1994: Maddie's Fund® is a family foundation created in 1994 by Workday® co-founder Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl, who have endowed the Foundation with more than $300 million. 

Since then, the Foundation has awarded more than $208.9 million in grants toward increased community lifesaving, shelter management leadership, shelter medicine education, and foster care across the U.S. 

The Duffields named Maddie's Fund after their Miniature Schnauzer Maddie, who always made them laugh and gave them much joy. Maddie was with Dave and Cheryl for ten years and continues to inspire them today. Read about Maddie's story and the fulfillment of a promise to an inspirational dog: create a no-kill nation where every dog and cat is guaranteed a healthy home or habitat. #ThanksToMaddie.

1999: Shelter Medicine instruction began at Cornell University, when Dr. Jan Scarlett and Dr. Lila Miller taught the first didactic course in shelter medicine ever presented. 

2005: With a grant from Maddie’s® Fund, Dr. Scarlett established the Cornell Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program (MSMP) to support research, consultation, and instruction of students and residents. 

2010: Dr. Elizabeth Berliner joined the team as the clinical director, creating a key partnership with the Tompkins County SPCA (TC SPCA), and adding clinical rotations for students, part-time faculty, program staff, a technician, and starting the rigorous Shelter Medicine internship. 

2022: Dr. Lena DeTar stepped into the role as interim director.

2024: New five-year, $4.6 million grant awarded by Maddie's Fund® to sustain and expand the Cornell Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program. Read the full blog story for more details. In April, Dr. Jessica Reed joined MSMP as the Janet L. Swanson Director of Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Program.