Welcome to the ultimate destination for celebrating the unsung heroes of the dog rescue world. At Rescue Spotlight, we're dedicated to highlighting the remarkable journeys of rescue organizations and the incredible individuals behind them.
Whether you seek heartwarming tales of second chances, inspiring stories of rescue missions, or practical insights into the world of dog adoption, you'll find it all here.
Today, we're privileged to interview Angela Burton, one of the devoted people behind Muttly Crew Inc You can find a direct link to their Instagram here.
Here is their story:
What inspired you to start or become involved with this rescue organization?
Burton: I always wanted to help the dogs and decided in 2017 it was time to get the rescue up and running.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable rescue mission or adoption story that stands out to you?
Burton: There are so many, one that comes to mind is, as I was driving home I was sitting at a light and saw a box at the side of the road, it moved a little. I pulled over and there was a poor soul in it close to death. I took her and for the next year, I nursed her back to health. She could walk, but she was covered in mange she had to get all of her teeth out. Her back was so arched being in that box for god knows how long. A wonderful vet adopted her. She lasted a year and a half before she died. But we know it was the best year and a half of her life. Her name was Precious.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a rescue organization, and how do you overcome them?
Burton: Money and fosters are the biggest challenges. I dont have a facility so I rely on fosters to help me. And fundraising is always challenging, but we do have some support now from some foundations. It's an ongoing effort to raise money for vet bills etc...
How do you select the dogs that your organization takes in, and what criteria do you use for adoption?
Burton: I receive calls daily from rescue partners all over Southern California to ask if I can take dogs. I have to have an available foster first. I primarily take small to medium-sized dogs. They usually are found in the street, no one claims them or we rescue them from the shelters if we can. Everything depends on how many fosters I have before I can take any dog in. When they are ready for adoption we post them on the adoption sites. We ask people to fill out an application, then we do a meet and greet. If that goes well we do a home check, if all is well with that we then do a 7-day foster to adopt trial.
In what ways do you work to rehabilitate and socialize dogs before they are adopted?
Burton: Foster homes are crucial for this step. They help the dogs get potty trained, walk on the leash, and get used to living in a home. Most of the dogs we get are from the streets or abandoned in backyards so they need help to get used to living in a loving home. We sometimes take them to doggy day care to socialize them with other dogs.
What role do volunteers play in your organization, and how can people get involved?
Burton: I could not run the rescue without my volunteers. I have fosters, people that help walking dogs, transport and answering emails and doing meet and greets. We are always looking for good fosters to enable us to help more dogs.
Can you share some success stories of dogs who were once in your care and have now found loving forever homes?
Burton: There are just too many to list as Muttly Crew has adopted over 560 dogs but, in general, the most wonderful part is when they come to us broken scared, and sick. We nurse them back to health and teach them how to live in a home. Then when they go to their new home and months and years after we get the greatest pictures and updates, this is what makes it all worthwhile and brings tears to all of our eyes how they adjust and are different happy dogs with their people. NO better feeling in the world.
How does your organization collaborate with other rescues, shelters, or animal welfare organizations?
Burton: We are a community. We work with other rescues a lot. If we get good adopters but don't have a suitable dog we refer them to our local rescue groups in the hope that they have a suitable dog. We also sometimes do events together to raise awareness and help raise money.
What initiatives or programs does your rescue have in place to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent pet homelessness?
Burton: We try to create awareness in the community on how to be a responsible dog owner. I do talks at various clubs and events to always try to raise awareness of the massive dog abandonment issues. And how very important it is to get the dog spayed or neutered.
Looking ahead, what are your organization's goals and aspirations for the future?
Burton: I am actively looking for land so that I can build FURever Friends ranch. This will consist of a doggie daycare, cafe, groomer, wine tasting twice a month, and a petting zoo to raise money to run the facility. I am approaching cities and people who own land outright to see if they will donate a piece to the rescue. We have big plans for FURever Friends Ranch.
