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  • 1.  Community Conversations - 5/12/2025 - Under One Roof: How Intake Data Can Streamline Human and Animal Services Collaboration

    Posted 10 days ago

    Updated 5/12/25 at 2:32 pm - 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 Community Conversation on Monday, 5/12/25 at 11am PT for "Under One Roof: How Intake Data Can Streamline Human and Animal Services Collaboration" with @Lucy Fernandez, Senior Intake Diversion (PASS) Program Manager at Austin Pets Alive!, and @Diana Cruz, Program Director at Heart LA. 

    From transactional to trauma-informed, we'll be reshaping the way you think about pet intake and intake diversion in this workshop focused on putting the human first to support more pets. In order to support both ends of the leash, organizations should gain more understanding of the circumstances leading to owner surrender and build programs that support their community based on the community's unique needs.

    Maddie's Fund will also be announcing the April grant giveaway winners! 

    Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom: https://maddies.fund/CommunityConvoRegistration2024

    Make sure you are using the latest version of Zoom when you join us!

    If you are unable to make it live on Monday, this thread will be updated with the recording and resources so you can watch and share whenever you'd like.  After you watch the recording on-demand or attend the call live, be sure to complete this new May 2025 entry form to enter for a chance to win up to a $5,000 grant.


    #AccesstoCare
    #CommunityPartnerships*
    #EducationandTraining
    #PetSupportServices*

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    Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
    Maddie's Fund
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  • 2.  RE: Community Conversations - 5/12/2025 - Under One Roof: How Intake Data Can Streamline Human and Animal Services Collaboration

    Posted 6 days ago

    Thanks to the 132+ people and paws that joined us on today's Community Conversations call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand. 

    Below you'll find a recap of the agenda, resources and highlights from the chat. Be sure to complete this grant giveaway form after attending live or watching the recording to enter to win up to a $5,000 grant: https://www.maddiesfund.org/weekly-community-conversations-may25-giveaway.htm

    • Welcome from Hosts
    • April Grant Winners
      • Weekly Community Conversations $5,000 Giveaway
      • Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly $3,000 Giveaway
      • Maddie's Fund 30th Anniversary $1,000 Cuddly Prize Pack Giveaway
    • Question of the Day: Share an experience where you prioritized the human, and that resulted in a positive outcome for the animal.
      • "Trusting someone who was lower income that we could help her find needed resources… ( a cat)" - Jean Harman
      • "Owner came to a free vaxx clinic in a Uhaul van she was renting/living out of with her two dogs.  She couldn't leave her dogs in the van to make human services appts.  We collaborated with a housing support agency to get them in a hotel for 30 days.  By 3 weeks, she found a room for rent with a yard for her two pups." - Lucy Fernandez
      • "Anytime we're talking about humans who have to let go of their animal due to 'not being able to afford' their animal, the core issue is not the presenting symptom. Spending time having a conversation with them about ways they can meet their needs, whether individually or as a family, can lead to more lasting changes for that family. One instance we had someone who had been prioritizing feeding their children and their dog, but had neglected taking care of themself... in helping them to find resources to feed the whole family, we saved them money and supported them through the tough presenting issue so they could longer-term afford their pet and stay together." - Aaron Walker
      • "When working with behavior issues, specifically inappropriate urination with cats, people often feel helpless and overwhelmed.  When we prioritize the people and acknowledge and empathize with their feelings and letting them know they are not alone, it opens up the avenue to explore treatment options.  Which have resulted in the cat behavior being modified and the owner being happy." - Monica Bennion
      • "We are having around 120+ rescued stray dogs in our shelter.Also we are doing daily rescues,sterilisation on a daily basis.we have successfully rescued 4800 stray dogs and 6900 stray dogs gets sterilised in last 8 years." - Saruhasan T
      • "While working at the Hinesville, Ga Dept of Labor, a man came in seeking services and during the session, he stated he had housing and medical issues.  He had a large dog - which he could keep - but the puppy was an issue.  Bottom line, Cinnabon has been with us for almost five years!  Did I mention that she rules the house?😄" - Debra DeVries
      • "Most recently had a client that couldn't get to the grooming appointment. She didn't have transportation so I got her a ride to and from the salon with her dog." - LaTonya (Tonya) Smith
      • "Hi, I am founder of All About the Animals Foundation - we support families who are financially constrained when their pet needs immediate medical assistance. We are based out of CT but are speaking with other states to scale our organization. I am happy to talk to anybody who is interested in our program." - Maria Putnam
      • "The Mitzvah Fund is a non profit veterinary hospital in Central VT  We provide veterinary service Dentistry and surgical services to low income seniors, veterans, unhoused and domestic abuse victims." - Deborah Glottmann
      • "Person called that wanted to surrender a dog. She was away for work and dog got out on the sitter and attacked a dog. It was not serious but she had recently had to move to an apartment and felt it was her fault because dog wasn't getting enough exercise and time. I talked to her about mental enrichment and a possible dog treat cam. She ended up trying that and was able to keep her precious pet." - Sharon Esempio
      • "I regularly see our Pet Support Team share their personal experiences with folks reaching out to them for resources - struggles with a two dog household where the dogs don't get along, inappropriate urination for kitties, training difficulties, etc. I think it seems to make a big difference to make people feel like they aren't doing something "wrong" or that they aren't alone. And sometimes that these are things that can be worked through - but also providing an understanding ear that they can be incredibly difficult to face." - Stefanie Cornell
      • "Knox's journey began at just three months old when he was abandoned at a veterinary office in Port Chester, NY. Left to suffer from the ravages of Parvovirus, he was in dire need of urgent medical care. Fortunately, Trina & Friends K-9 Rescue was notified of his plight, and we quickly rushed him to Guardian Veterinary in Brewster, NY, where he received lifesaving treatment. Knox fought bravely against this debilitating illness, and thanks to the exceptional care he received, he is now thriving and enjoying a loving foster home. 
        Trina & Friends K-9 Rescue is a proud 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to rescuing and providing care for homeless and shelter dogs in need. Founded out of love and admiration for the German Shepherd Dog, our mission extends to helping sick, injured, abused, and neglected dogs across all breeds. We believe that every dog deserves a second chance, and we strive to heal their hearts and find them loving, permanent homes." - Karina Rosito

    • National Updates
    • Today's Presentation:  Under One Roof: How Intake Data Can Streamline Human and Animal Services Collaboration
      • Guest Speakers:
      • Resources: 
        • Pettable - a helpful resource for ESA letters for those who don't have providers.
        • For a more in-depth look at the Intake Triage portion of the talk today, please check out two webinars that are on the HASS website. "Triage that Transforms Intake" and Part 2 "Triage that Transforms Intake". https://www.humananimalsupportservices.org/blog#webinars  

    • Highlights from the Chat
      • "Excellent points. Really good to get these on a website or share with your volunteers in both languages. Grace and space can be hard to give. Often, the public doesn't know. They are seeking help from the shelter too. It's difficult for staff to be non-judgmental day in and day out." - Lisa Pearce
      • "We are seeing that there are no resources at all for owner surrender in our area regardless of reasons. We try to supply solutions and training, but it has been grim." - Nancy Cullins
      • "Our foundation goes by, "To be aware & to be better". Our board consists of veterinary nurses and we aim to be of resource in and out of the clinical setting. I agree owners need to be more aware and it is our responsibility as veterinary professionals to make them aware of available resources." - Maria Putnam
      • "We have high eviction rates in SC and rent increases pressing people and driving unhoused animals. So many people are moving here. :(" - Lisa Pearce
      • "Many people are evicted from dog-friendly housing because of behavioral issues/complaints, which then often bleeds into financial concerns to afford behavioral consultation, daycare, canine enrichment etc." - Billie Groom
      • "This was excellent! So much great information!" - Beth Porter
      • "Thank you both for this amazing webinar!! You are guardian angels." - Lisa Pearce


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    Sheila Kouhkan
    Senior Education Specialist
    Maddie's Fund
    CA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Community Conversations - 5/12/2025 - Under One Roof: How Intake Data Can Streamline Human and Animal Services Collaboration

    Posted 4 days ago

    THANK U GUYS SOOO MUCH!!!!! I was there but it was crazy here at work. It is a nursing home so sometimes all I can do is listen:) 

    I love u guys and will be here all the way to the day!!!!

    Love Sassee and all the animals:)



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    Latonya Sassee Walker
    Individual
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Community Conversations - 5/12/2025 - Under One Roof: How Intake Data Can Streamline Human and Animal Services Collaboration

    Posted 5 days ago
      |   view attached

    A million #thankstomaddies for the opportunity to chat on the Monday call and for the attendees taking time out of your hectic/uncertain days to lean into the power of community!  Attaching the presentation deck here for everyone's reference.  

    I hear a ton that 'our community/ecosystem doesn't have resources.  PLEASE check out findhelp.org.  Type in your zip code for area housing support, food bank orgs, and other human support orgs.  Then volunteer at one org a month to meet like minded folks already doing the work with the other side of the leash.....recruit volunteers from that org if your agency doesn't have a ton of 'people, people. 

    Bury the hatchet with the other rescue/shelter orgs in your area.  The pets/people in your community NEED you to respect and collaborate with one another.  Rescue folks give patience, grace, get trained up on how to better serve pets.  It's time that we prioritize that same ethos towards people.  



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    Lucy Fernandez
    Austin Pets Alive
    Austin TX
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    Original Message


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