The Fulfillment of a Promise to a Miniature Schnauzer Celebrates 30 Years, Thanks to Dave & Cheryl Duffield

Maddie's Fund®, a family foundation established in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield as the fulfillment of a promise to their Miniature Schnauzer, Maddie, celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year.

Maddie’s Fund was created by a family who has a history – in work and philanthropy – of finding innovative solutions to tough problems and trying new things. They’re known for investing in leadership, putting people at the center, setting high goals and measuring impact. Through this particular promise, they’ve provided a national voice and championed the work of its partners.

When Maddie’s Fund began, it was all about revolutionizing the status and well-being of companion animals. Thirty years later, the Foundation recognizes that to do that, the whole family relationship needs to be valued. It acknowledges that “companion animals” also includes companions. The Foundation’s work supports that bond as it reflects what Dave and Cheryl wanted to do when they founded Maddie’s Fund – help people experience the love and joy they did with Maddie.

Thanks to the generosity of Dave and Cheryl, the Foundation has awarded over $287.5 million in grants toward increased community collaborations and live outcomes, pioneering shelter medicine education and establishing foster care as a standard across the United States.

“At Maddie’s Fund, we aim to amplify and spotlight the partners, groups and projects we support,” said Laurie Peek, Executive Leadership Team, Maddie’s Fund. “Many projects we've invested in mark key moments in our organization and our industry’s history. They demonstrate our ability to look forward and to identify areas where we can investigate further, invest in an idea, pass the baton and inspire others to join the endeavor.”

Mary Ippoliti-Smith of Maddie’s Fund’s Executive Leadership Team added, “Focusing on both companions and animals is at the heart of what we do. Our model for animal well-being is community-centric, based on mutual trust and operating in an inclusive, equitable environment that respects everyone, including humans and their animals.”

“We are committed to nurturing the bond between pets and people, supporting the organizations and individuals that carry out this invaluable work and championing the accomplishments of others,” said Amy Zeifang, Maddie’s Fund Executive Leadership Team. “We can’t wait to see where the next 30 years take us.”

The celebration kicks off today and will continue over the next 18 months. To commemorate, Maddie’s Fund is taking a look back at some of the impactful work that has been done to support the human-animal bond (thanks to you!), as well as looking forward. Follow along as we highlight significant events in history, share stories and give away grants and prizes on Maddie’s® Pet Forum.

To find out more about Maddie’s Fund’s History, visit their Timeline.

About Maddie’s Fund:

Established in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield, Maddie's Fund^® is a family foundation and the fulfillment of a promise to their dog, Maddie. She provided them joy for over ten years and continues to inspire us today.

Due to their generosity and vision, the Foundation has awarded over $287.5 million in grants toward increased community collaborations and live outcomes, pioneering shelter medicine education, establishing foster care as a standard across the U.S. and driving innovation in access to care. Maddie’s Fund proudly offers the industry a national voice, important funding opportunities for bold ideas, learning resources and access to collaborate and share innovative solutions.

The Foundation invests its resources in keeping with Dave & Cheryl’s promise, that pets and their people would enjoy the same experience they had with Maddie. We are committed to keeping pets and people together, creating a safety net of care for animals in need and operating within a culture of inclusiveness and humility. #ThanksToMaddie.

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