Yolo
It's that time of year again… Yes, coming up June 1-2 are Maddie's Pet Adoption Days, in which the foundation created in memory of the Duffields' beloved miniature schnauzer Maddie sets out to find homes for dogs and cats in local shelters and rescues by paying the adoption fees, allowing adopters to take home their new family members free of charge. This year they've expanded beyond the Bay Area, with festivals in Nevada, Florida, Wisconsin and New York.
Ninety shelters and rescues are participating at more than 100 locations in San Francisco, Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Whatever type of dog you're looking for, you'll find plenty of prospects for your future soulmate. Check the listings for participating groups and locations, and peruse their available dogs; some groups require an approved application, home check, etc. in advance of the adoption date, while others will do their matchmaking on the days of the event. If you have your heart set on a particular dog, don't leave things to chance: be prepared and get any necessary documents in order.
One of the happy-ever-after stories comes from Catherine, who met and adopted Yolo last year. Says Catherine: "I adopted a wonderful pet from the Grateful Dogs Rescue during Maddie's Adoption event last June in San Francisco. It remains my best pet adoption. First, seeing the animals on the website and then selecting 10 possible pint-sized candidates—all of this was new for me. And then That Special Day: meeting my Number One choice among many others and learning about the dog from his foster mom! It has been a good fit and Yolo and I were bonded by the end of the second week."
A true force for lifesaving, Maddie's aims this year to find homes for 5,000 dogs and cats. If you're looking, seize the moment!
