PRESS RELEASE

(Alameda, Calif.) On June 4 and 5, the Bay Area saw unprecedented rain but that didn’t stop thousands of people from coming out to adopt 2,312 shelter dogs and cats during the second annual Maddie’s® Matchmaker Adoptathon.  In total, Maddie’s Fund expects to give about $2 million to participating shelters for all the adoptions processed during this year’s Maddie’s® Matchmaker Adoptathon*.

“My family and I spent the weekend visiting many of the participating locations,” said Dave Duffield, Maddie’s Fund founder.  “The joy we saw in the animals, as well as the volunteers and the adopters, is the reason we created Maddie’s Fund.  Maddie gave us so much happiness, and we congratulate all of this weekend’s adopters and wish them a lifetime of love with their new companions.”

Forty-six shelter and rescue organizations participated in this year’s Adoptathon, and pets were available at more than 70 locations throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.  The big emphasis during this year’s event was to find homes for senior pets and for pets who had been treated for medical conditions.  Organizations reported that about 30 percent of all their adoptions qualified as senior and/or treatable.

“We are thrilled that so many of our animals found their forever homes during Maddie's® Matchmaker Adoptathon, especially those that are typically not easy to adopt,” said Maryann Lovi with Shake Wiggle ‘n Roll. “This event has opened people's hearts to senior animals, and those who have medical conditions.”  Read More...

Albert

Albert's family had to give him up after the economy forced them to relocate from their large home to a smaller place with a strict two-pet limit.

At 10 years old, Albert had been adopted as a kitten and lived his entire life with the same family. His guardians were devastated to have to make this choice, but as the youngest only cat of their three, he was the only one who the family felt could reasonably be placed up for adoption. Because he is a senior, Albert needed some medical work ups and a dental procedure before being made available for adoption, but he is now healthy and ready to settle down for good. Available for adoption at Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, 2700 9th St, Berkeley, 510-981-6601.

Chico

Like many of the animals being surrendered to shelters these days due to foreclosure and job loss, “Chico” was surrendered to the Hayward Animal Shelter because his owners were moving and could not take him with them.

“Chico” is a five year old Cocker Spaniel. His previous owner told us that he is potty trained. “Chico” was very scared and shy when he first came to us but is quickly showing us his true colors. “Chico” knows how to sit and lay down and he LOVES  squeaky toys. He would do best in an adult household. “Chico” is waiting for his new loving family at the Hayward Animal Shelter, 16 Barnes Ct., Hayward, CA 510-293-7200 x 7. “Chico” A073846.

Maddie's Fund, The Pet Rescue Foundation, is a family foundation funded by Workday and PeopleSoft Founder Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl. Maddie's Fund is helping to create a no-kill nation where all healthy and treatable shelter dogs and cats are guaranteed a loving home.

To achieve this goal, Maddie's Fund is investing its resources in building community collaborations where animal welfare organizations come together to develop successful models of lifesaving; in veterinary colleges to help shelter medicine become part of the veterinary curriculum; and in the implementation of a national strategy to promote accountability and transparency in animal shelter operations. Maddie's Fund is named after the family's beloved Miniature Schnauzer who passed away in 1997.

Maddie’s Fund would like to thank Stoneridge Shopping Center and the following businesses who opened their doors to showcase dogs and cats for Maddie’s® Matchmaker Adoptathon.  They helped to make this an event for the record books.

Animal Care Clinic

Books, Inc., Berkeley

Buffalo Exchange, Berkeley

Danville Hotel

Delta Dog Camp

Dog Bone Alley, Alameda

Farrington Kennels

George in Berkeley

Lions Wayside Park

Newpark Mall

North Gate Kennels & Cattery

Paws on Piedmont

Pet Choice

PETCO, Alameda

PETCO, Brentwood

PETCO, Concord

PETCO, Dublin

PETCO, El Cerrito

PETCO, Emeryville

PETCO, Fremont

PETCO, Martinez

PETCO, San Ramon

PETCO, Walnut Creek

Pet Extreme, Livermore

Pet Food Express, Alameda

Pet Food Express, Antioch

Pet Food Express, Concord (Oak Grove)

Pet Food Express, Concord (Ygnacio)

Pet Food Express, Danville

Pet Food Express, Dublin

Pet Food Express, Fremont

Pet Food Express, Lafayette

Pet Food Express, Oakland (Broadway)

Pet Food Express, Oakland (Telegraph)

Pet Food Express, Pleasant Hill

Pet Food Express, Walnut Creek

PetSmart, Albany

PetSmart, Antioch

PetSmart, Bayfair Mall

PetSmart

PetSmart, Concord

PetSmart, Dublin

PetSmart, Fremont

PetSmart, Pittsburg

PetSmart, Richmond

Rodie’s Feed & Country Store

Savvy Seconds, Livermore

Savvy Seconds, Pleasanton

Sports Basement, Walnut Creek

Wags & Whiskers

Well-Pet Vet Clinic

Woof Doggie Daycare & Boarding

Your Basic Bird

Phoebe

About four years ago, we rescued a five year old cat named Jellybean from impending euthanasia at a local county shelter. She was all black and was a bit shy and as a result, visitors went straight to the kittens and the younger, “better” looking cats.

The stress of not being in a home caused Jellybean to sit in her kennel and pull out chunks of her hair. Although we gave her some medicine to help her be a bit less stressed, it did not seem to help. One volunteer saw the hurt in Jellybean’s eyes and took her home. Jellybean, renamed Phoebe, lived happily and quietly in Susan’s home for almost five years. Her peaceful life changed suddenly one day when Susan was diagnosed with cancer.

     After a long battle, Susan passed away, leaving Phoebe homeless. Poor Phoebe was a ten year old kitty with no place to go. We took her back into our adoption program here at the center where she has been for over four months. Just like before, everybody passes her by and goes to look at the young and the playful.

     Phoebe is a delightful cat with so much love to give. She greets visitors when they walk into our adoptable cat room and enjoys laying out in the sunshine with a person there talking to her gently or petting her. She would make the perfect addition to your home and would provide you many years of love and comfort.

Put a smile on your face and check out some great photos from the weekend.