Contact: Maureen O’Nell, monell@humane.org, (941) 474-7884
(Englewood, FL) – Suncoast Humane Society is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a grant from Maddie’s Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals in the amount of $2,000 as part of the Open Arms Challenge 2024. This grant will support the development and implementation of an innovative community-based program in partnership with Dogs Playing for Life.
The new program will extend our existing playgroups for shelter dogs to the public, allowing potential adopters to observe and interact with dogs in a natural, social setting. By witnessing the dogs’ true behaviors outside the confines of their kennels, we aim to increase the chances of adoption for our shelter dogs.
Maureen O’Nell, Executive Director of Suncoast Humane Society, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This grant from Maggie’s Fund is a monumental step forward in our mission to enhance the lives of shelter dogs and the people who love them. By opening our playgroups to the public, we are creating a transparent and engaging environment that showcases the wonderful personalities of our dogs. We are immensely grateful for Maggie’s Fund’s support and look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on our community.”
Currently, Suncoast Humane Society practices daily playgroups for shelter dogs and offers social playgroups for community dogs. The new initiative will include opportunities for potential adopters to visit, learn, and ask questions of our behaviorists while observing the dogs in their playgroups. Success will be measured by tracking adoption rates and collecting feedback from participants through surveys.
Suncoast Humane Society has served animals and people as a regional resource since 1971. Suncoast Humane Society is a non-profit, no-kill organization without government support that helps pets and people live happier, healthier lives, filled with love, together. This is done by providing innovative programs through Sheltering, Prevention and Community Outreach, aimed to care for pets and the people who love them. To learn more, visit www.humacoa.com.
Maddie’s Fund® is a family foundation created in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield. Since then, the Foundation has awarded nearly $250 million in grants toward increased community lifesaving, shelter management leadership, shelter medicine education and foster care across the U.S. The Duffields named Maddie’s Fund after their Miniature Schnauzer Maddie, who gave them much joy. Maddie was with Dave and Cheryl for ten years and continues to inspire them today.
Maddie’s Fund is the fulfillment of a promise to an inspirational dog, investing its resources to create a nation where all dogs and cats are thriving in their communities thanks to 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.
