Good Shepherd Humane Society in Eureka Springs was one of 10 animal well-being organizations that were the surprise recipients of $30,000 grants from Maddie’s Fund on Thursday, June 12.
The grants were awarded in honor of the 30th anniversary of Maddie’s Fund, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals.
Established in 1994, Maddie’s Fund is a family foundation and fulfillment of a promise to the Duffields’ dog, Maddie. She provided them joy for more than 10 years and continues to inspire the foundation today.
Good Shepherd and the other nine recipients were awarded the Maddie’s 30th Anniversary Hero Awards, part of the foundation’s continued celebration of three decades of advancing the well-being of companion animals and the people who care for them “The Duffields through Maddie’s Fund have had an immeasurable impact on the well-being of pets and people everywhere and Good Shepherd is honored to have been recognized as a part of Maddie’s 30th anniversary,” said Cole Wakefield, Good Shepherd’s executive director. “This gift will go directly back into the programs it’s celebrates like spay and neuter access and community support. We will touch thousands of more lives, thanks to Maddie.”
“Cole Wakefield and Good Shepherd Humane Society are advancing the well-being of companion animals and their people not only in its local community, but also as an inspiration across the nation,” said Romy Harness, director of access to care initiatives at Maddie’s Fund. “Cole and his team are making a difference to keep pets and people together and are deserving of this incredible recognition.”
This grant announcement followed Animal Care Expo 2025, which took place April 15–18 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
Thousands of attendees, ranging from national and international community- based animal organizations and animal shelters to volunteers and veterinary staff, came together to engage, learn and connect around innovative practices that strengthen the human-animal bond.
The foundation has awarded more than $287.5 million in grants toward increased community collaborations and live outcomes, pioneering shelter medicine education, establishing foster care as a standard across the U.S. and driving innovation in access to care. Maddie’s Fund proudly offers the industry a national voice, important funding opportunities for bold ideas, learning resources and access to collaborate and share innovative solutions.
The foundation invests its resources in keeping with Dave and Cheryl Duffield’s promise, that pets and their people would enjoy the same experience they had with Maddie.
Learn more at MaddiesFund.org.
