Is your animal website foster-friendly? Here’s why it should be
If you’re trying to grow your foster program, one of the most important places to start isn’t on social media or with a flyer—it’s your website. Your website is your organization’s virtual front door. When potential foster caregivers stop by, you want them to feel welcome, encouraged, and excited to get involved. But too often, fostering information is hard to find or buried under volunteer content, leaving supporters confused or discouraged. So how do you fix that? Here are a few key ways to make your...
Von Willebrand Disease: What Dog Parents Should Know
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) poses a serious challenge for many dogs and their caregivers. This inherited bleeding disorder results from a deficiency or dysfunction of the von Willebrand Factor (vWF), essential for proper blood clotting. Dogs suffering from vWD might experience easy bruising, bleeding gums, or excessive bleeding during surgeries. Awareness of this condition is crucial for proactive management and care. Types of Von Willebrand Disease: Know the Risks Three types of vWD exist, each varying in severity. Type I is the most...
Dog park alternatives
Dog parks aren’t the only way to keep your pup active. From dog gyms to water parks, these alternatives offer exercise and socialization in more controlled settings. Our dogs require both physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy. But it can be challenging to ensure they receive the activity and stimulation they need. For many, dog parks are the answer. They offer off-leash, fenced-in areas where dogs can run, play and interact with other canines. But dog parks aren’t for everyone. Some dogs play too rough and...
Upbringing Patterns Can Shape Dog Parenting Styles
Have you ever wondered why you treat your dog the way you do? The way you nurture, discipline, or spoil your furry companion often reflects the parenting style you experienced growing up. Recent research involving nearly 400 dog caregivers reveals a fascinating truth: the way people raise their dogs often mirrors the caregiving they received as children. The Cycle of Permissive Parenting The study found a strong pattern—those raised with a permissive style tend to raise their dogs the same way. Permissive parenting means fewer rules and...
August and September 2025 giveaway: Spotlight on online learning
The 30th anniversary celebration of Maddie’s Fund® continues! We’re giving away $1,000 in unrestricted funding every other month, for engaging on a special anniversary-related post on Maddie’s® Pet Forum beginning August 1, 2025. We want to thank Cuddly for supporting our previous monthly giveaways with amazing prize packs. We’re grateful for their partnership in celebrating the important work you all do. For August and September we’re celebrating the role that online learning has played in helping...
The science behind animal communication
Investigate the intriguing science behind intuitive animal communication. See how dogs, cats, and other species might connect with humans on a deeper level. Animal communication is growing in popularity. But does it really work? Is it possible for us to communicate intuitively with dogs, cats and other species? Researchers have done few studies on the topic, but the results to date indicate there may be something to it. Here’s a closer look at the science behind animal communication. What the research reveals about animal...
Enrich Your Senior Dog’s Golden Years
Every senior dog deserves a life filled with joy, stimulation, and connection. As dogs age, their needs change, but their spirits remain eager for adventure. Understanding senior dog enrichment can transform their golden years into a vibrant chapter filled with happiness and health. Tailored Activities Engaging senior dogs requires tailoring activities to their unique personalities. Some may thrive on calm moments, soaking up sunlight and enjoying quiet companionship. Others, the more spirited ones, crave stimulation and interaction....
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Last chance Fall Instructor-Led Courses, Shelter Animals Count report and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. LAST DAY: Apply now for fall Instructor-Led Courses by 2pm PT today!The application period of Instructor-Led Courses is closing today! Subjects include fostering, shelter consultations, marketing and more. The length and number of Zoom classes are course-dependent, and can range from 4 to 6 classes, at 60, 75, or 90-minutes each. All courses are free and begin in September. The application window closes on August 18,… Learn More Shelter Animals Count...
Helping dogs recover from natural disaster trauma
When natural disasters strike, dogs can suffer a lot of emotional trauma. Get expert advice on recognizing the signs and helping your dog recover. From floods to wildfires, natural disasters are becoming more frequent. They claim lives – human and animal — and cause untold damage. Even after the emergency ends and cleanup begins, the trauma of living through a disaster lingers — for our dogs as well as for us. Humans have access to resources that help them through the emotional stress of a natural disaster. But what...
Why do cats like to climb?
Cats are hard-wired to climb. Explore the reasons behind your cat’s love for high places and how to keep him safe while satisfying this natural urge. We’ve heard of cats being stuck up trees or poles and needing rescue. They may have been scared by predators, but also, cats just love to climb. Even a kitten will try to scale your curtains or furniture. Why do cats like to climb? Let’s find out, and how you can satisfy this instinct while keeping your kitty safe. Climbing is in your cat’s DNA Firstly, your cat...
