A $250,000 donation from Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation helps ‘a whole lot of mutts’

[Mar. 10, 2021: Matthew Leimkuehler]

MuttNation Foundation — a nonprofit co-founded by Miranda Lambert that aids human's furry and four-legged best friend — announced a $250,000 donation to pet shelters in 50 states this week.

Each shelter receives a surprise $5,000 as part of the organization's annual "Mutts Across America" campaign. Agriculture retail chain Tractor Supply partners with the perennial country superstar in offering funds to shelters or foster-based rescue groups throughout America.

"While the pandemic really opened people's hearts and homes to adopting and fostering in record numbers, shelters were unable to hold their regular fundraising events, which left a big gap," Lambert told The Tennessean via email. "We know that these funds will help shelters continue to provide a great environment for their pets, employees, volunteers and the communities at-large that they serve."

MuttNation vets qualifying shelters based on adoption rate, volunteerism, community presence and more, Lambert said. Her mother and MuttNation co-founder, Bev Lambert, works alongside nonprofit board members to determine who receives funds.

Friends of Williamson County Animal Center represents Tennessee this year (Lambert, a dogged pet owner, hasn't visited Friends yet, but plans to this year, she said). Still, MuttNation launched "Across America" — described by Lambert as a "cornerstone program" — to reach shelters outside of her native Texas and Middle Tennessee home.

"Mutts Across America resonates with all animal lovers because it shines a light on the special work that these outstanding shelters do in their communities," Lambert said. "And, this year, thanks to Tractor Supply's generous support, we've been able to increase our grants ... which is amazing. A quarter-million dollars in grants — that will help a whole lot of mutts."

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And the program has reached 350 shelters since launching in 2015. "Mutts Across America" donations total more than $1.25 million, according to MuttNation.

"One of the most special aspects of the program is that the shelters selected receive their grant as a surprise — they don't know it's coming until they receive the check or read about it in the paper," Lambert said.

The donation comes during a monumental week for Lambert. The singer-songwriter announced her new collaboration record "The Marfa Tapes," due out in May; she confirmed she'll become the first woman to open a Lower Broadway bar in her name; and she performs Sunday night at the annual Grammy Awards, where Lambert scored three nominations.

Launched by the Lamberts in 2009, the MuttNation Foundation promoters animal shelter adoption through financially supporting rescue groups, hosting events and offers positive reinforcement for those helping a pet find a "forever home."

Tags: #Celebrity_Good_News, #Charity, #Dogs, #The_Brighter_Side_of_News