No matter where you live, you probably remember hearing the heart-wrenching story (and photo) of the staffie-mix dog found with her muzzle taped shut. Her name is Caitlyn and her story of survival went viral, shining a light on animal cruelty. Nearly two years after she was found that day in Charleston, SC, Caitlyn has… Learn More
When Sherri Franklin started Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, she not only wanted to rescue senior dogs, but also change the way the world perceived and treated them. Just nine short years later, with over 4,200 senior dogs saved, and a nomination for CNN’s Hero of the Year award, it’s safe to say she’s done just that.… Learn More
Deliah the pitbull was heavily pregnant when she found herself surrendered at an Austin area shelter by her owner. Typically, she would have been spayed, terminating the pregnancy. But Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) heard about her and brought her into their maternity ward instead. It’s a good thing they did, because the world soon fell… Learn More
What’s the definition of the perfect dog? Depends on who you ask. But one thing was for sure – I knew I wasn’t it. Unless the definition was “an anxious ten year old Jack Russell terrier mix who chases his tail and doesn’t get along with other dogs…” but I’m smarter than that. It only took… Learn More
How much of the “conventional wisdom” about adoption and foster programs makes sense, and how much of it just keeps your organization from saving as many animals as it could? That was the question on Sherri Franklin’s mind as she first created Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a San Francisco organization that has saved thousands of… Learn More
It’s Heartworm Awareness Month. Do you know as much as you think you do about heartworm disease in dogs and cats? Feline Heartworm Infection: The big surprise! Yes, we said cats. While only 5 percent of cats are on heartworm preventive, the American Heartworm Society reports rates of diagnosed heartworm infections in cats are on the… Learn More
It’s the most important step you can take to help a newly adopted puppy mill dog adjust, say experts: If you don’t already have one, get another dog. While patience is the quality most needed by puppy mill rescue adopters, research conducted by Dr. Frank McMillan and presented at the University of Florida Maddie’s® Shelter… Learn More
Spring is already here in some parts of the country, and knocking on the door of the rest. To those of us in the sheltering world, that doesn’t mean spring flowers or spring showers… it means kitten season. Maddie’s Institute® is here to help with this list of kitten season resources! Orphaned Kitten Care How-To… Learn More
Want a dog’s-eye view of why they call it Leap Day and not extra day or something like that? I have a theory. As three-legged dog, I’m familiar with the physical act of leaping. But after the past six months, I also know a thing or two about metaphoric leaping. See, I think Leap Day… Learn More
Ah, Valentine’s Day. You either love it, or you loathe it — am I right? I’ll be the first to admit I used loathe it (with a capital L!). But it turns out my true Valentine was named Suzanne. I probably don’t need to, but allow me to introduce myself. I’m Vinny. That’s right, the infamous… Learn More