This post originally ran in 2023. Lowering barriers is a key element to attracting and keeping foster caregivers. Kelly Duer, Senior Community Solutions Specialist, here at Maddie’s Fund® spoke with Becky Costner, Executive Director of Let Love Live, a foster-based rescue organization in Wadena, Minnesota, to ask her about their low-barrier foster program. Using a… Learn More

Resource guarding is a common behavior seen in dogs entering rescue and shelter environments, often arising from stress, uncertainty and past experiences around scarce or valuable resources. “Sharing Isn’t Easy: Resource Guarding in Rescue and Shelter Dogs” presentation explores the current research on resource guarding and how it applies to real-world rescue settings. Join us… Learn More

Earlier this week, Maddie’s Fund® gave four organizations at random a $2,500 grant for attending the April Weekly Community Conversations for a total of $10,000 in grants. Join us in congratulating the four people who won a grant for their organization: Debra DeVries, K9 Battle Buddies (Hinesville, GA) Carol Fleming, Upper Valley Humane Society (Enfield,… Learn More

This post originally ran in 2023.  Having trouble finding foster caregivers? These six questions can help guide you toward a successful strategy.  1. Is it easy to become a foster caregiver at your rescue organization? Research shows that the organizations with the biggest foster programs have quick and easy onboarding processes. Organizations that require things like… Learn More

Summer is just around the corner and we have just what you need to keep the kids entertained (for a little while anyways). Maddie’s® Tail Wag activity book is available for two different age groups and is designed to spark empathy, creativity and a love for animals. Children six and under will find these fun… Learn More

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. When we were founded in 1994, it all started with Maddie – and a deep desire to share the… Learn More

Registration for the Foster 50 Challenge is now open and closes on April 30. Foster 50 was built on a simple belief: lasting impact happens when animal shelters, foster-based rescues, partners and pet parents work together. In its inaugural year, this national, coalition-led program proved what’s possible through community-powered action. Together, Foster 50 communities: Welcomed… Learn More

Join us for a dynamic look on April 29, 2026 for some of the winning strategies from the 2025 Foster 50 Challenge (registration for 2026 is now open!) Through a series of lightning-fast talks, you’ll learn how grant funding helped spark new ideas, expanded foster programs and created measurable change for communities and animals in… Learn More

This was originally published in Spring 2025.  The kittens are coming! And so is help. Back in March, Maddie’s Fund® hosted Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition, a half-day learning event with four of the premier experts in the field. Now, all four sessions and one question and answer session, is available on Maddie’s® University to peruse… Learn More

Have you ever wondered how your fellow animal well-being professionals manage their days and take care of themselves? In our new blog series, we’ll be chatting with a member of our field regularly about these topics and sharing it with you. Whether your role looks similar or completely different, we hope you discover something useful… Learn More