Mutt Madness: Celebrating Success as 13 Shelter Dogs Find New Homes

Mutt Madness: Celebrating Success as 13 Shelter Dogs Find Forever Homes

The TurfMutt Foundation's 7th Annual Mulligan's Mutt Madness was a resounding success, bringing joy to both pets and their new owners on November 3, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. The event, held at the Equip Exposition, marked a wonderful day where 13 shelter dogs found their forever homes, forging bonds that promise a brighter future for these beloved animals.

In collaboration with the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS), the event featured Brandon McMillan, the three-time Emmy-winning host of "Lucky Dog," who brought his charm and love for animals to celebrate the spirit of adoption. The Foundation also extended its generosity with a $10,000 donation to the KHS, further demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare in the community.

Kris Kiser, the President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and the TurfMutt Foundation, expressed his excitement, stating, "It’s incredible that 13 lucky dogs left Equip to start new lives with people who have a soft spot for the green industry and dogs in need. Congratulations to the new pet parents, and welcome to our TurfMutt ‘Howl of Fame.’" This sentiment encapsulates the heart of the event, highlighting the precious connections formed during Mutt Madness.

Among the new adopters was Annie Brock, who fell in love with a calm chihuahua named Skid. "He was super calm for a chihuahua, which really drew me to him," she explained. Now, Skid is happily settling into his new home on Brock's farm in Illinois, enjoying the companionship of her other two dogs and bonding with her daughter.

Another happy adopter, Jessica Shinkle, noted her experience at the Mutt Madness event. "I always go to look at the cute pups, but when I saw Rose, I knew she would be a great playmate for our two-year-old dog, Jack. He's gentle with Rose, and we couldn't be happier with our new addition!" These heartwarming stories are a testament to the event's mission—finding dogs loving homes while enriching families' lives.

Mutt Madness has a history of connecting over 100 dogs with families since its inception. Each year, the joy of adoption spreads, emphasizing the impact of animal rescue in our communities. The event was personal for Kiser as well, who adopted Mulligan, the TurfMutt spokesdog, during the 2019 Mutt Madness. This filled the initiative with a sense of purpose and devotion to rescuing animals in need.

The Kentucky Humane Society's Alisa Gray shared insights on the event's success, stating, "It's hard to beat seeing great dogs find great people. This year, some attendees even visited our shelter the next day to adopt dogs they met at Mutt Madness! The event truly keeps on giving!" The positive response underscores the critical role that events like Mutt Madness play in fostering a culture of animal welfare and adoption.

For those interested in learning more about the benefits of green spaces for pets and people, the TurfMutt Foundation offers valuable resources on their website. Their work goes beyond the event, focusing on education and advocacy around parks and backyards as vital environments for both humans and animals.

As we celebrate the success of Mutt Madness, we are reminded of the importance of supporting shelter animals and the joy of partnership between pets and their new families. This year's event is a powerful illustration of how community involvement can change lives, making a difference one adoption at a time. To find out more, visit TurfMutt.com.

About the TurfMutt Foundation

The TurfMutt Foundation, established by OPEI, aims to promote sustainability and animal welfare. For 15 years, it has educated millions about the significance of green spaces. The Foundation is proud to sponsor the Emmy Award-winning show "Lucky Dog," further advocating for the rescue and rehabilitation of dogs. With ongoing projects aimed at environmental stewardship and education, TurfMutt continues to inspire individuals and families to care for their pets and communities.