Years ago, Tri-Valley entrepreneur Dave Duffield was launching a startup. Through all the business stress, the family’s miniature schnauzer, Maddie, provided endless comfort and kept the Duffields laughing. “Maddie was a dear friend to Cheryl and me,” Duffield recalls, “and I promised her that if I ever made any money in my career, we’d give it back to companion animal causes in her honor.”

The money came in. The startup was Peoplesoft, and since then the Duffields have donated $153 million so far to benefit shelter animals through Maddie’s Fund. Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days, a two-day collaborative event held this year on May 30-31, aims to empty all the cages in local shelters in the best possible way — by sending all their occupants off to happy new homes. Adoption fees are waived for the event, so there’s no better time to find your new best friend at locations around Tri-Valley. For details and to see available pets go to Adopt.MaddiesFund.org.