Susan Schulz

Rescued

Is Our Favorite Breed

BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue exists to rewrite the future of abused and abandoned dogs and cats. Volunteers work closely with animal control officers and other rescue organizations to reduce the number of animals being euthanized at local shelters. Last year, more than 800 animals were adopted.

Keeva, when she was adopted as a puppy and now, 13 years later.

“One of my favorite stories came recently from a fostered dog who ended up getting adopted,” said Kelly Long, relationship manager for Mostly Mutts. “Queen Anne, a hound mix, came to us pregnant and heartworm-positive. After giving birth to her litter, she needed a foster home to care for her during heartworm treatment. A foster family was found who gave Anne amazing care during her recovery. Since the dad in this family was against adoption, they focused on fostering.

“Queen Anne went up for adoption, but the right home for her never materialized. Soon, this lively pup had worked her way into the affection of her entire foster family, including Dad. Anne’s adoption was finalized. This family shared with me how Queen Anne had brought them closer together. This rowdy girl grew into a very special dog. One evening, while everyone was out, their home was broken into. Anne not only frightened the thief but stood guard by the open door, waiting for her family to return. What a good girl.”

Since its founding in 2004, Mostly Mutts repeatedly has shared stories of dogs and cats finding purpose, love and “furever” homes. After losing her beloved pet, Stacy found an adorable female border collieshepherd mix puppy on a pet-finder site and went to a Mostly Mutts adoption event at a local pet store.

“I thought I had missed the opportunity to adopt her,” she said. “But the puppy I had seen on the site was left home that day because her shots were not completed yet. I

was blessed to get her at the next adoption event. She stole our hearts instantly. I’m of Irish descent. We named her Keeva, which, in Gaelic, means ‘beautiful, gentle, precious one.’”

Keeva has lived up to her name in Stacy’s home for 13 wonderful years.

Quite an organized operation, Mostly Mutts provides housing, health care, training, and physical and emotional care to adoptable animals while working diligently to find them loving homes. It’s also heavily involved in the community, with education and awareness programs, vaccine clinics, training classes and more.

“Our facility is staffed by dedicated volunteers who feed, walk and care for the animals, working four shifts per day, seven days a week,” Kelly said. “Volunteers also staff the front desk. There is always something to do here at Mostly Mutts. We even have a Read to Dogs program for children that helps to socialize shy dogs and assists the children with their reading skills.”

At Mostly Mutts, the staff and volunteers are never too proud to beg. Team members ask anyone and everyone to sponsor the organization with a monthly donation, so they can continue focusing on rescuing animals in need. If you want to view the available dogs and cats or need more information on adoption, fostering or volunteering, visit mostlymutts.org. There always is a need for dog walkers, dog socializers, cat/kitten socializers, administrative help and puppy/ kitten fosters.

The rescue organization is at 3238 Cherokee St. in Kennesaw. Call 770-272-MUTT (6888) or reach out via email for the following: adoptions, adopt@mostlymutts.org; fostering, foster@mostlymutts.org; or volunteering, volunteer@mostlymutts.org.

Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com. Kristin Harris, left, and Kai Weaver adopt Gwendolyn, their first “fur baby” as a couple, from Mostly Mutts.

Queen Anne started out as a foster dog but ended up being adopted after winning over her foster family.