Ain't Too Proud to Beg!

It's tax time!  Don't forget your contributions. 

For this year, please consider joining our

Ain't Too Proud to Beg campaign (ATPB).  

Mostly Mutts has developed an impressive reputation  for rescuing homeless pets with extreme orthopedic injuries. If we don't step in to help, the only other choice is euthanasia.  We want to continue to help, but without financial support from the community, we will have to start saying "no" to these unfortunate dogs.  Here are a few special orthopedic cases in just the past few months (all surgically performed by specialists):

Bolo - Rear leg amputation

Joe - Femur fractured - Surgically repaired

  Rocky - Two Ulna and Radial fractures - Surgically repaired (both front legs)

Cassidy - Ulna and Radial fractures - Surgically repaired

Cookie - Femur fracture - Non-surgically repaired (casted)

 Doug - Front leg amputation

Pending:  Puppy with fractured femur at an emergency clinic and a Cocker mix at an animal control with a suspected fractured hip.

Our ATPB campaign allows us to pay for these extremely expensive surgeries.  Join this today and at the end of the year you will have a nice tax-deductible donation.  Every one of you reading this can afford to be a Happy Hound :)

A contribution to this campaign makes a wonderful gift for your animal-loving friends and family member. 

Become a:  

Happy Hound ($10.00 a month),

Furry Friend ($25.00)

Tail Wagger ($50)

Best Friend ($100),

True Companion ($500)

and we know you are out there and we

would love to find you...our

Leader of the Pack ($1000.00 a month)

Thanks to those of you who are already participating. 

We challenge you to find one friend to match you!

Everyone from Mostly Mutts appreciates your support, but special thanks comes from the dogs themselves!  

Contact intownadoptions@mostlymutts.org for more information on the Ain't Too Proud to Beg campaign.

When Mostly Mutts Loses a Pet

Sadly, not all rescue dogs find loving homes.  Some come to us too late to save, too old to handle the stress of being abandoned, too diseased to survive and some are just taken too soon.  When a Mostly Mutts dog passes away, we have a few options as to what to do with the bodies.  One option is to leave them at the vet clinic for the county to pick up and incinerate.  Mostly Mutts believes this is not how a homeless dog should be treated.  Another choice is to take them to a place where they cremate the bodies, however the cost is too expensive for a rescue group.  This is where we feel extremely blessed to have the love and support of Dreamland Pet Memorial and Cremation Services.  Dreamland has allowed MM to forever keep our dog’s spirit with us.   

Kevin Marcy and family started Dream Land Pet Memorial and Cremation Services five years ago because of a passion Kevin’s family had for pets.  Being a licensed funeral director, he wanted a business that duplicated the human death care services for pets.  “After some research, I found out that there wasn’t a pet crematory in the state of Georgia that cared for pet parents after the loss of a pet nor was there a pet crematory in the State that cared for pets like they were human.   Every pet crematory requires the vet clinics to place the pets into a freezer until their driver comes around to pick up all the pets.   Dreamland tries hard to arrive the same day as called to pick up a pet, so they do not have to be placed in a freezer.  We saw the need for compassionate, same day service, where the families are cared for like they have lost a child, Because that is what it is like”. 

Mostly Mutts founder, Paige O’Neill, called Kevin a few years ago to ask if they would handle the cremation of one of the rescue dogs.   Because MM is local and Dreamland wanted to help as much as possible, Kevin graciously agreed to handle all the MM cremations then and in the future as a way of giving back and helping our cause.  “After meeting with Paige, Dreamland has been passionately supporting MM, due primarily to Paige’s fresh energy and a passion I hadn’t seen duplicated in many rescue group founders and that’s what it takes to make any rescue effort successful.”  Dreamland has taken care of over 50 dogs to date.  

Dreamland Pet Cremations and Mostly Mutts have one huge thing in common.  They love and support the homeless animals in the community and when it’s time to say good bye, they deserve the same care and respect as dog’s in loving homes.  Paige states:  “It’s a great feeling to know that when we lose a dog in our program we have Dreamland to take care of their bodies, while we take care of their souls.  Their ashes are spread on to our scatter garden that was designed by a Girl Scout a few years ago.  Our dogs can now rest in peace in a beautiful area near the shelter and are visited by deer, rabbits and lots of squirrels. “

We want to give a special thanks to Kevin Marcy for taking time to answer our questions about his work with Mostly Mutts as well as the services his company offers to pet owners when they lose a beloved pet. 

   

Mostly Mutts lovingly remembers all the animals who have passed through our shelter and spent their last days being loved by our volunteers.  We wish them peace and joy as the play on the other side. 

Happily Ever After.....

Mostly Mutts has placed many animals in loving, wonderful forever homes and it's what we love the best about rescuing.  Below is an excerpt from a letter we received after a recent adoption:

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love her and what a blessing Molly has been.  We have found a wonderful dog park in McDonough; it's very clean, with grass, trees, toys, water, etc.  It's so much fun to arrive there and hear dog owners tell their dogs,  "Look, here's Molly!"  She LOVES to play with other dogs, so I provide that opportunity for her often.  She is also wonderful with children and seniors.  I recently took her to visit a friend of mine who was having her 93rd birthday and I wish you could have been there to see how sweet and sensitive Molly was with her.  She just graduated from her beginner class at Pet Smart, and is enrolled to take the intermediate class.  She is the smartest dog I have ever owned, loves to learn, and loves to please. I am seriously considering looking into training for her to become a therapy dog, as she seems to have all of the qualities that it would take to make anyone's day a little brighter.  I could go on and on and on, but hopefully these photos will tell you a little more about her. I sincerely thank everyone at Mostly Mutts for the love and care that was given to Molly before she came to live with me.  Thanks again for such a beautiful gift.

 Looks like Molly has found the perfect family!  If you are looking for a new member to your crew, visit us on the weekends at our adoption events.  Saturdays we're at Pet Smart at Town Center in Kennesaw and the first, second and third Sunday's at the Ansley Mall Pet Supermarket.

Mostly Mutts Shelter Needs

Mostly Mutts is very grateful for the calls, emails and postings that we get for donations.  We could not do it without the many GENEROUS donations we graciously receive!  We are often asked at adoptions or on our Facebook page what we need.  What better way to get the word out than through a blog post? ONLY with the support of the community is Mostly Mutts able to continue its mission to rescue dogs, many with special medical needs that can eat through a budget in very little time.  Cash donations are always appreciated, however, there are many other ways to help. 

WHAT WE CAN USE/NEED:

• Blankets-cut blankets to fit kennels (best if sides are sewn.)
• Beach towels-especially thick, thirsty, water absorbent towels. 
• Kennels-We prefer collapsible kennels but we can also use plastic travel kennels.  Donated kennels should be clean and rust free.  We prefer plastic kennels to be broken down with the hardware in a baggy.  Extra kennels are donated to animal control facilities who need them to transport animals to rescue groups.    
• Collars-any kind but especially in the sizes of XS, S or M.  Please be sure they’re clean!
• Leashes-any kind except retractable.  Please no choke chains or Halti collars.  Gentle Leaders are preferred.
• Cleaning supplies-Clorox and paper towels are always needed at the shelter!
• Treats-we love to reward our doggies but we want to be sure they are receiving nutritional treats.  A bag of Chef Michael's dog food seems to be a shelter favorite.   
• Food-We use specific dry food but we accept any canned food, although we prefer Pedigree.  Canned chicken is given to dogs who first arrive to stimulate their appetites.  These are always accepted and appreciated.  
• Gift cards-We'll take these over gold nuggets!  We do most of our shopping at Pet Smart and Acworth Feed Store.
•  Food or water bowls-stainless steel bowls preferred....always nice to have extras on hand.  
• Plastic doghouses-Clean and in good condition.  We do not accept wooden dog houses.  
• Landscape Materials- Any rock, tile or wood chips you need to dispose of?  CALL US FIRST!! 
• Doggie items for our silent auction-Mostly Mutts is always looking for high quality dog items for our big fundraisers...even non dog items can sell in silent auctions.  
• Medicated shampoos or quality flea control- please contact us for specific name brands we desire.

If you want to know more about what we will accept or where you can drop it off, please send us an email to MostlyMutts@Comcast.net.

What We CANNOT Use:

• Fencing materials-we finally have all the fencing materials we need for right now. 
• Rawhides, pig’s feet or ears-too smelly and attracts bugs.   
• Toys NOT made specifically for dogs-We only give toys that were designed for dogs; no children's toys....even better if they SQUEAK! 
• Opened dog food in cans OR dry dog food-due to storage concerns, we cannot accept these. 

Please know that any items donated that we cannot use are passed on to other rescues or animal control.  Thanks for your help! We could not do it with you!

Party with the Mutts!

Want to truly be a party animal?! We have just the idea for you!

Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue needs your help! We pride ourself  in pulling dogs from Animal Control whose time is running out and we've rescued several dogs that have required extremely expensive surgeries and treatments. Our budget has taken a serious hit and we are asking you to help us in a fun and FREE way (yes, you heard right, it won't cost you a dime!). Simply hold a dinner or cocktail party and ask your guests to donate $20-$25 to Mostly Mutts (we won't turn'em down if it's more :-). You reimburse yourself for food and drinks and donate the rest to Mostly Mutts. One of our volunteers had a Lasagna Party and raised $1,000 in one night!!! No matter where you are, you can party anywhere for a great cause! Need ideas? You can contact me here on FB or at meike.babel@gmail.com for more suggestions on this type of fundraiser or others. No matter how much you can contribute, you help Mostly Mutts save lives! Check out www.mostlymutts.org

Mostly Mutts is Expanding!

As you know, Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue and Adoption, Inc. was established to reduce the number of highly adoptable animals euthanized at local animal control shelters.  While rescuing and adopting animals helps, spaying and neutering dogs and cats is the only way to successfully manage the pet population, which, in turn, will drastically decrease the number of animals needing rescue.   Mostly Mutts created a sister organization called  Spay/Neuter Society of the South to promote spay/neuter programs.  Recently, Mostly Mutts has decided to roll the efforts of SOS under it's own umbrella and will absorb it's workings into its daily premise.  Through spay/neuter education, we will make a huge impact on the lives of so many more wonderful animals.  

Melody Victoria-What a Fighter!!

Most local Cobb county residents have by now heard the horrible story of animal abuse that recently occurred in May involving a beautiful pit bull mix puppy.  Good news and better news?  She is now with Mostly Mutts and is receiving lots of love and support!

Melody while at the vet 

Melody the day she arrived at Mostly Mutts!

Melody was the victim of one of the worst cases of animal abuse.   She was placed in an oven where she suffered second degree burns to all four paws.  She has multiple burns to her head, tail, tummy, legs and nose.  Not only did she suffer physically and psychologically but she did not receive medical treatment for four days after her injuries occurred.  The doctors and techs at Cobb Emergency saved her life and even though she is not housed there any more, they see her every day for bandage changes.  They also picked up the tab from their stray fund.  (Donations can be made to Cobb Emergency Vet Clinic)
Melody is now with the director of Mostly Mutts and lives in her home along with six other dogs.  She is recovering very well and has started to play.  Even though she is out of immediate danger, she has a long recovery period ahead of her.  Once her wounds have healed, Mostly Mutts will start taking applications to find her a GREAT home.  She has some trust issues that will have to be worked with, and some puppy behaviors that will require training, but she is loving and will be your best friend.   She came to us named Melody but we've added Victoria because she was so “victorious” in overcoming her abusive owner.  He is now in jail on two felony charges…one for causing her injuries and one for not seeking medical attention.
Cases like this can be used for education purposes and maybe Melody Victoria can be the perfect teacher!

A Dog's Last Will

Fostering Dogs-Not your Typical Day at the Office!

Jan and her family

Jan's typical view when walking!

Mostly Mutts is always looking for families or individuals who can foster dogs, whether they be puppies, ones recovering from surgery or that just need a quiet, in between place before adoptions.  We are spotlighting in this post one of our foster mom's whose love, attention and time greatly make a difference not only to the dogs she fosters and our program but in her own life as well. Jan Rhodes, a Cobb county resident, got involved with Mostly Mutts when her son, Jonathon, volunteered with his ROTC program.  Their Giant Schnauzer had died and the very next day they brought home their first foster, a white German Shepard named Beau.  Soon after, they got Gabby, a white Husky mix.  Jan says that even though they fostered her and brought her to an adoption, they were officially "foster failures" because they fell in love with Gabby and ended up adopting her.  By this time they had added a third "foster to the roster" and ended up adopting Brownie also.  So three dogs found a great home because of Jan's love for them through fostering!   So far, Jan and her family have fostered 34 dogs in the Mostly Mutts foster program!

Amazingly, the most dogs she has ever had at one time has been 11; nine puppies with two adult dogs plus her own two in addition to her two rescue cats.

Jan has a great outlook on the task she does; when asked what her favorite type of dog is to foster (puppies? those recovering from surgery? a certain breed?) she simply states, "I think the perfect dog is one that is at the shelter and needs the most help or the one that needs peace and quiet after surgery."  Jan has lovingly fostered dogs going through heart worm treatment, broken legs and currently has Gail, a sweet dog whose front leg had to be amputated.  She does love to foster puppies and says that having a variety of foster dogs at one time certainly keeps life interesting!

How does she devote all the time and love to so many needy dogs?  She says she doesn't have a real job, that fostering is her job and calling.  She still finds time to volunteer at the shelter and weekend adoptions and thinks the key to her success is that she thinks of the dogs as her children.They take not only a lot of time but commitment, which Jan is doing so perfectly!

Her favorite thing about fostering? The rewarding feeling when they find a forever home. Everyone who wants to help should seriously consider fostering; it's rewarding to get the dog out of the shelter and make room for another dog to be saved from a horrible situation.  There are just too many dogs without homes.

Has Jan suffered through an occasional chewed leash, broken lamp, busted cell phone or punctured furniture? Yes, but she takes it all in stride knowing that she is making a difference in the life of a dog. Thanks, Jan...Mostly Mutts appreciates you and the work you do!

Dog Gone Good Day

Little Big Red

Wow, we gotta lotta "dogs gone" yesterday!  All total, nine dogs went into forever homes.  Isn't that great?!  One of those lucky dogs was Little Big Red, a sweet, sweet dog who had been with Mostly Mutts for over a year.  Other dogs adopted out were Belle, ChiChi, Colleen, Diva, Geraldine, Jadyn, Leon and Tatum.  Great work adoption coordinators and volunteers!