April is a special month-it’s Maddie’s birthday! Maddie, a beloved Miniature Schnauzer, is the heart and soul behind Maddie’s Fund®. Her unconditional love and joyful spirit inspired Dave and Cheryl Duffield to make her a promise: if they ever had any money, they would use it to help companion animals and the people who love… Learn More
Foster care is a unique form of human-animal interaction that is increasingly understood to be an effective tool for improving the well-being of shelter-living animals. Even brief stays in foster care can allow animals to escape the stressors of the shelter, provide an environment that allows for greater social interaction and offer opportunities for improved… Learn More
Canine hyperarousal behaviors like rapid jumping and grabbing are common challenges in animal shelters, impacting dog welfare, adoption prospects, and the safety of both shelter personnel and animals. Without effective intervention, these behaviors can escalate, reducing a dog’s chances of finding and keeping a home. Join us for this month’s installment of Maddie’s® Monthly Behavior… Learn More
Living better fuels working better, and working better enriches how you live. A new Maddie’s Fund® self-paced course, Hatching Leadership: Live Better, Work Better invites you to reflect on your lived experiences, beliefs and responses to challenges—guiding you to build emotional and physical awareness. By exploring these areas, you’ll uncover new clarity, motivation and purpose that… Learn More
For families facing housing insecurity, domestic violence or financial hardship, “no pets allowed” policies can force the heartbreaking decision to part with beloved companions. This challenge not only impacts families but also places additional strain on animal well-being organizations through increased shelter intakes and resource demands. Co-sheltering is defined by My Dog Is My Home as the… Learn More
Maddie’s Fund® is proud to introduce Learning Paths, hosted on Maddie’s® University. Each path contains content that covers a single topic so you can discover what you need and get on with your day. Learning Paths are collections with thoughtfully self-paced courses and resources on dog and cat behavior, body language, training, shelter care, program… Learn More
Shelters and rescue groups have shown great resilience, finding innovative ways to save animals despite major challenges. However, many workers face burnout and compassion fatigue, leading some to leave the field. In 2023, Best Friends conducted the largest U.S. survey on shelter staff well-being. Nearly half of respondents reported high compassion satisfaction, and most plan… Learn More
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
Kitten Season is coming soon, and so is help! Prepare for the kittens with expert guidance from leaders in the field. Join us on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 9AM PT/12PM ET to 1PM PT/4PM ET, for Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition. This free, half-day session is designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge… Learn More
As Maddie’s Fund®‘s 30th anniversary celebration continues, to talk about supporting people and pets in your communities. Community sheltering focuses on extending care and resources beyond the shelter to keep pets and people together. The more we help people—especially those facing housing insecurity, financial hardship, or crisis—the fewer animals end up in shelters. Pop over… Learn More