Couple Chris and Mariesa Hughes started a non-profit animal rescue organization, dubbed "Rowdy to the Rescue," in 2011, aimed at saving shelter dogs and finding them homes.
But, after they rescued a senior dog named Moises, the Hughes family recognized the need to save senior dogs from euthanasia. Enter the "Mr. Mo Project," named after Moises, nicknamed Mr. Mo.
Mr. Mo passed after being diagnosed of an inoperable spinal tumor. The couple turned their loss and grief into a mission to save senior dogs and optimize their quality of life while being given specialized veterinary care.
Founded in 2014, the project aims to help senior dogs find loving foster homes before they are euthanized in shelters and to help the financial medical needs of senior dog owners.
“Removing that financial hurdle allows care and compassion to take center stage,” explained Mariesa, according to Dogster. “Plus, if we’re able to help a senior dog remain in a familiar home environment before an owner resorts to surrender, all the better. We keep yet another dog out of a shelter system that’s already overflowing.”
“Our experience with Mo gave me a whole new awareness of senior dogs that wind up in shelters,” said Chris. “They have such a hard time finding homes. Many people have the perception that a difficult health issue exists or may arise, and that they won’t have the disposable income to address it.”
The large and growing network of the project helps fund senior dogs in need. The project works with Dr. Andrew Hagner of VCA Animal Health Center in Clifton Park, New York, rescue transport services such as Kindred Hearts, corporate sponsors such as BarkBox that helps with the pet supplies costs, and the foster homes themselves.
When the project is advanced and improved through the help and donations, it could pre-screen more foster parents, get more donations from pet lovers and organizations, and get one reputable food sponsor.
“The entire Mr. Mo Project family is an amazingly committed, caring group of people. And the Mr. Mo dogs we treat here at Animal Health Center will absolutely melt your heart. As I always remind adoptive pet parents: Don’t be afraid to consider a senior dog. They’re calm and loving … and age itself is not a disease,” said Dr. Hagner.
