This is the first #MaddieMonday round-up of 2018 – we hope your year’s gotten off to a great start!

Summer scholar grant window open now!
Maddie’s^® Idea Lab is offering summer scholar grants to to graduate or veterinary students at colleges or universities in the United States. These grants provide students with a summer stipend to pursue research and develop expertise under the guidance of a mentor. We encourage projects that support the development and assessment of innovative ideas that have a high likelihood of advancing lifesaving of dogs and cats who are in shelters or at risk of entering shelters or the utilization of foster care for dogs and cats. Applications are being accepted through Jan. 31, 2018. Learn more…

Remembering Roo: Little dog leaves legacy of lifesaving
A little dog named Roo taught everyone at Maddie’s Fund^® a lot. She showed us what happens when courage meets compassion, demonstrated the power of taking chances, and wrote a new chapter in the story of saving lives. This valiant dog finished her work on earth this month, and the Maddie’s Fund family mourns her loss at the same time we celebrate the profound impact she had on all of us, and on our very concept of lifesaving. Read her story…

Georgia animal shelter tries anything – and everything! – to get pets adopted
From expanding shelter hours to Sunday hikes with dogs, Animal Ark Rescue (AAR) in Columbus, GA, isn’t afraid to try new things, and it’s paying off big time for the animals and the community. The shelter has been open for a little less than six years and boasts a 99 percent save rate for its animals, with little to no budget. It’s no surprise that innovation, testing ideas and activating their community have played a key role in their success. Read more…

Don’t miss the American Pets Alive! Conference, now in February!
Have you registered for the American Pets Alive! Conference yet? If not, you still have time! The national lifesaving conference was rescheduled from last September to February of this year as a result of Hurricane Harvey. The new dates are February 10-12, 2018. The schedule will remain the same, only the dates have changed. You can see the full schedule on their website. What’s new this year? Read more…