MADRA News
Join us for MADRA Dog Day 2026
Get ready to meet the MADRA team and our incredible “blue army” of volunteers as we take to the streets of Galway for MADRA Dog Day on Saturday, 25th July 2026.
This vital annual fundraising day helps support our ongoing work rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned, neglected, and unwanted dogs across the west of Ireland.
We’re calling on our amazing supporters to help in any way they can. Whether it’s dropping a few coins into a collection bucket, making an electronic donation, or donating online, every euro makes a real difference to the dogs in our care.
Read more about MADRA Dog Day HERE
MADRA Kids' Up-Cycle Challenge
At MADRA, we Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome — giving dogs a second chance at happiness. Now it’s clothes’ turn!
This July, kids aged 6–14 are invited to:
Buy one item of clothing from The MADRA Shop Moycullen Upcycle it into something amazing Bring it back by 10am, Saturday 1st August
See what’s possible: This dress in photo was bought in our shop and transformed by an 8-year-old into a stunning beach scene!
Winners will be chosen on Saturday 1st August at 2pm, and all entries will be displayed in the shop from 2nd August. Come give something old a brilliant new life — and help our dogs!
Thank You for Making Doing It For The Dogs 2026 Such a Wonderful Event!
MADRA Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption is delighted to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us at Claddagh Hall for Doing It For The Dogs 2026. As a Connemara-based charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs across the region, we rely entirely on the support of our community, and this year’s gathering was a wonderful demonstration of just how generous and caring that community truly is. We know Galway was particularly busy on the day, so we deeply appreciate every person who made the effort to attend, enjoy the activities, and stand alongside us in support of our work.
None of what we achieved would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers. From setting up the venue to greeting guests, running stalls and helping everything run smoothly, their hard work, enthusiasm and kindness formed the heart of the event. We are also enormously grateful to our valued sponsors, partners and contributors who helped make the day so memorable and enjoyable. Special thanks go to SamSa Dog Training & Behaviour, The Róisín Dubh, Galway Camera Club, Galway Ukulele Tribe and Bushypark Vets, as well as all the vendors, performers and supporters who shared their time, skills and resources to help us raise awareness and support our cause.
A true highlight of the day was the announcement of our 2026 Dogathon Grand Marshal, Kay. Alongside her devoted human Mary, Kay raised the highest amount in sponsorship this year, earning this well-deserved title. We offer our warmest congratulations to both Kay and Mary, and our sincere thanks for their outstanding commitment to supporting the dogs in our care. Their effort and enthusiasm helped bring the whole community together for our mission.
Every smile, every conversation, and every act of support helped us move closer to our core goal: ensuring every dog receives the love, care and second chance they deserve. The connection we built with so many people on the day will help us continue our vital work across the region.
Together, you have helped make this year’s edition of Doing It For The Dogs a fantastic community success. We are already looking forward to returning in 2027 and making it our best year to date! Thank you for being part of the MADRA family and for helping us build a brighter future for every dog that comes through our doors.
More MADRA News
Gayle's Gourmet Dog Treat Recipe
Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day, or you’d simply like to be more mindful of what your dog is munching on, homemade dog treats are a brilliant option.
Check out Gayle’s Recipe HERE
Behind the scenes with our Kennel Team
We are so lucky to have such wonderful staff working at our Kennels in Connemara. They work so hard to prepare the dogs for their forever homes. Auranne, Caroline and Ell from our Kennel Team kindly caught up with Louise to give everyone an insight into what goes on behind the scenes.
You can read the full article HERE
MADRA Welcomes Esteemed Broadcaster and Journalist as New Ambassador
MADRA Dog Rescue, the Connemara-based organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need, is thrilled to announce that Keith Finnegan, the renowned broadcaster and journalist, has joined them as an official ambassador. This exciting partnership brings together Keith’s passion for animal welfare and the charity’s mission to give every dog the chance for a loving home.
You can read more about Keith HERE
From Hurt to Home: Lúna’s Journey
At the start of April this year, we received a call from a kind person in the Connemara area to say that a young collie-type dog had strayed into their garden with an injury to her paw. We immediately made space at the kennels and the little dog came into our care. Her paw had suffered a serious injury, where it appeared that part of it had been sliced off, and she also had a wound on her lower leg that went as deep as the bone. She was yet another abandoned collie in the west of Ireland who had suffered from neglect and abuse…a story we are far too familiar with.
Read more about Luna’s Journey HERE
MADRA Founders awarded Honorary Doctorates by the University of Galway
Marina Fiddler and Tara Nic Dhiarmada will be honoured by the University of Galway for their outstanding contributions to animal welfare, through their founding of MADRA (Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption).
You can read more about our founders HERE.