MSPCA prepares to close March 31st

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - In little more than one week, the Springfield MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center will close its doors forever.

The MSPCA center had already attracted a crowd by the time the doors opened Saturday. Animal lovers were determined to adopt a pet before the doors close on the 31st.

They had also heard that the MSPCA had begun reducing its adoption fees during its last ten days. "I love animals and I'm just lonesome, I'd like to have a cat something to pass by time, I don't want a young kitten, I'd like to have an older cat, that won't be jumping off the refrigerator," said Chris Donaghue of Chicopee.

Some came to find companionship not necessarily for themselves but for another of their beloved pets. "I just loved them, I'm a cat person, I love them, my dog loves them, and he wants a friend around," said Maryann Askins of Springfield.

Everyone who came to adopt shared one concern, what will happen when the adoption center closes its doors a week from Tuesday.

A woman from Hampshire County told 22News, she came to increase the size of her pet family by one dog. "I have one already and I thought she might like a playmate and just feel bad that needs a home," said Connie DeCarolis of Florence.

A sentiment so many animal lovers have shared with 22News since that disheartening notice that the MSPCA would be shutting down its Springfield adoption center during early Spring.