The December Weekly Community Conversations grant giveaway winners are…
Earlier this month, Maddie’s Fund® gave four organizations at random a $2,500 grant for attending the December Weekly Community Conversations for a total of $10,000 in grants. In fact, the call was jam-packed with prizes. Join us in congratulating the four people who won a grant for their organization: Amanda Coburn, Vanderburgh Humane Society (Evansville, IN) Shelley Joaquin, Langley Animal Protection Society (Langley, British Columbia) April King, Kotor Kitties (Seattle, WA) Peggy Schipper, All Fur One Pet Rescue and Adoptions...
Can Your Furry Friend Become a Medical Detection Dog?
Dogs have incredible noses that contain up to 300 million scent receptors, compared to our measly 6 million. This amazing sense of smell has led scientists to discover that our canine companions can actually detect certain diseases in humans. This fascinating skill is now being put to work in medical settings around the world. What Diseases Can Dogs Detect? Research has shown that trained dogs can identify several serious health conditions through scent alone. Dogs have successfully detected various types of cancer, including lung, breast,...
How to Tackle Feline Food Fussiness
Does your cat turn up their nose at mealtime? You’re not alone. Many cat parents face the challenge of feeding a finicky feline. Understanding why cats can be selective eaters and learning practical strategies can make mealtimes less stressful for everyone in your household. Why Cats Can Be Choosy Eaters Cats have evolved as obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to eat meat. They possess fewer taste buds than humans and dogs, but they’re extremely sensitive to texture, temperature, and freshness. Your feline...
Understanding pain and behavioral issues in dogs
Pain & discomfort are often underdiagnosed in dogs with behavioral issues. Dr. Emily Levine, DVM, DACVB, Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey will join us on January 22 for the first Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection of the year to speak on this topic. This presentation, Pain and Behavior: a Case-based Talk, will highlight why this happens, cases where pain was the cause of the behavior issues or made behavioral issues worse. This is happening in young dogs and dogs who may not show any typical signs of pain/discomfort but...
New Year, New Tools
[embedded content] New Year, New Tools: Making the Most of HASS Resources HASS introduces new tools and a guided tour of the existing resources designed to strengthen your work in the community. Speakers: Elkie Wills – Director, HASS Amanda Foster – Director of Programs, HASS Jenifer Reed – Senior Education & Program Specialist, HASS Find Human Animal Support Services Online Our Website: www.humananimalsupportservice… Facebook: / humananimalsupportservices Instagram:...
Is Your Dog Sleepier in Winter? Here’s Why
Have you noticed your furry companion spending more time curled up on the couch when winter arrives? You’re not imagining things! Many dogs do become sleepier during cold weather, and there are several interesting reasons behind this seasonal behavior change. The Science Behind Winter Sleepiness Just like humans, dogs respond to changes in their environment, including temperature and daylight hours. When the weather turns cold, dogs naturally adapt their energy levels and activity patterns. This isn’t necessarily a bad...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Instructor-led courses, Community Conversations and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Spring Instructor-Led Courses are coming soon!Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Be sure to save the date for Maddie’s Fund® Instructor-Led Courses! All courses are free, #ThanksToMaddie. We are excited to share that we have four brand new classes this term! We’re offering… Learn More Join us for a new year of Community ConversationsHappy New...
Top 5 Most Overlooked Conditions in Dogs That Can Be Dangerous
Just like people, dogs can develop dementia as they age. This condition often creeps up slowly, making it hard to notice. Your dog might start getting lost in familiar places, standing in corners without knowing how to back out, or wandering around the house at night. They may have accidents indoors despite being house-trained for years, or they might not recognize family members anymore. Many dog parents assume these changes are just “normal aging,” but cognitive dysfunction is a real medical condition that can be managed with...
Plasma: The Functional, Natural Miracle Ingredient for Dogs and Cats!
Spoil and support pets with food, treats, and supplements featuring plasma: It’s tasty, healthy, and natural! When buying pet food, treats, and supplements, modern pet parents don’t just look for quality ingredients or complete and balanced nutrition. They also place emphasis on things like functional ingredients with health benefits. Plasma is a clean, natural, and highly digestible nutrient source that stands out as a functional ingredient because it benefits health and helps the planet. Learn more about plasma, how it supports...
New Year Resolutions for Your Dog
As we step into a new year, many of us make promises to ourselves about eating healthier, exercising more, or learning something new. But have you ever thought about making resolutions for your four-legged companion? Your dog depends on you to help them live their best life, and the start of a new year is the perfect time to focus on their health and happiness. Create a Consistent Daily Routine Dogs thrive on predictability. When your canine friend knows what to expect throughout the day, they feel more secure and less anxious. This year,...
7 Positive Changes After Switching to a Limited-ingredient Dog Diet
Dogs with allergies or food sensitivities are challenging to feed. When you switch to a limited-ingredient dog diet, you can help alleviate symptoms and support your pup in other ways! Does your dog scratch constantly, get hot spots, or have digestive problems like diarrhea? Dogs with food allergies and sensitivities can experience a host of problems. In fact, it’s estimated that about 40% of dogs with dermatitis and itchy skin have food allergies. In other words, there’s a good chance diet could be contributing to your...
Spring Instructor-Led Courses are coming soon!
Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Be sure to save the date for Maddie’s Fund® Instructor-Led Courses! All courses are free, #ThanksToMaddie. We are excited to share that we have four brand new classes this term! We’re offering 10 different courses and 13 total classes in the Spring 2026 session. The spring 2026 application window opens on February 6, 2026 and closes on February 26, 2026. Read on to learn about these great...
How Nutraceuticals Can Help Your Cat Live a Healthier Life
Cat parents want their feline companions to live long, healthy, and happy lives. Nutraceuticals are becoming an increasingly popular way to support our cats’ wellbeing. But what exactly are nutraceuticals, and how can they benefit your furry family member? What Are Nutraceuticals? Nutraceuticals are products derived from food sources that provide extra health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Think of them as a middle ground between regular food and medicine. They include supplements, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and other natural...
Things to Keep in Mind Before Taking Your Dog for a Vet Exam
Taking your dog to the veterinarian can feel stressful for both you and your furry companion. However, being prepared can make the experience smoother and more productive. Here are some important things to consider before your appointment. Gather Your Dog’s Medical History Before heading to the clinic, collect any previous medical records, vaccination certificates, and documentation of past treatments. If you’ve recently switched veterinarians, request records from your previous clinic. Having this information readily available...
The Only Pet Supplement Harnessing Sialic Acid for Pet Health
Discover the many benefits of sialic acid for pet health and the only supplement using glyconutrients for skin and coat health, vitality, and more! Dog and cat parents understand the value of pet supplements that contain functional ingredients with proven benefits. Supplements of this kind are used to support mobility, cognition, healthy aging, energy, and overall health. And what if there were a functional ingredient that did it all? Sounds too good to be true, right? Glyconutrients like sialic acid have wide-ranging advantages for pet...
Join us for a new year of Community Conversations
Happy New Year! We’re excited to announce January’s Community Conversations host, Miguel Ruelas. Miguel is the Community Resources Manager at Pasadena Humane, bringing over a decade of experience in animal welfare grounded in a human-centered, equity-driven, and community-focused approach. He hosted yesterday’s call, Get Them Out, Even for a Little, and will host the remaining calls this month, as shown below: 1/12 Money Mindset for Animal Organizations 1/19: No call for Martin Luther King Jr. Day 1/26:...
Natural Habitat for Your Cat at Home
Cats are amazing creatures with wild instincts that remain strong, even after thousands of years of living alongside humans. Understanding these natural behaviors can help you transform your home into a space where your feline friend can truly thrive. Vertical Space is Essential In nature, cats climb trees to survey their territory, hunt, and escape danger. You can recreate this by adding cat trees, wall-mounted shelves, or window perches throughout your home. These elevated spots allow your cat to observe their surroundings from above, which...
Fox Nuts for Dogs: A Healthy Snack Option
If you’re looking for a healthy treat alternative for your furry companion, fox nuts—also known as makhana—might be worth considering. These crunchy, white puffed seeds come from the lotus plant and have become increasingly popular as a human snack. But can they benefit your canine friend too? What Are Fox Nuts? Fox nuts are naturally low in calories and fat, making them an interesting option for dogs, especially those watching their waistline. They contain fiber, protein, and several minerals that can support your...
Body Condition, Weight Management, and Healthy Dog Diets
Learn how to score your dog’s body condition and discover healthy dog diets that can make weight management a breeze! Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a long, active, and happy life. Excess weight and obesity can cause joint problems, heart and respiratory issues, diabetes, reduced immunity, decreased energy and quality of...
4 Signs Your Dog Is Over Holiday Socializing
Holidays can be full of parties and socializing, and it’s natural for us to want to include our dogs in these celebrations. But many dogs, like humans, may have a limit for how much socializing and partying they’re up for. Knowing when your dog has had enough holiday socializing is an important part of keeping everyone safe. Should Fido Be at the Gathering? The first thing to consider is whether or not you should even include your dog in holiday gatherings. You need to know their personality type, as well as their likes and...
