ABOUT MADRA
At MADRA – Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue & Adoption – we are passionate about giving unwanted, neglected, abused, and abandoned dogs a second chance at life. Based in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway, we’ve been working since 2005 to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs across the west coast of Ireland and beyond.
Our journey began at a time when local authority pounds in Galway and Mayo were overwhelmed, and euthanasia rates were alarmingly high – often over 80%. Our co-founders, Marina Fiddler and Tara Nic Dhiarmada, were determined to change that. They created MADRA to help the dogs that had been failed by people, offering them not only safety but a path to a loving home. Today, thanks to our efforts and collaboration with the local pounds, those euthanasia rates have dropped dramatically – though the need for our services remains constant, and in some areas, is growing again.
While our main focus remains on dogs in the Galway and Mayo pounds, we also provide a private surrender service for people who find themselves in difficult circumstances – such as illness, bereavement, housing issues or behavioural challenges – and can no longer care for their dogs. These are often heartbreaking situations, and we aim to support both people and their pets with compassion and understanding. We also work closely with organisations such as COPE Galway, Galway Simon and the HSE, offering support to vulnerable individuals who may need temporary care for their canine companions.
In 2023, we launched Millie’s Fund – a project very close to our hearts – offering free spay and neuter services for high-risk breeds like collies, terriers, lurchers and their crosses. It was created in memory of Millie, a tiny pup dumped in terrible conditions who didn’t survive – a stark reminder of why this work matters. The fund has since expanded to include male dogs as well.
Advocacy and public education are a big part of what we do. We regularly provide educational workshops in schools and community groups, teaching about responsible dog ownership and safety around dogs. Our website and social media platforms – with over 130,000 followers – are powerful tools for spreading awareness, sharing our work, and helping dogs find their forever homes.
We have partnered with Galway County Council’s veterinary services and the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) to carry out Ireland’s national census of homeless dogs, collecting data from over 90 rescues and local authority pounds.
Every year, we care for around 500 dogs, operating at 100% capacity all year round with a small team of dedicated staff and over 80 regular volunteers. We work 365 days a year to ensure each dog gets the care, medical attention, and love they need – from microchipping and neutering to behavioural assessment and foster placement. Once a MADRA dog, always a MADRA dog – we’re here for them for life.
We’ve also developed strong partnerships with organisations abroad, including Border Collie Trust UK, Forever Greyhounds, Irish Hounds in Need in Germany, and Greyhound Friends and Greyhound Rescue of New England in the US, helping even more dogs find their forever homes across borders.
In 2021, WAGI (We Adore Greyhounds Ireland) joined the MADRA family. Originally founded as the Clare Greyhound Project, WAGI has been instrumental in helping greyhounds and lurchers – breeds often overlooked – to find loving homes as cherished family pets.
At our core, we dream of a day when we’re no longer needed – a time when every dog has a safe place to call home. Until then, we’ll continue to fight for those who can’t speak for themselves, one wagging tail at a time.
