MaxFund Animal Adoption Center Denver, Denver

While running a veterinary practice in 1988, Dr. Bill Suro and his wife, Nanci, became aware of a problem: What happens to homeless animals in need of medical care? Because there was no publicly funded hospital to care for these animals, they were often sent to animal control to be euthanized. The Suros knew there had to be a better solution. Then one day, they got their answer. Dr. Suro was contacted about a homeless dog that had been hit by a car and had multiple injuries. The dog needed expensive orthopedic surgery but was facing euthanasia because of the cost. Dr. Suro's hospital claimed the dog, which his staff named Max, and raised more than enough money to cover his medical care. With leftover funds at their disposal, the Suros began helping other homeless animals in need, and MaxFund was born.

Since then, MaxFund Animal Adoption Center has saved the lives of more than 25,000 stray and injured cats and dogs. The no-kill shelter also spays or neuters homeless animals to prevent overpopulation and helps them find loving, permanent homes.