Model Behavior 2021: Debra Fair, PEDIGREE Foundation

Debra Fair was working on the marketing team for the PEDIGREE brand when she heard the company was looking to start a foundation to try to increase dog adoptions, and she immediately jumped at the opportunity to get involved. Since helping set up the PEDIGREE Foundation 13 years ago, she has served as its president and, for the last five years, its executive director.

With a deep passion for dogs and for finding their forever homes, Debra knows she is living her purpose. “Connecting my passion for dog adoption and the great work shelters and rescues can do with support are what it’s all about,” she says. “I also love the deep connection with others through storytelling — hearing stories from our shelter partners and seeing their successful adoption stories posted on social media because of our grants program.”

Debra works every day to find new ways to raise funds and to place dogs in loving homes. She builds partnerships with other animal-centric nonprofits, corporations like Nissan and Toyota, and entertainment names, including the Nashville Predators and dog-loving country music artists, to spread the word about adoptable dogs right here in Nashville. Debra has also helped lead the nonprofit in successful fundraising and awareness events and campaigns, such as the annual benefit concert and golf tournament, the Run for Rescue and the St. Patrick’s Day race.

PEDIGREE Foundation

PEDIGREE Foundation believes every dog deserves a loving forever home. Nearly 3.5 million dogs end up in shelters and rescues every year, and nearly half never find a home. The foundation has awarded more than 5,700 grants and over $9 million to U.S. shelters and rescues that help dogs in need. At PEDIGREE Foundation, we’re working toward a day when all dogs are safe, secure, cared for, fed well and loved.