The Davinci Foundation for Animals (DFA) is a 501c3 non profit, that was inspired by a little dog named DaVinci. The foundation assists animals in need, both locally and globally. Their mission is to "Create" a better World for Animals, one city at a time So that one day we may live in a world with no more homeless pets. The Foundation is funded through donations and through the support of "the arts", which includes but is not limited to artists, authors, musicians and entertainers. The foundation is also the creator of "DaVinci Artist/s", a rescue movement which supports and inspires artists of all fields to "support" Rescue and Animal welfare though their work.
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History
The Davinci Foundation for Animals is a 501c3 organization founded in 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. The foundation supports the welfare of animals globally through a number of different programs that aid, assist, educate and promote awareness. The Foundation also supports animal rights. The inspiration for the Davinci Foundation for Animals is a little dog named DaVinci. Davinci is a dachshund mix who was found shortly after his birth on December 11, 2011, by professional sports entertainers Michael and Candilynn Lockhart, better known as "High profile" Dylan Night and Candi to their fans. Michael and Candilynn Lockhart left the sports entertainment industry in late 2011, due to Candilynn's inability to continue the physical intensive profession being diagnosed with M.S, and being a long-time sufferer of Crohn's disease. The couple returned to their hometown of Detroit, and on December 11, 2011, while photographing the city's architecture, stumbled upon a dog giving birth in a snow-covered alley. the couple rescue the mother dog, only to find she had given birth to a puppy behind a dumpster. This puppy, whom was named Davinci, struggled with major health concerns and overcame challenging health issues, to become the inspiration for a foundation that bears his namesake.
Focused missions
Dedicated to animal advocacy, the focus of the DaVinci Foundation for Animals is to:
Early achievements
In their first year, the DFA achieved much recognition among animal welfare groups, making a significant difference in many of the animals lives in and around the Foundations local city of Detroit Michigan. Though the support of sponsors and partners the foundation deducted staggering numbers through their spay/ neuter programs, to assist in the attempt to eliminate the overpopulation of unwanted companion animals and though assistance programs which encouraged and educated families to not abandon pets helpless onto the cities streets. For their efforts Davinci, The DFA spokes dog was given the "Heart of Detroit" by Detroit native and New York Times Best selling author Mitch Albom. Davinci and the Foundation received numerous awards as K-9 Hero, Angel on a leash and even the crown of King at "Dog Bowl" North America's largest Olympic style dog event.
Sanctuary
The foundation maintains an internal sanctuary, located in Macomb, Michigan, at the former John Whitney Historical estate now known as Hugs and Whiskers home. The sanctuary is focused on the care of permanent animal residents who have come from a number of rescue situations, or who were in immediate danger in high-kill shelters or puppy mills. Many of the animals who know and call the DFA Sanctuary their home have suffered neglect, abandonment and abuse, They now find love, warmth and family among each other and the founders. The sanctuary has both canine and feline residents.