Break out your party hats, because we’re having a birthday party for every shelter and rescue pet in the U.S.!
April 26 marks what would have been the 29th birthday of our namesake, Maddie, a little dog whose spirit and inspiration have helped over 1.3 million dogs and cats in the U.S. But we don’t only want to celebrate Maddie. If her spirit taught us anything, it’s that every pet deserves to be celebrated! That’s why we’re asking you to join in the celebration with a virtual party!
“Not all pets have families to revel in them, yet,” said Maddie’s Fund Marketing and Communications Director Sharon Fletcher. “Together, we can celebrate these wonderful dogs and cats, and help Maddie continue to benefit shelter pets through raising awareness of adoption and fostering.”
How can you take part?
If you’re the proud human of an adopted pet, start by giving them an extra smooch, maybe take them for a long walk, give them a birthday treat, and then of course, get social! Share a photo of your pet on social media and use hashtags #HappyBDayHomelessPets and #ThanksToMaddie.
You can also donate a “birthday gift” to your favorite local shelter or rescue organization in honor of this special week. Reach out and ask if there’s anything specific they need. Put a bow on it and share a photo of you dropping it off, encouraging others to do the same. If you have kids, you could have them draw a picture and write a birthday message to the dogs and cats still waiting for a home. You could even take a video of it and send it to your local shelter or rescue group.
Do you work for a shelter or rescue organization? Post to your organization’s social media pages and let your followers know you’ll be celebrating all week. More importantly, let them know how they can best help join in the celebration. Don’t forget to take photos and share on social!
Or how about celebrating with a free $1,000 grant for your organization? If you’re a shelter or rescue group in the U.S. who handles dogs and/or cats, all you have to do is sign up for the national database Shelter Animals Count before April 30! (And if you’re one of the 2,000+ organizations who have already signed up, you can still get $500 for every referral!)
No matter who you are, you can get in the spirit by tuning into the MaddieCam Network, where groups across the country will be broadcasting their celebrations live throughout the week. You’ll see everything from parties with cake, decorating, singing, signing and reading of birthday cards and more!
How will you be celebrating the birthdays of homeless pets? Tell us on our Facebook page!
Don’t miss more innovative ideas for pet fostering, adoption, shelter medicine and stories about how pets make our lives better and happier — sign up here!