Today, we’re celebrating a very special birthday – Maddie, the little dog who sparked a big revolution (her actual birthday is April 26). She was spunky, full of heart and the inspiration behind everything we do. And this year, her birthday feels extra meaningful as we also mark the 30th anniversary of Maddie’s Fund^®!

When we were founded in 1994, it all started with Maddie – and a deep desire to share the same love and joy that Maddie’s Fund founders, Dave and Cheryl Duffield, felt with her.

From one little dog’s big heart came a promise – and today, that promise lives on in every joyful connection between people and pets. You’ve helped transform the field into one that’s community-centric, inclusive and focused on keeping people and pets together, and Maddie would be so proud. So today, we say thank you – and happy birthday – to the pup who made it all possible.

We’d love to hear how Maddie has inspired you! Share your favorite #ThanksToMaddie story on social or join the celebration on Maddie’s^® Pet Forum. And if you haven’t seen her home video or read her story yet, we promise it’ll make you smile.