Citrus County Animal Services has just received its first 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.

On December 18, 2018 the Maddie’s Fund Board of Directors approved Citrus County to receive the Innovation Grant application submitted by Citrus County Animal Services Director, Colleen Yarbrough Citrus and Citrus County Veterinarian, Dr. Meredith Montgomery for a Managed Admissions project, titled “Managed intake to reduce overcrowding in Citrus County”, in the amount of $5,000.00.

There are three managed admissions targeted areas the grant will be used for to mitigate intake and overcrowding at the shelter.

• Establishing a delayed pediatric/nursing mother intake program- Encouraging owners interested in relinquishing nursing mothers with puppies and kittens to foster until all puppies and kittens reach 8 weeks old.
• Foster for stray hold – Good Samaritans who have found stray, healthy dogs or cats will have the opportunity to temporarily foster these animals for the animals stray hold after initial intake exam (photos, physical exam, vaccination, ectoparasite control and deworming).
• Owner “foster” for planned relinquishment.

The Innovation Grants are help to fund projects at shelters, independent rescue organizations, non-profit clinics and TNR groups across the country that advance lifesaving and ultimately guarantee a healthy home or habitat for all dogs and cats.

“This is one of the many national programs the shelter participates in throughout the year to enhance the shelter experience in Citrus County. The shelter also relies heavily on local volunteers and donations,” said Animal Services Director Colleen Yarbrough.

Maddie’s Fund® is a family foundation created in 1994 by Workday® co-founder Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl, who have endowed the Foundation with more than $300 million. Since then, the Foundation has awarded more than $225.7 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 always made them laugh and 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 no-kill nation where every dog and cat is guaranteed a healthy home or habitat. #ThanksToMaddie.