In-depth discussions about diversity, equity and inclusion from those with lived experiences? Yes, please! That’s what you get with our brand-new series, Maddie’s® Candid Conversations. Each segment includes an open, informal 30-mintute conversation with various speakers hosted by our own Mary Ippoliti-Smith. Learn and be inspired by each speaker’s journey promoting diversity, equity and inclusion… Learn More
All this month, Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) is hosting weekly talks with a panel of African American professionals where they will discuss the issues they face inside and outside of the animal welfare industry. This week Logan Ryan, founder and CEO of Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation and New York Giants Cornerback, and Akisha… Learn More
Dr. Michael Blackwell knew he had a mission while working at Young-Williams Animal Center, the largest animal shelter in East Tennessee. There was a growing number of Americans who were struggling to acquire necessary services due to the 2008 recession, and veterinary medicine was one of them. Flash forward to today, Covid-19 has amplified the… Learn More
Want to increase adoptions? One way to do so may be thinking about what pets you aren’t allowing to go home, and revisiting your policies. Is it time we start empowering adopters to take home pets with illnesses, injuries and behavioral problems to allow them to grow, heal and recover? Monica Frenden from Austin Pets… Learn More
The eviction crisis has been on the forefront of the animal welfare industry’s focus over the past several months. While renters have already been facing challenges finding pet-friendly housing, many are now finding themselves on the brink of eviction. In response, animal welfare organizations are preparing for a surge of housing instability and as a… Learn More
Saving Sunny Inc., a dog-based animal welfare organization in Louisville, Kentucky, has been transforming the model of the animal sheltering system since 2010. Their efforts aim to make animal services part of their community’s social service, much like the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) initiative strives to do. Co-Founders, Maureen Kennan and Kelsey Westbrook, shared their… Learn More
Now, more than ever, low income families are struggling to find access to veterinary care due to COVID-19. Learn more about this important topic from Access to Care expert and the 2020 Avanzino Leadership Award recipient, Dr. Michael J. Blackwell, in the recorded webcast, Access to Care: A National Family Crisis. In the webcast, Dr.… Learn More
We’re thrilled to announce that the 2020 Avanzino Leadership Award goes to Dr. Michael J. Blackwell for his outstanding leadership and purposeful dedication to honor the human-animal bond. The award is named after Rich Avanzino, the father of the no-kill movement and Maddie’s Fund President from 1999 – 2015. This award recognizes significant achievement and… Learn More