Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Camp Maddie recordings, giveaway winners and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Kitten season is here! And so are the Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition recordingsThe kittens are here! 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, are available on Maddie’s® University to peruse anytime you’d like. This series provides critical… Learn More May 2025...
Gazing Behavior of Dogs
Have you ever noticed your dog staring at you? This simple behavior reveals much more than you might think. Gazing is a critical way dogs communicate with humans, especially in uncertain situations. A recent study highlights how different dogs use this behavior in response to new stimuli, such as a remote-controlled toy car. What the Study Revealed Researchers observed dogs and recorded how often they gazed at their human companions during a minute of exposure to the toy. The results were fascinating! Dogs were grouped into four clusters...
Want the Secret to Anti-Aging Care for Dogs and Cats? Start with Mitochondria!
The natural power of glyconutrients like sialic acid supports your dog’s and cat’s vitality by activating crucial mitochondria. Learn more about anti-aging care for dogs and cats and the best natural source of sialic acid! As dogs and cats age, their energy levels, vitality, and overall health can begin to decline. But modern science and an ancient natural ingredient hold the key to anti-aging care for dogs and cats. The secret is activating mitochondria, which you can do with a powerful glyconutrient called sialic acid. And while...
Does Global Warming Have Anything to Do with Our Four-Legged Companions?
Rising temperatures bring more than discomfort—they threaten the lives of dogs and cats. Heatwaves now last longer and strike harder, leaving animals gasping for relief. Dogs, especially those with short snouts, struggle to cool down. Cats pant and drool, their tiny bodies unable to shed excess heat fast enough. Even a shaded backyard can become a danger zone. Heatstroke symptoms—excessive panting, drooling, lethargy—can escalate quickly, sometimes fatally. Older animals and those with health issues face even greater risk....
Kitten season is here! And so are the Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition recordings
The kittens are here! 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 anytime you’d like. This series provides critical insights to help organizations scale up their responses to meet the needs of more vulnerable kittens in their communities. The topics covered are: Navigating the Kitten Quandary in...
Keeping Cats Safe from Road Traffic
As beloved companions, our feline friends deserve a safe environment. Recent research highlights alarming statistics about road traffic accidents and cat safety. Unlike dogs, cats are more prone to traffic incidents. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding these risks to protect our furry family members. The Roaming Behavior of Cats Cats possess a natural curiosity that often leads them outdoors. This roaming behavior significantly jeopardizes cat safety and increases their chances of encountering traffic. While exploring their...
4 Summer Fitness Activities to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Active
These fun fitness activities will help your dog stay in tiptop condition, so he can move into the summer with ease! Summer fitness for dogs is all about engaging in safe and enjoyable activities to help them stay active and avoid injury. Hiking, jogging, swimming, and playing fetch are just a few things you may be doing with your dog this summer. But jumping into them too quickly can lead to injuries such as torn ligaments, especially if your dog hasn’t developed enough strength, flexibility, and overall fitness prior to engaging in...
Acupuncture’s Growing Role in Veterinary Treatments
Picture your loyal companion-dog or cat moving with ease, tail high, eyes bright, free from the grip of pain. Acupuncture, a therapy rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, now stands at the forefront of modern veterinary care, offering renewed hope for animals struggling with pain, injury, or chronic conditions. How Acupuncture Works Acupuncture involves the insertion of ultra-fine needles at precise points on the body, stimulating nerves and muscles to encourage natural healing and pain relief. These needles, thinner than a whisker, prompt the...
May 2025 Giveaway: Everyday leadership in animal well-being
Leadership isn’t always about having a title or being in the spotlight. It’s in the everyday actions like mentoring a coworker, advocating for change, keeping your team motivated, or showing up with empathy. In animal well-being, these moments of quiet leadership often make the biggest difference. At Maddie’s Fund®, we believe leadership happens at all levels. Throughout our 30 years, we’ve invested resources in supporting and celebrating leaders through programs like the Maddie’s® Executive...
Meningioma in Dogs: What Every Dog Parent Needs to Know
A sudden seizure, a change in personality, or a loss of coordination-these moments can shake the foundation of any bond between a dog and their family. Meningioma in dogs, the most common brain tumor in canines, often lurks unseen until these dramatic signs appear, leaving families searching for answers and hope. Understanding this condition empowers families to make informed choices and cherish every moment. What Is Meningioma? Meningiomas arise from the meninges, the protective membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord. These tumors...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Foster 50, rural community survey and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Join the Foster 50 to increase pet fosteringA strong foster network program can make all the difference for shelters and rescues who want to reduce length of stay and bolster the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of their pets. Join the Foster 50, which is designed to increase pet fostering across the United States. The program has been developed by a coalition of… Learn More Webcast: Exploring factors that influence public engagement of...
Dos and Don’ts of Gut Health in Cats
A cat’s gut is more than just a digestive tract—it’s a bustling ecosystem that influences mood, immunity, and vitality. When the gut thrives, so does your feline companion. Understanding how to foster this inner world creates a foundation for a long, joyous life together. Do: Prioritize a Balanced, Species-Appropriate Diet The cornerstone of gut health in cats lies in feeding a diet rich in high-quality proteins such as chicken, fish, or turkey, which align with their carnivorous nature. Talking about turkey, turkey treats...
Top 4 Reasons Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated Rabbit Treats Are an Unbeatable Snack for Dogs and Cats!
Dog and cat treats should be nutritious, delicious, safe, and convenient, and nothing hits the spot like freeze-dried and dehydrated rabbit treats! Rabbit is a lean, hypoallergenic protein that’s gaining popularity, especially for pet parents dealing with food sensitivities, allergies, or picky eaters. While there are many ways to serve this novel protein, freeze-dried and dehydrated options offer the perfect balance of nutrition, safety, and convenience. Let’s look at the main benefits of freeze-dried and dehydrated rabbit treats...
Nutrient Deficiencies in Dogs
Picture the loyal gaze of a dog waiting at your feet, trusting you for every meal. Behind that wagging tail, a silent battle might be brewing—one that starts with a missing nutrient and ends with a life less vibrant. Nutrient deficiencies are more common than most realize, and their effects can quietly erode a dog’s health, energy, and joy. Spotting Trouble: Subtle Signs That Speak Volumes A shiny coat and boundless energy speak of wellness, but dull fur, flaky skin, or sluggishness signal trouble. Deficiencies in B vitamins,...
Part Two: Triage that Transforms Intake
[embedded content] Part one left us on a cliffhanger! Ready for part 2? Let’s explore Intake Triage strategies that help manage lost pet intake and streamline your intake process as a whole! Amanda Foster, HASS Programs Director, and Nichole Hazard, HASS Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, will discuss easy ways to better understand the “why” behind animals entering the shelter and the best practices for communicating effectively with your community. Resources included here. You can also watch part one...
HASS Launches NEW Partner Program to Continue Movement Momentum
Human and animal welfare organizations are invited to join nearly 400 partners committed to implementing HASS in their communities (AUSTIN, TX) May 1, 2025–Human Animal Support Services (HASS), an international project bridging the gap between human and animal welfare, is proudly launching the HASS Partner Program. The program provides partnership incentives to HASS Partner Organizations and exclusive project participation opportunities using their industry expertise to improve upon the welfare system as a whole. “Since its...
We Don’t Just Play with Puppies and Kittens All Day
May 01, 2025 May is Mental Health Month—a time to raise awareness, share stories, and shed light on the many facets of mental well-being. For those of us working in animal welfare, this month hits close to home. From the outside, our jobs may look like an endless stream of tail wags, purring, and adorable adoption photos. While there is no lack of those perks, there’s another side to our reality that is far more complex, emotionally taxing, and deeply human. Let’s be honest: animal welfare work is often misunderstood. While...
Join the Foster 50 to increase pet fostering
A strong foster network program can make all the difference for shelters and rescues who want to reduce length of stay and bolster the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of their pets. Join the Foster 50, which is designed to increase pet fostering across the United States. The program has been developed by a coalition of animal well-being specialists, including PEDIGREE Foundation, Maddie’s Fund, Adopt-a-pet, Petco Love, The Association of Animal Welfare Advancement, Mutual Rescue and Outcomes for Pets...
Feline Dyspnea: When Every Breath Counts
A cat’s breath is a silent rhythm in the home—until it’s not. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, transforms that quiet comfort into a moment of fear. Recognizing the signs early can make all the difference. Watch for labored or rapid breathing, open-mouth panting, flared nostrils, blue or pale gums, and a cat crouched low with neck extended. These are urgent signals—and you should know what to do. Why Is Your Cat Struggling to Breathe? Feline dyspnea rarely appears without a serious underlying reason. The most frequent...
What Can Hamper a Thriving Microbiome in Your Dog’s Gut
The gut microbiome is a bustling community of trillions of microorganisms living in your dog’s digestive tract. This invisible ecosystem plays a starring role in digestion, immune defense, and even mood regulation. When this delicate balance is disturbed, a condition called gut dysbiosis arises, leading to a cascade of health problems from digestive upset to behavioral changes. Understanding what disrupts this harmony is key to nurturing your dog’s wellbeing. Dangers Lurking in Diet Choices Feeding low-quality food loaded with...
