Maddie’s Fund supports three organizations serving California fire families

To honor their great work and help them to continue their lifesaving, Maddie's Fund has awarded $10,000 grants to three animal welfare organizations, Petaluma Animal Services, Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch and Wine Country Animal Lovers, in the fire stricken regions of Napa and Lake Counties in California.

According to the Napa Valley Register, Wine Country Animal Lovers and Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch collected pet food donations that were passed on to the main evacuation camp at the Napa County Fairgrounds.

WCAL, Jameson, Petaluma Animal Services and the Sonoma Humane Society formed an impromptu consortium called Valley Fire Animal Coalition to coordinate their efforts. Donations poured in, filling a business operated by the Jameson’s director Monica Stevens and a warehouse in Napa.

A mobile pet clinic at the fairgrounds in Calistoga offered veterinarian care, vaccinations, microchipping, and a few spaying and neutering procedures. In the days after the fire, animals were taken to Middletown Animal Hospital, given veterinary care if needed, then taken to a temporary shelter until their owners were ready to care for them again.

"A grant from Maddie's Fund will go a long way to help injured animals," says Pam Ingalls, Board President of Wine Country Animal Lovers. "This unexpected funding will greatly assist in our ability to provide financial assistance to many veterinarians and clinics who are working hard to treat the animals injured by the fire."

"So this happened – it truly made our day – our year!" said Valerie Fausone, Director of Dog Training and Behavior at Petaluma Animal Services, upon receiving news of the grant. "We all work so hard and hope for the best, so to receive a phone call like this is unexpected and truly amazing! We are so thankful to Maddie's Fund."

"We are very touched and honored to be included in the Maddie's Fund family. Your support will help us to continue to save the lives of dogs and cats in Napa and Lake Counties," said Amy McGuire, Director of Advancement at Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch.

"Thanks to Maddie, we know the comfort and joy that companion animals can bring to their family, even during stressful times. We are honored to be able to help by providing this funding," says Mary Ippoliti-Smith, Maddie's Fund Executive Leadership Team. "And we are so grateful for the way the community at large and other animal welfare organizations have reached out to help ease the emotional burden for these families while they rebuild.”