Animal Welfare Professionals

Updated 1/5/26 at 1:01 pm - Recording now available to watch on-demand!

Enter here for a chance to win the January Community Conversations giveaway after watching live or on-demand.

Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie’s Fund.

We hope to see you on the first Maddie's Community Conversation of the new year on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Get Them Out, Even for a Little" a conversation with Shonyae Johnson and Lulu Ochoa. 

The presentation shows how structured enrichment programs, like playgroups, pack walks, short term fostering, and tandem walks, can transform shelter operations and positively impact the dogs in your care. Through success stories like Blossom, Whisper, Cookie, and Millie, it demonstrates how getting dogs out of their kennels regularly cuts down on stress, helps with behavior issues, and increases their chances of adoption.

For dogs who aren't quite ready for group play, the presentation covers other options that work better for them. It also gets into the operational perks, like speeding up daily routines and cutting down how long animals stay at the shelter. A big piece of it is about giving staff the confidence and tools to run enrichment programs on their own, by adding the into the daily routine.

Enrichment programs aren't just extra work, they're essential care.

People who attend will leave with practical next steps, including taking a fresh look at current foster and enrichment programs, getting staff trained up on handling and playgroup management, getting more volunteers involved, setting up ways to track progress, and building enrichment schedules that actually work with day-to-day operations.

This session is especially relevant for  adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, veterinary professionals (vets, techs, support staff), marketing & communications staff, and behavior staff & volunteers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Getting dogs out improves dog's welfare, staff teamwork, boost morale, fosters community, and improves cross-role communication.

• Well-run out of kennel enrichment programs boost visibility through content, such as videos or photos, pet profiles, and being seen in the community leading to more adoptions.

• Out of kennel opportunities provide more efficient animal care operations and maximize time usage.

Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

I'm excited for this presentation - what a great way to kick off the new year! Shonyae and Lulu are a dream team, it's inspiring to see folks come together across organizations and come up with practical, scalable solutions. 

------------------------------
Allison Cardona
Director
Wallis Annenberg Petspace
------------------------------

We appreciate you and your support, Allison! ♥️

------------------------------
Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA
Learning + Development Sr. Manager
Operation Kindness | Texas Unites
www.operationkindness.org
texasunites@operationkindness.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2026 05:53 PM
From: Allison Cardona (she/her/ella)
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/05/2026 - Get Them Out, Even for a Little

I'm excited for this presentation - what a great way to kick off the new year! Shonyae and Lulu are a dream team, it's inspiring to see folks come together across organizations and come up with practical, scalable solutions. 

------------------------------
Allison Cardona
Director
Wallis Annenberg Petspace
------------------------------

Thanks to our speakers, @Shonyae Johnson and @Lulu Ochoa - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: Which program are you ready to trial at your organization?

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Do you guys do weekend sleep overs? This gives a better view of how the dogs do out of the shelter and in a home setting." - @Loretta Thompson

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Yes! Our team does do weekend sleepovers! It's the same process, except the dog is kept over the weekend. They can also extend their stay to longer than a weekend (which of course happens, who wouldn't want to cuddle their foster a liiiiiittle longer!)

They do not have to return the pet or come to the shelter to extend.

Our foster, behavior, and adoptions teams work together to focus on weekend stays for the kiddos that have been in the shelter a little bit longer!

------------------------------
Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA
Learning + Development Sr. Manager
Operation Kindness Humane Society | Texas Unites
www.operationkindness.org
texasunites@operationkindness.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2026 11:59 AM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/05/2026 - Get Them Out, Even for a Little

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Do you guys do weekend sleep overs? This gives a better view of how the dogs do out of the shelter and in a home setting." - @Loretta Thompson

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Yes we do! This is a favorite amongst our staff :-) they take a pup home for their weekend and return when we open our doors to the public again. 

------------------------------
Lulu Ochoa
Animal Care Operations Coordinator
Wallis Annenberg PetSpace
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2026 11:59 AM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/05/2026 - Get Them Out, Even for a Little

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Do you guys do weekend sleep overs? This gives a better view of how the dogs do out of the shelter and in a home setting." - @Loretta Thompson

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Yes! This is also a staff favorite :-) One of our staff recently found a home for one of our dogs while she was out at a sleepover!

------------------------------
Lulu Ochoa
Animal Care Operations Coordinator
Wallis Annenberg PetSpace
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2026 11:59 AM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/05/2026 - Get Them Out, Even for a Little

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Do you guys do weekend sleep overs? This gives a better view of how the dogs do out of the shelter and in a home setting." - @Loretta Thompson

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"What kinds of training do the community volunteers receive and do they have to complete a certain number of hours in positive reinforcement/development stages etc.?" - @Christina Veloz

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

The community members do not have to do any specialized training before taking the dogs out. On our website, we have the opportunities listed and the community member can fill out the foster application here. There is a short video that covers the policies, but no specific behavior handling /training is needed.

If a behavior foster is going out (different from the normal daycation) our behavior team will work with the foster for the pets individual training plan.

If link above doesn't work try this: https://www.operationkindness.org/foster/#1586809404173-7f1d4731-aeb2

------------------------------
Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA
Learning + Development Sr. Manager
Operation Kindness | Texas Unites
www.operationkindness.org
texasunites@operationkindness.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2026 12:00 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/05/2026 - Get Them Out, Even for a Little

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"What kinds of training do the community volunteers receive and do they have to complete a certain number of hours in positive reinforcement/development stages etc.?" - @Christina Veloz

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

No special training other than knowing some basics. We focus a lot on how to safely enter/exit a dogs kennel, positive reinforcement, and basic body language. Our training team is always eager to share training plans with volunteers who are interested in helping. It's also super helpful for us to get assistance with neonate pups so our training team will review things like ENS ( Early Neurological Stimulation) for puppies up to 2 weeks- also a favorite! 

------------------------------
Lulu Ochoa
Animal Care Operations Coordinator
Wallis Annenberg PetSpace
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2026 12:00 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/05/2026 - Get Them Out, Even for a Little

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"What kinds of training do the community volunteers receive and do they have to complete a certain number of hours in positive reinforcement/development stages etc.?" - @Christina Veloz

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Just noticed my QR links are showing broken - I will update those and reupload  :) - Thanks for your patience!

------------------------------
Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA
Learning + Development Sr. Manager
Operation Kindness | Texas Unites
www.operationkindness.org
texasunites@operationkindness.org
------------------------------

If you are interested in doing a dog daycation or weekend foster program, you can check out those near you! 

https://mutualrescue.org/programs/ <-- Mutual Rescue has a dog daycation directory!! If you do daycations and aren't added, you should get your organization up there!

------------------------------
Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA
Learning + Development Sr. Manager
Operation Kindness Humane Society | Texas Unites
www.operationkindness.org
texasunites@operationkindness.org
CarrolltonTX
------------------------------

Thanks to the 113+ people and paws who joined us on today's Community Conversations call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand. Below you'll find a recap of today's call and the resources shared. 

Call Recap

Welcome from hosts

• @Miguel Ruelas, Community Resources Manager, Pasadena Humane
• Sheila Kouhkan, Senior Education Specialist, Maddie's Fund
  
  

Question of the Day: Tell us of a topic you'd like to hear about in this next year!

National Updates

• Texas Unites for Animals Conference is happening April 23-26 2025 in Austin, TX! Learn more.
• The Cat Conference in January:  It brings together leading voices in feline welfare for two days of practical insights, fresh ideas, and real-world strategies to help cats and the people who care for them. If you're looking to learn, connect, and leave feeling more confident and inspired, it's definitely worth checking out. Learn more. 
• HASS (Human Animal Support Services) will kick off the 2026 webinar series this Thursday at 1 p.m. CT by introducing new tools and a guided tour of the existing resources designed to strengthen your work in the community. Attendees will understand practical ways to integrate HASS materials into daily operations and organizational decision‑making. Register here today! 
• Maddie's Insights webcast this week: Join us on Thursday, 1/8/26 at 12n PT for Consentful Contact: Pilot Study on Human–Dog Touch - Dr Amir Sarrafchi Register for Maddie's Insights here. 
• Maddie's Community Conversations Giveaway:  Now you can enter for a chance to win up to  $10,000!  Enter here for a chance to win.  Open to all who are watching live or on-demand! Be sure to enter each week you attend! You must be registered in Maddie's Pet Forum to enter. 
• Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly Giveaway: Maddie's Fund® is giving away a $3,000 grant each month to one lucky Maddie's® Pet Forum member. You'll automatically be entered to win each month when you start a new discussion, reply to a new post.  https://maddies.fund/mpfmonthlygiveaway.
• We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for Maddie's Community Conversations? Interested in hosting? Have a topic or speaker you would like to hear from? Let us know on Maddie's Pet Forum via the Community Conversations Suggestions discussion thread. Or, you can contact us directly by emailing CommunityConversations@maddiesfund.org.

•  Maddie's Fund invites you to share on our latest giveaway thread on Maddie's Pet Forum by sharing: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year? 
  Commenting on the thread in December or January will enter you into a giveaway to win $1,000 in unrestricted funds. We can't wait to celebrate your wins with you! Join the discussion here. 

Presentation: Get Them Out, Even for a Little

• Speakers
  • @Shonyae Johnson, CPDT-KA, Senior Manager of Learning and Development, Operation Kindness
  • @Lulu Ochoa, Animal Care Coordinator, Wallis Annenberg Pet Space
• Resources:
  • Do Playgroups Increase Behavioral Welfare in Shelter Dogs?
  • Bring Fido
  • Sniffspot
  • Preferred muzzle: https://baskervillemuzzle.com/
  • Fear Free muzzle training

Highlights from the Chat

• "Our dog mom club does our local shelters "Dog for a Day" program once a month - we go as a group and take the dogs out for a few hours to get coffee. Last time we did this, EVERY dog we took out (except one) got adopted or fostered that week! https://www.instagram.com/p/DO60RMgAU25/" - Ebony Richardson
• "This gave me the idea of doing Sunday night Sleep overs for families to try out having a pet and get them out. I'll see if my team is willing to coordinate this." - Britney Hauser
• "We also do blind dog dates for Valentines Day." - Britney Hauser
  • 
• "Trusting the community has been a struggle in our area- the humane society in my county told me they only do medical fosters, they don't have a foster program open to the public because 'they don't trust everyone's intentions.'" - Ebony Richardson
• "I made my property a Sniff Spot and give all the money back to my nonprofit." - Loretta Thompson
• "What a great idea and a great execution. AMAZING presentation." - Stefanie Holzman
• "Absolutely incredible presentation!! I am feeling so encouraged and inspired! thank you so much!!" - Kelly Weaver
• "We have an online form that shelter skip day hosts use to populate the spreadsheet that keeps track of all outings (about 2200 since Jan 1 2025)." - Peter Isakson
• "If you are municipal shelter and have a Friends of animal control. Utilize that arm to help with some of the programs like DDO or Doggie overnight. Especially for our shelter, and much of shelter staff are union, including our vets." - Ramona Griffin
• "For playgroup, acclimation to a muzzle isn't always possible. Usually, I hold a treat in front of their nose outside of the muzzle and allow them to slip their nose into and clip. Sometimes, the first time is a 2-person job." - Shonyae Johnson
  • 
• "What amazing hosts and presenters!!!" - Emily Wood
• "Definitely expanding our Buddy Walk or tandem walk program." - Anna Snyder

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

@Loretta Thompson! I saw your note about turning your property into a sniffspot. Humane Rescue Alliance did that too! I'm so excited to see more organizations follow this route of generating funds for their non-profits!

------------------------------
Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA
Learning + Development Sr. Manager
Operation Kindness Humane Society | Texas Unites
www.operationkindness.org
texasunites@operationkindness.org
Carrollton, TX,
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2026 04:38 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/05/2026 - Get Them Out, Even for a Little

Thanks to the 113+ people and paws who joined us on today's Community Conversations call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand. Below you'll find a recap of today's call and the resources shared. 

Call Recap

Welcome from hosts

• @Miguel Ruelas, Community Resources Manager, Pasadena Humane
• Sheila Kouhkan, Senior Education Specialist, Maddie's Fund
  
  

Question of the Day: Tell us of a topic you'd like to hear about in this next year!

• "FREE Educational and training resources for staff & building programs based off those plans!" - Shonyae Johnson
• "What are some creative ways orgs are securing veterinarians?" - Lisa Pearce
• "Keeping pets with the people - return to home, assistance with vet care and other resources." - Amber Eby
• "I second Return to Home and how to increase that." - Allison Cardona
• "Receiving donated veterinary care items." - Ebony Richardson
• "Insurance and liability for rescue organizations. Keeping our organization safe while still being able to save dogs who are considered a risk and giving them a second chance." - Anna Snyder
• "Yes to data collection! Love that topic." - Jyothi Robertson
• "How to convince people to NOT buy animals from backyard breeders. Universally of adopt, not shop." - Marion Barbato
• "How could we get more folks to foster to adopt." - Anita Selby
• "Creative ways to fund community assistance programs, including medical vet care help, especially after a big grant ends." - Kristin Moro
• "Interacting and intersecting with municipal governments (which we may be a member of), particularly excercising policies that we may not agree with (encampment sweeps, policing policies, etc.)." - Emily Wood
• "Status of spay/neuter funding nationally & regionally. I feel like I could put my rescue out of business if I write enough grant applications." - Julie Hall

National Updates

• Texas Unites for Animals Conference is happening April 23-26 2025 in Austin, TX! Learn more.
• The Cat Conference in January:  It brings together leading voices in feline welfare for two days of practical insights, fresh ideas, and real-world strategies to help cats and the people who care for them. If you're looking to learn, connect, and leave feeling more confident and inspired, it's definitely worth checking out. Learn more. 
• HASS (Human Animal Support Services) will kick off the 2026 webinar series this Thursday at 1 p.m. CT by introducing new tools and a guided tour of the existing resources designed to strengthen your work in the community. Attendees will understand practical ways to integrate HASS materials into daily operations and organizational decision‑making. Register here today! 
• Maddie's Insights webcast this week: Join us on Thursday, 1/8/26 at 12n PT for Consentful Contact: Pilot Study on Human–Dog Touch - Dr Amir Sarrafchi Register for Maddie's Insights here. 
• Maddie's Community Conversations Giveaway:  Now you can enter for a chance to win up to  $10,000!  Enter here for a chance to win.  Open to all who are watching live or on-demand! Be sure to enter each week you attend! You must be registered in Maddie's Pet Forum to enter. 
• Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly Giveaway: Maddie's Fund® is giving away a $3,000 grant each month to one lucky Maddie's® Pet Forum member. You'll automatically be entered to win each month when you start a new discussion, reply to a new post.  https://maddies.fund/mpfmonthlygiveaway.
• We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for Maddie's Community Conversations? Interested in hosting? Have a topic or speaker you would like to hear from? Let us know on Maddie's Pet Forum via the Community Conversations Suggestions discussion thread. Or, you can contact us directly by emailing CommunityConversations@maddiesfund.org.

•  Maddie's Fund invites you to share on our latest giveaway thread on Maddie's Pet Forum by sharing: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year? 
  Commenting on the thread in December or January will enter you into a giveaway to win $1,000 in unrestricted funds. We can't wait to celebrate your wins with you! Join the discussion here. 

Presentation: Get Them Out, Even for a Little

• Speakers
  • @Shonyae Johnson, CPDT-KA, Senior Manager of Learning and Development, Operation Kindness
  • @Lulu Ochoa, Animal Care Coordinator, Wallis Annenberg Pet Space
• Resources:
  • Do Playgroups Increase Behavioral Welfare in Shelter Dogs?
  • Bring Fido
  • Sniffspot
  • Preferred muzzle: https://baskervillemuzzle.com/
  • Fear Free muzzle training

Highlights from the Chat

• "Our dog mom club does our local shelters "Dog for a Day" program once a month - we go as a group and take the dogs out for a few hours to get coffee. Last time we did this, EVERY dog we took out (except one) got adopted or fostered that week! https://www.instagram.com/p/DO60RMgAU25/" - Ebony Richardson
• "This gave me the idea of doing Sunday night Sleep overs for families to try out having a pet and get them out. I'll see if my team is willing to coordinate this." - Britney Hauser
• "We also do blind dog dates for Valentines Day." - Britney Hauser
  • 
• "Trusting the community has been a struggle in our area- the humane society in my county told me they only do medical fosters, they don't have a foster program open to the public because 'they don't trust everyone's intentions.'" - Ebony Richardson
• "I made my property a Sniff Spot and give all the money back to my nonprofit." - Loretta Thompson
• "What a great idea and a great execution. AMAZING presentation." - Stefanie Holzman
• "Absolutely incredible presentation!! I am feeling so encouraged and inspired! thank you so much!!" - Kelly Weaver
• "We have an online form that shelter skip day hosts use to populate the spreadsheet that keeps track of all outings (about 2200 since Jan 1 2025)." - Peter Isakson
• "If you are municipal shelter and have a Friends of animal control. Utilize that arm to help with some of the programs like DDO or Doggie overnight. Especially for our shelter, and much of shelter staff are union, including our vets." - Ramona Griffin
• "For playgroup, acclimation to a muzzle isn't always possible. Usually, I hold a treat in front of their nose outside of the muzzle and allow them to slip their nose into and clip. Sometimes, the first time is a 2-person job." - Shonyae Johnson
  • 
• "What amazing hosts and presenters!!!" - Emily Wood
• "Definitely expanding our Buddy Walk or tandem walk program." - Anna Snyder

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

@Ebony Richardson - Hi Ebony, I saw that you're having a hard time with being able to send your dogs out to foster (except medical cases). 

I'd pose the question and ask for an explanation on how placing a dog in foster, is different than placing it with an adopter? The only difference I see is the amount of time out of shelter. In all of these cases (adoption, medical foster, behavior foster, day outs, etc.) - the dog is still going to a community member, we're just calling them by a different title.

If you have other organizations nearby, you can check here: https://mutualrescue.org/programs/ , I would look into their programs and speak with the people doing them in your area to see if they can support you.

Here's a Kindness on the Go dog enjoying their time with a community member! 

------------------------------
Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA
Learning + Development Sr. Manager
Operation Kindness Humane Society | Texas Unites
www.operationkindness.org
texasunites@operationkindness.org
Carrollton, TX,
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2026 04:38 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/05/2026 - Get Them Out, Even for a Little

Thanks to the 113+ people and paws who joined us on today's Community Conversations call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand. Below you'll find a recap of today's call and the resources shared. 

Call Recap

Welcome from hosts

• @Miguel Ruelas, Community Resources Manager, Pasadena Humane
• Sheila Kouhkan, Senior Education Specialist, Maddie's Fund
  
  

Question of the Day: Tell us of a topic you'd like to hear about in this next year!

• "FREE Educational and training resources for staff & building programs based off those plans!" - Shonyae Johnson
• "What are some creative ways orgs are securing veterinarians?" - Lisa Pearce
• "Keeping pets with the people - return to home, assistance with vet care and other resources." - Amber Eby
• "I second Return to Home and how to increase that." - Allison Cardona
• "Receiving donated veterinary care items." - Ebony Richardson
• "Insurance and liability for rescue organizations. Keeping our organization safe while still being able to save dogs who are considered a risk and giving them a second chance." - Anna Snyder
• "Yes to data collection! Love that topic." - Jyothi Robertson
• "How to convince people to NOT buy animals from backyard breeders. Universally of adopt, not shop." - Marion Barbato
• "How could we get more folks to foster to adopt." - Anita Selby
• "Creative ways to fund community assistance programs, including medical vet care help, especially after a big grant ends." - Kristin Moro
• "Interacting and intersecting with municipal governments (which we may be a member of), particularly excercising policies that we may not agree with (encampment sweeps, policing policies, etc.)." - Emily Wood
• "Status of spay/neuter funding nationally & regionally. I feel like I could put my rescue out of business if I write enough grant applications." - Julie Hall

National Updates

• Texas Unites for Animals Conference is happening April 23-26 2025 in Austin, TX! Learn more.
• The Cat Conference in January:  It brings together leading voices in feline welfare for two days of practical insights, fresh ideas, and real-world strategies to help cats and the people who care for them. If you're looking to learn, connect, and leave feeling more confident and inspired, it's definitely worth checking out. Learn more. 
• HASS (Human Animal Support Services) will kick off the 2026 webinar series this Thursday at 1 p.m. CT by introducing new tools and a guided tour of the existing resources designed to strengthen your work in the community. Attendees will understand practical ways to integrate HASS materials into daily operations and organizational decision‑making. Register here today! 
• Maddie's Insights webcast this week: Join us on Thursday, 1/8/26 at 12n PT for Consentful Contact: Pilot Study on Human–Dog Touch - Dr Amir Sarrafchi Register for Maddie's Insights here. 
• Maddie's Community Conversations Giveaway:  Now you can enter for a chance to win up to  $10,000!  Enter here for a chance to win.  Open to all who are watching live or on-demand! Be sure to enter each week you attend! You must be registered in Maddie's Pet Forum to enter. 
• Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly Giveaway: Maddie's Fund® is giving away a $3,000 grant each month to one lucky Maddie's® Pet Forum member. You'll automatically be entered to win each month when you start a new discussion, reply to a new post.  https://maddies.fund/mpfmonthlygiveaway.
• We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for Maddie's Community Conversations? Interested in hosting? Have a topic or speaker you would like to hear from? Let us know on Maddie's Pet Forum via the Community Conversations Suggestions discussion thread. Or, you can contact us directly by emailing CommunityConversations@maddiesfund.org.

•  Maddie's Fund invites you to share on our latest giveaway thread on Maddie's Pet Forum by sharing: What's a win you're celebrating from this past year? 
  Commenting on the thread in December or January will enter you into a giveaway to win $1,000 in unrestricted funds. We can't wait to celebrate your wins with you! Join the discussion here. 

Presentation: Get Them Out, Even for a Little

• Speakers
  • @Shonyae Johnson, CPDT-KA, Senior Manager of Learning and Development, Operation Kindness
  • @Lulu Ochoa, Animal Care Coordinator, Wallis Annenberg Pet Space
• Resources:
  • Do Playgroups Increase Behavioral Welfare in Shelter Dogs?
  • Bring Fido
  • Sniffspot
  • Preferred muzzle: https://baskervillemuzzle.com/
  • Fear Free muzzle training

Highlights from the Chat

• "Our dog mom club does our local shelters "Dog for a Day" program once a month - we go as a group and take the dogs out for a few hours to get coffee. Last time we did this, EVERY dog we took out (except one) got adopted or fostered that week! https://www.instagram.com/p/DO60RMgAU25/" - Ebony Richardson
• "This gave me the idea of doing Sunday night Sleep overs for families to try out having a pet and get them out. I'll see if my team is willing to coordinate this." - Britney Hauser
• "We also do blind dog dates for Valentines Day." - Britney Hauser
  • 
• "Trusting the community has been a struggle in our area- the humane society in my county told me they only do medical fosters, they don't have a foster program open to the public because 'they don't trust everyone's intentions.'" - Ebony Richardson
• "I made my property a Sniff Spot and give all the money back to my nonprofit." - Loretta Thompson
• "What a great idea and a great execution. AMAZING presentation." - Stefanie Holzman
• "Absolutely incredible presentation!! I am feeling so encouraged and inspired! thank you so much!!" - Kelly Weaver
• "We have an online form that shelter skip day hosts use to populate the spreadsheet that keeps track of all outings (about 2200 since Jan 1 2025)." - Peter Isakson
• "If you are municipal shelter and have a Friends of animal control. Utilize that arm to help with some of the programs like DDO or Doggie overnight. Especially for our shelter, and much of shelter staff are union, including our vets." - Ramona Griffin
• "For playgroup, acclimation to a muzzle isn't always possible. Usually, I hold a treat in front of their nose outside of the muzzle and allow them to slip their nose into and clip. Sometimes, the first time is a 2-person job." - Shonyae Johnson
  • 
• "What amazing hosts and presenters!!!" - Emily Wood
• "Definitely expanding our Buddy Walk or tandem walk program." - Anna Snyder

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

This was a great presentation!  I'm the ED of a smaller shelter that is basically rebuilding it's dog program from scratch.  I have been wanting to do some Dog's Day Out type programming and have been worried about liability.  I also know it is best for the dogs to get them out of the kennels.  We had been bringing some out of the kennels and into offices, but we had a very bad bite incident recently and I had to put a stop to it.   Fortunately, we have a real life room, so staff can bring dogs into that space and get cuddles on a couch.  It is always good to learn about more options and opportunities. 

------------------------------
Mindy Wulf
Executive Director
SPCA of Hancock County
ME
------------------------------

Thank you, Mindy! :-) Wishing you and your team the best of luck! 

------------------------------
Lulu Ochoa
Animal Care Operations Coordinator
Wallis Annenberg PetSpace
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-07-2026 09:22 AM
From: Mindy Wulf
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/05/2026 - Get Them Out, Even for a Little

This was a great presentation!  I'm the ED of a smaller shelter that is basically rebuilding it's dog program from scratch.  I have been wanting to do some Dog's Day Out type programming and have been worried about liability.  I also know it is best for the dogs to get them out of the kennels.  We had been bringing some out of the kennels and into offices, but we had a very bad bite incident recently and I had to put a stop to it.   Fortunately, we have a real life room, so staff can bring dogs into that space and get cuddles on a couch.  It is always good to learn about more options and opportunities. 

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Mindy Wulf
Executive Director
SPCA of Hancock County
ME
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I love the real life room. Those are so important to socialization and transition out of the shelter. You can check https://mutualrescue.org/programs/  to see organizations near you to see if they have a view of running a program in your area.

It looks like there are a couple listed in Maine:

Animal Welfare Society	Kennebunk, ME	Email
Bangor Humane Society	Bangor, ME	Email
Humane Society Waterville Area	Waterville, ME	Email

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Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA
Learning + Development Sr. Manager
Operation Kindness Humane Society | Texas Unites
www.operationkindness.org
texasunites@operationkindness.org
Carrollton, TX,
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-07-2026 09:22 AM
From: Mindy Wulf
Subject: Community Conversations - 01/05/2026 - Get Them Out, Even for a Little

This was a great presentation!  I'm the ED of a smaller shelter that is basically rebuilding it's dog program from scratch.  I have been wanting to do some Dog's Day Out type programming and have been worried about liability.  I also know it is best for the dogs to get them out of the kennels.  We had been bringing some out of the kennels and into offices, but we had a very bad bite incident recently and I had to put a stop to it.   Fortunately, we have a real life room, so staff can bring dogs into that space and get cuddles on a couch.  It is always good to learn about more options and opportunities. 

------------------------------
Mindy Wulf
Executive Director
SPCA of Hancock County
ME
------------------------------

Hi,

Here's a pdf of all of the slides and below is the link to view the presentation slides themselves.

Get Them Out - Lulu Ochoa ft. Shonyae Johnson - Maddie's Community Conversations

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Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA
Learning + Development Sr. Manager
Operation Kindness Humane Society | Texas Unites
www.operationkindness.org
texasunites@operationkindness.org
Carrollton, TX,
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