John Madaus first got involved with DAWS over a decade ago while he was managing Pet Supplies Plus in Danbury. The store hosted DAWS for several adoption events and that’s how the relationship began. Then, in 2014, while John was working at PetValu, he was asked to join our Board of Directors, which he participated in for two years.

Since 2011, John has offered his film and editing skills to help promote the shelter and has worked on countless projects – from Giving Day commercials with talking dogs, to simple fly-overs with the drone to capture renovation updates, he has been a true asset to DAWS. Currently he is the Gala Committee Production Chair, which will be held at the Amber Room on September 17 2022. John shares, “Film and editing has always been an interest of mine, in addition to animal welfare. Volunteering at DAWS has given me the opportunity to support one of my passions with yet another!”

A year after John joined the board, we added a new member, Lauren. At the time, she was already a volunteer at DAWS and was a great addition to the team. Little did he know, two years later, John and Lauren would be married! John says, “Yes, I met my wife at DAWS! She tells everyone that I was the “greatest thing she ever brought home from a shelter.”

Our Director of Development & Marketing, Alice Meenan, states, “John may be a ‘behind the scenes’ volunteer, but his work is felt throughout all aspects of DAWS. His talent and creativity in sharing the mission of DAWS is a gift we are truly grateful for. Whether John is capturing important milestones during our renovation project, working on our gala fundraiser, taking a drone shot, or assisting with technology, he is dependable and always shows up for the team and animals of DAWS!”

John, who is originally from New York, spent nine years in North Carolina before moving to Connecticut. He considers himself a crazy cat dad. “My wife and I have six cats…yes, SIX! They are all amazing and I wouldn’t change a thing,” John exclaims.