April 27, 2015

Contact:
Sharon Fletcher, Director of Marketing & Communications
925.310.5458
fletcher@maddiesfund.org

PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A virtual birthday celebration for homeless pets is being hosted by Maddie's Fund® this week. The public is invited to join the fun by sharing the Maddie's Fund graphic and tagging their own celebration photos using #HappyBdayHomelessPets and #ThanksToMaddie. This celebration is in honor of the Fund's namesake, Maddie, whose spirit and inspiration have positively impacted the welfare of over 1.3 million U.S. dogs and cats.

"Animal lovers everywhere are encouraged to share the graphic and salute the joy their own pet provides everyday with an extra hug and smooch," says Sharon Fletcher, Maddie's Fund Marketing & Communications Director. "Not all pets have families to revel in them, yet. Together, we can celebrate these wonderful dogs and cats, and help Maddie continue to benefit shelter pets through raising awareness of adoption and fostering!"

Maddie is the sweet and spunky Miniature Schnauzer who brought her family tremendous joy and inspired them to start the non-profit organization Maddie's Fund®, whose mission is to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals. Her actual birthday is on April 26th.

Don't yet have a pet? Adopt or foster one today. For more information about Maddie's® Birthday Celebration, follow Maddie's Fund on Facebook, or email Sharon Fletcher, fletcher@MaddiesFund.org.



About Maddie's Fund

Maddie's Fund® is a family foundation established in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield and is the fulfillment of a promise to their inspirational dog, Maddie. She provided them much joy from 1987 – 1997 and continues to inspire them today.

The Foundation has awarded over $265 million in grants toward increased community lifesaving, pioneering shelter medicine education and establishing foster care as a standard across the U.S.

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 a commitment 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.