Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation is thrilled to continue their Mutts Across America: 50 States/50 Shelters initiative. A total of $206,000 was distributed to shelters in each of the 50 states in January, with the minimum donation to an individual shelter being $3000. Miranda Lambert said, “I feel so passionately about helping all animals and I’m thrilled that we have once again been able to give to phenomenal shelters all across the country. The people at these shelters do such amazing work day in and day out and are truly heroes for the animals.”
The MuttNation Foundation board worked diligently to find the most deserving shelters in each of the 50 states. MNF does not solicit grant applications. The board researches shelters on their own in order to surprise the selected recipients. The criteria used in the decision to support these shelters were:
- High adoption per intake rate: At least 90% successful adoption rate. Low euthanasia rate (10%)
- High volunteerism: People rarely jump on/stay on a sinking ship. Do they push volunteerism?
- Fiscally responsible: Do they have low administrative/staff ratios?
- High activity/fundraising: Are they working hard to earn income?
- Any specialties: MNF selected a zoo, a horse sanctuary, disabled pet farm, and an elderly/senior pet sanctuary, a last chance rescue for animals from other shelters and a blind farm to name a few. What is special about them?
- Presence in the community: Do they work outside of the shelter to adopt out or minister to elderly, schools, etc.?
- Current website: Do they send newsletters? Is their site/Facebook updated? Do they appear to still have the “fire”?
- Spay and neuter push: Are they heavily advocating/helping in spay and neuter campaigns, clinics and activities?
- Reasonable adoption hours: Are they open on weekends, nights, and/or weekdays? How many hours?
As explained by MNF co-founder Bev Lambert, “In October 2014 we took over our first owned and operated shelter in Tishomingo, OK, Redemption Ranch. Prior to that, we didn’t operate a shelter but we adhered to the belief that we should “hold up the arms” of those who do. We are fortunate enough to have the funding again this year to continue this initiative which is so important. We believe the selected shelters stand as examples in the fight to end animal homelessness, abuse and neglect, as well as encouraging adoption, spay and neuter programs and avoiding needless euthanasia.”
MNF continues to support their partners in animal rescue at The American Humane Association and Northshore Animal League as well as Miranda’s home town shelters, Redemption Ranch in OK and Pet Fur People in East Texas. A complete list of the shelters that received donations is available at MuttNationFoundation.
ABOUT MUTTNATION
MuttNation Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and all contributions are 100% tax deductible; it has raised over $1.5 M the past seven years. To donate please visit: MuttNationFoundation. Miranda and her mother, Bev, make every effort to ensure that your hard-earned dollars are going to spay and neuter efforts, medical treatments, adoptions, preventions, transportation, legislative changes, and education. By contributing, you are making a difference to end animal cruelty, neglect, and homelessness.
ABOUT MIRANDA LAMBERT
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Miranda Lambert is the reigning five-time CMA and reigning five-time ACM Female Vocalist of the Year (the first time any female has won 5 consecutive years for either of these organizations). The first single off of Lambert’s fifth studio album, Platinum, “Automatic,” was Lambert’s highest charting first week single to date and won CMA Song of the Year. Her duet with Carrie Underwood, the album’s second single, “Somethin’ Bad,” has been certified as an RIAA Platinum Digital Single. Her 3rd single “Little Red Wagon” is currently chasing up the charts.
Platinum, made history when it debuted atop Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart, making Lambert the first country artist in the history of the chart to have each of her five albums debut at number one. Platinum also debuted at the top of the all genre Billboard 200 as the number one album in the nation.
In addition to her award winning music, she dedicates much of her time to her MuttNation Foundation. She owns two lifestyle boutiques, general stores she named, The Pink Pistol, that are located in her hometown of Lindale, Texas, and Tishomingo, Oklahoma. She also added The Ladysmith, a bed & breakfast in Tishomingo, to her empire this past year. In addition, Lambert has designed a shoe line that is available at DSW, Off Broadway, Shoe Dept, and other retailers across the country.
