National animal welfare foundation Maddie’s Fund announced the 10 recipients of this year’s Maddie Hero Awards, recognizing organizations across the U.S. that have furthered the foundation’s “no-kill nation” mission and contributed to the overall welfare of companion dogs through innovative ideas, progressive thinking, and preventative action. Introduced in 2016, the honor awards each recipient a $10,000 grant. The 2018 Maddie Heroes and their teams: Alan Borgal, Animal Rescue League of Boston Jon Cicirelli, San Jose Animal Care and Services, Calif. Ryan Clinton, Attorney, Austin, Tex. Denise Deisler, Jacksonville Humane Society, Fla. Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office South Animal Care Center, Fla. Teresa Johnson, Kansas City Pet Project, Mo. Aimee Sadler, Dogs Playing for Life, Col. Risa Weinstock, Animal Care Centers of New York City Lori Weise, Downtown Dog Rescue, Calif. Makena Yarborough, Lynchburg Humane Society, Va. Established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield in 1994, Maddie’s Fund is a family foundation with an overall objective of eliminating unnecessary euthanasia in animal shelters and ensuring all healthy and treatable shelter dogs and cats are guaranteed a home. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $208.9 million in grants toward increased community lifesaving, shelter medicine education, and pet adoptions across the nation. “The significance of this announcement date is profound,” said Amy Zeifang, executive leadership team, Maddie’s Fund. “We celebrate these leaders during the same week we celebrate Maddie’s birthday, which she shares with all homeless pets. Like our namesake, we are inspired by the lifesaving efforts of people across the country, and we couldn’t be more proud.” For more information, visit maddiesfund.org.
