so we want to help others whenever we can,” said DiCenso.

Whether it’s helping others or receiving assistance, DiCenso explained that Dakin operates with an eye for humanity. “We are here to help both people and animals. Our goal is to enhance the lives of animals and work positively with people so they can be a part of that process. When you help animals, you help people,” said DiCenso.

Readers can learn more about Dakin Humane Society’s mission at https://www.dakinhumane.org/.