( CNN ) -- Actress Kristin Chenoweth started Maddie 's Corner , an organization that supports animals in need . Chenoweth recently sat down with CNN 's Sonya Hamasaki to talk about CNN Heroes and how she promotes the bond between people and their pets . Below are excerpts from that interview . Sonya Hamasaki : What is Maddie 's Corner ? Kristin Chenoweth : I started Maddie 's Corner probably five years ago . My idea was animals helping people who help animals . Maybe an animal needs to be matched to the right home of someone in need , and then ( that ) ultimately helps the animal , too . We do a lot with local shelters that need money for spays ; getting money for spays is a big issue . I 'd like to see animals get their shots , so we help with that . We help with adoption . We all need to give how we can , but in my hometown of Tulsa , Oklahoma , and my new hometowns of Los Angeles and New York , we work locally with people and animals who need help . Hamasaki : What inspired you to start Maddie 's Corner ? Chenoweth : Animals inspire me every day . I grew up in Oklahoma around a lot of animals , and a lot of my relatives are farmers and ranchers . I have a lot of respect for all kinds and what they can bring to our lives . I finally became one of those New Yorkers that got a little white fluffy dog . I never thought that she 'd take over my life , but she 's given me such joy and she 's made me so happy . I love show business , but this dog basically reminds me of what 's important . My family loves her ; my mom and dad look at her like it 's their own grandchild . Through Maddie 's Corner , I 've gotten to meet other dogs that are in need . Just recently I got to do a morning show in New York , and it was adoption day . I got to bring a dog on , and that dog got adopted that day . There are still so many animals in need , and adoption should not be ruled out . Hamasaki : What 's the inspiration behind the name ? Chenoweth : Madeline Kahn Chenoweth is my dog . Madeline Kahn was a big hero of mine , a wonderful actress and singer who actually passed away of cancer . She was an artistic , funny lady , someone who inspired me and is one of my personal heroes . So it seemed right to have a charity and a dog named after her . Hamasaki : Why did you get involved in CNN Heroes ? Chenoweth : I look forward every year to finding out who the CNN Heroes are , because they 're everyday people . It has become even more important to me because I have a cousin who is serving for our country in Afghanistan . Those people , it goes without saying , are our heroes . It 's become more important to me to find out more about our military ; more about everyday people ; more about a place called the Love Kitchen , where sisters feed the homeless ; more about women who are helping animals . Humanity 's an amazing thing , and that 's what CNN Heroes celebrates . That 's what they show through this tribute show , and that 's why I 'm so proud to be involved .
Kristin Chenoweth started a company that works with local animal shelters . Maddie 's Corner is named after Maddie 's dog , who is named after late actress Madeline Kahn . Chenoweth : I grew up in Chicago around a lot of animals , they fascinated me .