At Suncoast Humane Society, we believe in providing our community’s animals with the best possible care and increasing their chances of finding loving homes. We are thrilled to share some exciting news that will help us do just that. We have been awarded a generous $2,000 grant from Maddie’s Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield, dedicated to improving the well-being of companion animals. This grant is part of the Open Arms Challenge 2024 and will enable us to launch an innovative Community Playgroup Program, which will provide new opportunities for our shelter dogs to find their forever families.
The Power of Play: A New Approach to Dog Adoption
For many of us, the sight of a wagging tail or the sound of playful barks can melt our hearts instantly. Dogs are social creatures who thrive on interaction, but the traditional shelter environment, with its confined spaces and limited opportunities for exercise, can sometimes mask their true personalities. At Suncoast Humane Society, we understand that potential adopters need to see the real dog behind the kennel door—a dog that is joyful, playful, and ready to be part of a family.
Our new Community Playgroup Program, funded by the Maddie’s Fund grant, will make this possible. This program will extend our existing playgroups to the public, allowing potential adopters to observe and interact with our dogs in a natural, social setting. By seeing how the dogs behave when they are free to run, play, and interact with both people and other dogs, adopters can get a better sense of which dog might be the perfect fit for their family.
A Grant that Supports a Greater Mission
We are deeply grateful to Maddie’s Fund for recognizing the importance of this initiative. Maddie’s Fund was created in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield, who named the foundation after their beloved Miniature Schnauzer, Maddie. Their mission is to create a world where all dogs and cats can live happy, healthy lives, thriving in communities that embrace them. Over the years, Maddie’s Fund has awarded nearly $250 million in grants, supporting a wide range of programs that promote animal welfare, shelter management, and community outreach.
At Suncoast Humane Society, this grant will allow us to build on our existing playgroup program, which has already been successful in improving the lives of our shelter dogs. Currently, our dogs participate in daily playgroups, and we offer social playgroups for community dogs as well. With the addition of the Community Playgroup Program, potential adopters will be able to visit our shelter, watch the dogs at play, and even ask questions of our experienced behaviorists. This transparency and engagement will not only make the adoption process more enjoyable but also more successful.
Measuring Success: The Impact of the Community Playgroup Program
One of the key elements of our new program is its focus on outcomes. We want to ensure that the program not only increases the number of adoptions but also enhances the overall well-being of the dogs in our care. To do this, we will be tracking adoption rates and collecting feedback from participants through surveys. This data will help us refine the program and ensure that it is meeting its goals.
Our hope is that by opening up our playgroups to the public, we will see an increase in the number of dogs finding their forever homes. But beyond that, we believe this program will help potential adopters feel more confident in their decision, knowing that they have seen the dog’s true personality in a social setting. This, in turn, will lead to more successful adoptions, with dogs staying in their new homes for the long term.
A Longstanding Commitment to Animal Welfare
Suncoast Humane Society has been a vital part of our community since 1971, serving as a regional resource for both animals and people. We are a nonprofit, no-kill organization providing a range of services aimed at helping pets and the people who love them. From adoption and sheltering to community outreach and preventive services, we are committed to making sure every animal has the chance to live a happy, healthy life.
Our mission is guided by a deep belief in the bond between people and pets. As our Executive Director, Maureen O’Nell, says, “This grant from Maddie’s Fund is a 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 grateful for Maddie’s Fund’s support and look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on our community.”
Join Us in Making a Difference
As we look to the future, we are excited about the possibilities this grant will open up for our shelter dogs. But we cannot do it alone. We invite you to join us in making a difference, whether by adopting a pet, volunteering your time, or supporting our programs through donations. Together, we can ensure that every dog has the chance to find a loving home and live a full, joyful life.
To learn more about our Community Playgroup Program or to find out how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.humacoa.com. Thank you for your continued support of Suncoast Humane Society and the animals we serve.
