A December Message To Our Volunteers
2017 - I have some exciting news to share with everyone. With today´s transport we have transported 755 dogs and cats to safety this year!!!
Thanks to all of you for making this tremendous accomplishment possible. Through your hard work and dedication there are 755 dogs and cats who
are with their new families or soon will be. Our thanks and gratitude will never be enough for what all of you have made possible for this amazing group.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, stay safe and always be careful out there.
"For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack."
― Rudyard Kipling
5,000th Passenger Transported November 4-5, 2017!
Our 5,000th life saved is Chopper! An 11 month old Shepherd mix, "Chopper" was our honored guest on the November 4-5 transport weekend. Chopper was found by a local resident in Kentucky after being hit by car, she contacted a member of MMRT for help. From there we were able to arrange for HHK9 to take Chopper into their adoption program. Thank you Miss Vikki for Chopper's bandana! With out the hard work of all of our volunteers from Georgia to Minnesota such an accomplishment would not be possible. Thank you everyone for saving so many lives with your dedication to Mobile Mutts Rescue Transports!
Joe Sebek August 2017 Story
Joe Sebek is a Mobile Mutts volunteer transporter. In an effort to make more people aware of how important and satisfying it is to adopt rescue dogs, Joe has decided to write periodic stories about these wonderful fur babies. His first story is about Leo, a Golden mix abandoned in Kentucky, and it is a personal story. Read his article
AUGUST WINE AND RAFFLE FUNDRAISER
Our next fundraiser, organized by Kim Dalluge, will be a Wine and Painting Party on August 12th! (click on the thumbnail to see the flyer) We'll be painting a doggie wine glass and enjoying wine at the same time. There will be lots of raffle prizes (Original Pancake House, Panera, Home Depot, Posh, Thirty-One and more) and Kim is selling tickets starting now. Raffle tickets can be purchased in advance by sending email to Kim (put MM fundraiser in subject of your email): dalluge@illinois.edu.
There are 25 seats available for the painting party but if you don't get one of those seats you can still win the prizes. Please tell all of your friends! MM gets part of the painting fee so we want to fill all 25 slots!
If you want to follow upcoming fundraisers please head over to the MM Fundraising Facebook page: Mobile Mutts Fundraising and Special Events
July Garden Party in London, KY To Benefit Mobile Mutts and Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter
;)
What: 1st Annual Summer Garden Party, Flowers, Fashion and Fur
Charity Benefit For Mobile Mutts and Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter
When: Saturday July 30, 4-7pm!
Where: Oak Hill Gardens Outdoor Event Space, 107 Oak Hill Drive, London, KY
Tickets: $75.00 Call 606-526-6943
Fashion show, signature drinks, silent auction, live music, hors d´oeurves and desserts, lawn games and more! This will be a wonderful event! We are so fortunate to be partnering with our friends at Knox-Whitley for this.
Here is a list of SPONSORS and DONORS! To see some of the fantastic items that have been donated, check out the event Facebook page.
If you live in the London, KY area, please join us at this event. Click the thumbnail image to view the event flyer. Go to the facebook page for the event Summer Garden Party and invite your Facebook friends to attend right in the event.
Jason Collins, Mobile Mutts Volunteer
June 2, 2016 - Good Evening Everyone. As we pay tribute and morn the loss of a fellow rescuer I wanted to share something with everyone this evening.
As you know this weekend is the Jason Collins Memorial Transport. I didn't have the opportunity to meet Jason in person, but he was someone who seemed to just automatically take to transport.
Last week Kathy Kissane-Knapik received a letter from Paul McMurray of Milton, WI. He was grateful that Kathy got Jason involved with Mobile Mutts.
Also in the letter was a donation from a myTribute site created by Louis Song, CEO of Proven Recruiting in San Diego, Jason was a founding partner. The donation was for $1800.
Jason has touched many lives during his time on earth and now continues to touch even more lives by helping Mobile Mutts continue to do what we are all here for, being
the bridge to a new life for so many wonderful dogs. Thank you Paul and Louis, Jason shared his life with wonderful people. -
Earl Stevens, Mobile Mutts
Life With Dogs Article About Mobile Mutts
Check out the April 2nd Lifewithdogs.tv article about us!
McKensie Rae Transport
April 9, 2016 - Yesterday from late afternoon into the evening, did anyone feel the earth move? In case you missed it, let me tell you about it. A dog was brought into KWAS in Kentucky. She had been shot multiple times in the head and left to suffer. With fractures to her upper and lower jaw and open infected wounds some people would think this was the end. But most people aren't VL Crook, a rescuer who won't give up. With the specialized medical treatment that was needed and couldn't be performed in that area Miss Vikki started reaching out, and she knew right where to go. Second Hand Hounds. After contacting Miss Sara and telling her of the situation SHH agreed to take this poor baby in and get her the needed medial care she deserves. This was the new start that McKensie Rae needed!
Of course the story doesn't end there. KY and MN are not by any means close together. So now what? If only Miss Vikki knew of a transport group who could move heaven and earth to get McKensie to her new start in life. As fate would have it, there is just such a group. You know who I am talking about, those folks, the ones who give everything each week to saving lives in the world of rescue, Mobile Mutts! So how to you do something like this? Stick with me and I will tell you all about it.
Miss Vikki had already alerted Kate about what was going on. Let me side step here for a moment, you know this wonderful electronic age we love to hate? Well I can tell you if it wasn't for computers, cell phones, Facebook, text messages and good ol' hard work, McKensie might not have had much hope. So remember the next time the electronic age ticks you off, there is a sliver lining.
So the team went to work. Kate, Julie, Lisa and Connie all rolled up their sleeves and started on a plan. Keep in mind that something like this, changes and evolves every few minutes. How do we get from KWAS to Louisville, to Indiana, to Illinois for the night. Who will take a baby with medical needs. What kind of time line do we have? Can we get drivers to go extended legs, can this person do that? Wait, we hit a roadblock here and there, change plans again! Now what? The "pucker" factor is now starting to set in for the special transport. New option, the friendly skies might be the way to go, if we only knew a pilot! WAIT we do! Someone contact Sean!!!! You would think that a person who just got back from an overseas trip wouldn't even want to think about trying to fly again this soon, but we are Mobile Mutts, and the words "no" or "I can't" didn't even come to mind. So work was started on getting a flight arranged. Logistics being what they are (and the weather) was throwing us a curve ball and a change up at the same time. So what happened when that door looked like it would close? No we didn't try another door, we busted down the one that was closing! Time for more connections to be made. Sean was able to get in touch with Delta Airlines and find out the information needed to have a dog on a flight. Sounds a bit crazy doesn't it? Then again for a frequent flyer, air miles are great! So guess who has a flight today? Sean will be traveling to Louisville and bring McKensie to MN today!
Roadblock! Do we have our medical clearance and health certificate? See I told you this changes and evolves a lot! So we wait, Vikki is at the vet trying to get everything that is needed and official word that this sweet baby can fly. Time stands still.....it wasn't all that long, but it's kind of like waiting for water to boil.
And now the rest of the story. McKensie has clearance to fly, Sean will be her date, Vikki will arrange an escort to the airport, Kelly will pick up the wonderful couple when their plane lands and Julie will take McKensie to SecondHand Hounds after that. Kate will be saying "we pulled this off" all day and as for me, I'm going to try and figure out how to express our gratitude for all the Mutts out there. Each week you give everything to save these babies, if asked you would do even more for times like these. When something like this happens we can always count on Mutts to get the job done...we always do, this is who we are. - Earl Stevens, MM Coordinator/Photographer
LOCAL TV STATION DOES PIECE ON OUR 2,000 PASSENGER AND ONE OF OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!
Our local TV station did a short piece about our 2,000 passenger this weekend and promoted our fundraiser here in Champaign on June 22 from 1 - 4 called "Yappy Hour at the Clark Bar". This past weekend Mobile Mutts transported its 2,000 passenger since becoming Mobile Mutts Version 2! Here's a link to the Illinois video: And here is the facebook link set up for the Yappy Hour Event
MOBILE MUTTS FEATURED IN NEW BOOK
Mobile Mutts are one of the featured groups in this awesome book "Wet Nose Therapy A Tribute to Dogs and Those Who Rescue Them!".
"I believe God gave us these incredible animals called dogs, so that nobody, even in their darkest hours of loneliness and despair,
would not feel love." ~ Reg Green.....
Featured Rescues include: Red Sky Rescue; Pets For Vets; Peaceful Passings; Mobile Mutts Rescue Transports; Mia Foundation;
Wet Nose Rescue; Capital Area Humane Society; Dogs Deserve Better; Sky Miami Foundation; Legacy Boxer Rescue; Second Chance Animal Adoption Rescue; Best Friends
Animal Society; This Able Veteran and many stories from many others!!! Thanks to Reg Green, Sammy Oesterreich and Gloria Roubal, for all their hard work at putting this together.
You can get your copy online at http://wetnosetherapy.weebly.com/.
"Operation Mending Hearts" Update
Marion and Laurie drove to Lebanon, TN at the invitation of Animal Rescue Corps to pick up what was initially planned to be 10-15 passengers and left Tennessee with 25!. ARC had rescued 73 from a hoarding situation in rural TN. Photos of the trip are on our Photo Gallery Page. Here is a news video one of our volunteers recorded and put on youtube: YOU TUBE and here is the story of the operation from Animal Rescue Corp website: ARC STORY
Another Transport This Weekend In Addition To Our Regular One!
We have received an S.O.S. from our rescue partner Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) to move between 10 - 15 dogs rescued from the Valentines Day Rescue
they have named "Operation Mending Hearts" from their emergency operations center near Lebanon TN to the Calumet City IN area. The need is tremendous
and there is no time to lose! We are still in the midst of route planning, and working out the logistics, but we wanted to get the word out to you as quickly
as possible. What we are doing is planning on attempting to fill one of either transport; either on Saturday or Sunday.
We do not have a passenger list but we do know that the largest dog will be 60lbs, a couple are in the 40lb range and the rest are 20-30lbs.
All passengers have been vetted and cleared for transport by ARC's veterinary staff. The transport will begin at ARC's facility in Lebanon TN and
end either in Calumet City or Chicago. I realize that there are many missing details,however there is no time to waste in getting these dogs moved to safety. We
will cancel whichever date we cannot fill. ARC´s preference is Saturday. Any questions, email us!
To Volunteer for Saturday; Please Visit: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E054AA5AC2FA02-urgent1
To Volunteer for Sunday; Please visit: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E054AA5AC2FA02-urgent2
MOBILE MUTTS GROUP DRIVES, SAVES DOGS
Here is the Pet Pals video (beginning of January, 2014).
Patty with Pet Pals, did a drive along with Ellen Baxter!
Click the photo to open up the interview.
INDIANA COORDINATOR ELLEN BAXTER PROMOTES MOBILE MUTTS ON INDY TV!
Ellen has been a Mobile Mutts volunteer since 2009 and is currently our Indiana Coordinator. On Dec 26 she was on Indy Style @ 9:00 am EST on WISH-TV. One of the women did
a ride along and will be airing that on Jan 4 and Jan 11 on her show Petpals (we will post the Petpals video after it airs). Petpals can be seen in Indianapolis and Louisville (on our route) and Terre Haute, Ft. Wayne, Evansville,
Dayton, Grand Rapids and Austin (not on our route). Click the photo to open up the interview, Ellen did a wonderful job! We hope it will bring some new volunteers that are as enthusiastic as Ellen!
DARCY SHAW AWARDED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
;)
December 16 - On Behalf of the coordinators and the volunteers of Mobile Mutts Rescue Transport we congratulate Darcy Shaw on being unanimously voted 2013 Volunteer of the Year. In addition, this is a legacy award given in Darcy's Honor in recognition of valuable contributions to Mobile Mutts, her inspirational spirit, devotion to dog rescue, and for always providing a warm loving lap to our most timid of heart. This annual award will now be called the "Darcy Shaw Volunteer of the Year" award. Congratulations Darcy!!! (please click the photo to view a larger one) Mobile Mobile Mutts would like to recognize our outstanding volunteers commitment to excellence! An outstanding volunteer goes above and beyond, with willingness to take on additional duties to further the cause of rescue. They are excellent team players that treat all others with respect and a smile. They are a positive role model and are always willing to lend a hand and do whatever it takes to make transport a rewarding experience. Please assist us by recognizing outstanding volunteer service with Mobile Mutts by nominating your fellow volunteers. Awards will be given monthly and a winner of the "Darcy Shaw Volunteer of the Year" awarded annually from all nominations received during the year. Volunteers are asked to list specific examples of why their fellow volunteer should receive this monthly award. Online Nomination Form
September Hounds and Sounds
Saturday September 28, 12-6pm at the Champaign County Fairgrounds! Volunteers needed! Vendor Opportunities Available! Mobile Mutts is inviting YOU to participate in this Pet Friendly Event to draw awareness to animal rescue, the need for proper veterinary care and training in the Champaign, IL area! Vendor opportunities available, limited to either rescue or companion animal themes. Mobile Mutts is in the beginning stages of planning this event, more information will become available as participation in the event is confirmed. You can volunteer or register your group by sending email to mobilemutts@fastmail.fm, put "pet expo" in the subject line of your email. P.S. Silent auction, raffles, doggie kissing booth and more, volunteers are needed to help this event run smoothly, sign up now! (click image to see the flyer)
Endo´s Story Continues...
You can see the first story on Endo, farther down on this page and here´s an update....
CITRA - A master escape artist and a 115 pound hunk of love. Or at least that's what the people who have dealt with him tell me. A four year old, Bullmastiff that's made headlines.
Endo escaped from his home in cape coral two years ago and was found in northern Minnesota this January. While he did make it back home safe and sound... Endo's story did not end there. Six months later he did it again. He has now turned up in North Central Florida, Citra to be precise.
A couple, Justin and Jessica Lohmann owners of "Squishy Face Studio," a local toy dog manufacturer decided to become involved after a friend found him on County Road 318 and brought him over. Justin says the dog is a character, "I think that he's such a big dog... He's intimidating to some people but once you approach him... He's the sweetest most gentle giant." Jessica said, "It would be so wonderful to know exactly what happened to him. But I think it will always be a mystery. We weren't able to contact anyone who is considered his current owner... So he's officially abandoned but I think that's one of the things we'll just have to get used to not knowing about him."
Mobile Mutts Rescue Transports out of Illinois helped Endo get home the first time he was lost and they're doing it once more. Karie Vander Werf a veterinarian in Illinois who was part of the rescue the first time around said, "Some animals are just not happy enclosed... And some just need to find their permanent place and I don't think he's found his final spot yet. But he definitely needs an enclosed area wherever he goes." By the time Endo gets home, at the end of his journey... He will have traveled approximately 5000 miles. "We wouldn't fee comfortable not knowing what that final story was... So whether he stays with me or stays with somebody in the mobile mutt transport group, he'll have a permanent home," Vander Werf said.
Not just any home but an enclosed home... That can be "Endo-Proof."
Five WCIA News Articles on Mobile Mutts in June 2013
Here's the link to the WCIA vault with the five news items done on Mobile Mutts for June, 2013.
WCIA 3 News Story on Mobile Mutts!
June 2013 - A big THANK YOU to WCIA 3 News in Champaign, Illinois for their news article on Mobile Mutts. WCIA-3 News travelled with Beth Bridges Alvis (not Jan Caffrey as they reported in their article) on one leg of the transport. She picked up eleven dogs in Covington, Indiana, and helped bring them to Champaign. Here's the story!
Chippewa Valley animal lovers save 1,000th dog in cross-country mission
April 2013 - EAU CLAIRE, Wisc. (WEAU) - A Chippewa Valley group that's passionate about pups, reached a major milestone Sunday, rescuing its 1,000th dog in less than a year. Every Sunday a dozen or more dogs crawl out of their cages, leaving behind what was a troubled past, and grim future. "Some are abused, some are those fight clubs that they have with animals, we had some of them come. Some just malnourished, left in the backyard, just not fed," Mobile Mutts volunteer Julie McQuillan of Chippewa Falls said. "Many of these animals are just way too loving and sweet to be put down. So we try to find them a new home," volunteer Tom Larson of Eau Claire said. Click to view story
