Saying they're still in shock, a Cedar Rapids shelter got a wonderful surprise from Miranda Lambert's MuttNation Foundation.

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While Miranda Lambert is very passionate about country music, she might tell you she loves dogs even more. In 2009, Lambert started the non-profit MuttNation Foundation to promote the adoption of shelter dogs, as well as spaying & neutering. The organization's impact has been felt in every corner of the U.S.

Lambert knows there's nothing quite like the love of a rescue dog. She always has several. Unfortunately, one she had had for more than seven years passed away last week. Her name was Thelma.


Since 2015, the MuttNation Foundation has done a program called 'Mutts Across America'. It has provided grants totaling more than $1.75 million in the last nine years, with over 450 shelters from coast to coast benefitting. Each year, a shelter in each of the 50 states receives a donation. This year, they also donated money to a shelter in Washington, D.C., and a 52nd, "wildcard" winner, from the state of Tennessee.

For the last three years, Tractor Supply Company has partnered with MuttNation Foundation. This summer, the Iowa shelter receiving the grant is Dogs Forever of Iowa, located in Cedar Rapids.

Dog Forever
Dog Forever
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Dogs Forever is a no-kill shelter, run entirely by volunteers. The non-profit received a $5,000 grant from MuttNation Foundation's 'Muts Across America'.

Dogs Forever
Dogs Forever
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While revealing their good fortune, Dogs Forever said,

"We received a beautiful letter from the foundation on the high value they place on well-run shelters to annually recognize an exemplary shelter in each of the 50 states with a surprise grant! And what a surprise it was!!... We are proud to be a part of their "Family of Shelters".

We are still in shock! One of our MAIN bills are vet bills and this will help take a HUGE chunk out of those! We can't even begin to thank them and everyone out there for your continued support. We are a 100% volunteer run shelter with no paid staff, and we receive zero government assistance. We quite simple exist because of your generosity and loving our dogs as much as we do."

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