MIDDLEBURY — Country music performer Miranda Lambert uses her voice to change the lives of animals in need and, this summer, her reach extended to all the way to Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society. This summer Homeward Bound was selected as a recipient of a Mutts Across America grant in the amount of $5,000.

To acknowledge the high value they place on well-run shelters, in 2014 Lambert’s organization MuttNation launched Mutts Across America in partnership with Tractor Supply Company to annually recognize an exemplary shelter in each of the 50 states with a surprise grant. This grant acknowledges the outstanding work each shelter does in an effort to promote animal welfare. Selection criteria include: high adoption rate, high volunteerism, fiscal responsibility, high activity/fundraising, specialty, community presence, website and social media presence, and advocacy. 

Homeward Bound’s executive director, Jess Danyow said, “It’s clear that Miranda Lambert’s two biggest passions are music and shelter animals. We love what she’s doing and are grateful to be the recipients of a MuttNation grant. It was an amazing surprise and came during a very busy time of year when fundraising is traditionally slower.”