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Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

  • 1.  Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 20 days ago

    Recording now available to watch 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 next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "How We Did It," a conversation with @Ruby Fooks. Shelter Director for Friends of Butler County Animals. 

    Ruby Fooks recognized that animals needed help in her community so as part of the non-profit Friends of Butler County Animals in a rural, underserved part of Kentucky, they took over the county shelter. But she knew there needed to be subsidized access to spay/neuter as a long term solution so set out to raise money to build a clinic, which she did in record time. In the first year, 10,000 animals were spayed or neutered from 76 counties in 6 states! How did she do it? Join us to find out!

    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    • Small shelters and communities can still make things happen.

    • Think outside the box

    • Don't be afraid to fail. Keep trying.

    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. 


    #EducationandTraining
    #OrganizationalManagement

    -------------------------------------------


    ------------------------------
    Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
    Maddie's Fund
    ------------------------------



  • 2.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 18 days ago

    Ruby's story is amazing-I hope you can all join us!



    ------------------------------
    Sara Pizano
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 14 days ago

    Just amazing! What an inspiring show! Absolutely loved it! Wow!



    ------------------------------
    Daniel Kaye
    grant writer
    Roxy Therapy Dogs
    PA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 14 days ago

    Thanks for joining Daniel and I agree! I think everyone should hear Ruby's story!



    ------------------------------
    Sara Pizano
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 14 days ago

    Hello, I had planned to attend but set my timer to 12. Dang it! Will there be a recording for the conversation? Thanks.



    ------------------------------
    Julielani Chang
    The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
    Davis CA
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 14 days ago

    Hi Julielani,

    Sorry you missed it but the recording will be posted! 



    ------------------------------
    Sara Pizano
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 14 days ago

    Thanks to everyone who joined today's call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand.

    How We Did It! Presentation Slides 1-2

    How We Did It! Presentation Slides 3-4
    How We Did It! Presentation Slides 5-6


    ------------------------------
    Charlotte Otero
    Community Strategy Manager at Maddie's Fund
    she/her
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 12 days ago

    is there a way to review the chat in the on demand recording?

     i could not find it here nor on the you tube version. thank you.



    ------------------------------
    Christine Fredericks
    Volunteer
    Hope for All Pets, Inc
    Richmond
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 12 days ago

    Stand by, Christine, I will check!



    ------------------------------
    Sara Pizano
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 12 days ago

    Hi Christine,

    I apologize but the chats are not accessible from the recording. National groups have been asked to post any updates separately in MPF.

    Sorry about that. Were you looking for something in particular that I can help with? 



    ------------------------------
    Sara Pizano
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 10 days ago

    No, thank you Sara. i just learn from chats on you tube so I thought I would ask.

    It may be a function you can use on you tube...



    ------------------------------
    Christine Fredericks
    Volunteer
    Hope for All Pets, Inc
    Bronston, KY
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 12 days ago

    Great video thank you to all. it was a refreshing real time example of "how to get 'er done" I learned some things and it helped me to envision new ways to tackle issues!



    ------------------------------
    Christine Fredericks
    Volunteer
    Hope for All Pets, Inc
    Richmond
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 12 days ago

    Such an inspiring story.  Hard work and determination can get things done!



    ------------------------------
    Danielle Tate
    Wonky Whiskers feline rescue
    Waco TX
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 12 days ago

    Yes Danielle! 



    ------------------------------
    Sara Pizano
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 11 days ago

    I will add my thanks to Ruby for sharing her story! What an inspiring and great story of hard work to bring vital services to a community and meeting people where they are through authentic connections. <3



    ------------------------------
    Tasha Haug
    Homeward Animal Shelter
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 11 days ago

    Thanks Tasha and welcome to Maddie's Mike! We are so glad you're here and I will make sure Ruby sees your messages-they really mean a lot to her.  Rock on!



    ------------------------------
    Sara Pizano
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 11 days ago

    This was a very informative video. Yeeha! Nice job to Ruby and her team. It definitely takes more than one person to "help" around the shelter/rescue/sanctuary or any non-profit organization.

    We at Chester's Barn learned this with our past event on 06/07/26. Definitely need to get the word out for volunteers, grants, sponsorships, etc.  This was my "first" webinar that I listened to since joining Maddie's Pet Forum. I am signed up for next Monday's webinar. Then I will "blockout" Wednesdays in August.  

    One more congratulations to Ruby, her team and keep on shining!!   

    Mike B 



    ------------------------------
    Mike Borys
    Director of Fundraising
    Chester's Barn Inc
    Scipio Center
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 7 days ago

    Ruby's story is amazing! The blood, sweat and tears to accomplish this huge milestone!

     I have a question what kept her going even with the heavy load of transition from old to new and starting from the bottom and taking on such a huge role and changing almost everything! SO inspirational! You GO GIRL!!!

    I help run a small shelter, I am the only employee for the shelter, and I am amazed on how she Accomplished this! 

     " IF there is a WILL there's a Way" 



    ------------------------------
    Alycia Saldana
    Aco
    Lyman Animal Control
    100 E Sage
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 7 days ago

    Hi Alycia,

    Amazing, right??? I can tell you that Ruby cares very deeply about animals and the people in her community. But she will be the first to tell you, it took the whole village! She talked to anyone who listened, networked the heck out of the mission and found people who also wanted to make a difference. She also has a ton of energy! 

    I will make sure Ruby adds her 2 cents but we are here to support you! Keep talking to anyone who will listen so you can more people invested in helping your community and shelter. 

    Thanks Alycia!



    ------------------------------
    Sara Pizano
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 20.  RE: Community Conversations - 06/22/2026 - How We Did It: 10,000 Animals Spayed or Neutered

    Posted 7 days ago

    Thank you for the kind words! 

    Truthfully it was the animals that kept me going. Every time I think I'm exhausted or overwhelmed, I remind myself that they don't get a day away from being homeless, scared, neglected or unwanted. They need someone to keep fighting for them. I am also very stubborn; I like to do things people think or say can't be done. I have a hard time accepting the " This is how things have to be" type things. Don't give up and keep pushing! YOU GOT THIS! 



    ------------------------------
    Ruby Fooks
    Shelter Director
    Friends of Butler County Animals
    KY
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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