Today we’d like to introduce you to Juanita Myers.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Kim and I met while following our hearts working to help the innocent creatures so often left behind. While volunteering at adoption events, transporting sick or injured animals, and helping wounded (physically and mentally) animals to find a second chance at a happily ever after ending, we realized we could do so much more with our own 501c (3). Megg, our mascot and poster child, came to us off the streets with no fur, sarcoptic mange, heartworm positive and weighing in at 40 pounds, a good 20 pounds underweight. Her foster Bill, who later became her owner, joined our cause making us an army of three, and we became Mutts & Mittens.
We are currently foster based but have just recently secured land and hope to have a physical facility by late fall of 2018.
Our goal is to change the lives of the forgotten, abused and abandoned. As humans, we have a say in our future but our dogs and cats do not. We want to take away the fear and sadness in their eyes when they know they have been left behind, but do not understand why. People can be so cruel and we want to take away the pain that has been inflicted on these innocent animals. Despite the horrific treatment some of these little guys have suffered, they still look at us with love in their eyes and wag their tails even when they are in such pain nothing else will move. We are a small, young, rescue, but we will make a difference in the lives of many forgotten, abused and abandoned animals. We will show them the unconditional love that animals share so easily. We will let them know their lives DO MATTER because they save us just as much as we save them. And for those that come to us too late and we cannot save them, we will make sure they leave this world wrapped in loving arms, peacefully and knowing someone cared. We know we cannot save them all, but we will never give up trying, and through education, determination and tons of unconditional love, we WILL save them … one at a time.
This is Mutts & Mittens, who we are, what we do and why we do it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There is never a smooth road in rescue. It is a daily struggle as we are always in need of fosters, funds and volunteers. There is never a shortage of animals in need, but there is always a shortage of foster homes and money to take care of the ongoing vet bills. And there is always heartbreak in the world of rescue. But, as each animal recovers with us, and moves on to their second chance, we say goodbye with smiles and bittersweet tears. Each time an animal leaves Mutts & Mittens, they take a little piece of our hearts, and in return, they leave us with memories for a lifetime of the unconditional love they shared with us for a short time. Some people say “why do you do it” or “how can you let them go?” The answer is simple, to save another life.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Much of this I have already explained. We make sure we have a plan for the animals we take in and we keep our numbers small. We are not about “how many animals can we get adopted.” We are about taking these broken animals, putting them back together, body and soul, and making sure their new home is the “right fit”, so it is truly their forever home. We tailor our treatment for each animal, to their specific needs and there is no timetable on how long they may stay. They stay with us until they find their perfect fit. Our animals come from all aspects of life and in all kinds of shape. Some are left behind when a new baby comes, or a family moves. Some find themselves alone because their owner died or was put in a nursing home. Others are thrown out of car like trash, or used for fighting and tossed in the ditch.
Whatever their circumstances, they all have their own special needs and we work to make sure we treat each animals’ individual needs.
What were you like growing up?
My mother used to say my favorite saying was “Me do it meself” when I was little. As I grew older I was still pretty stubborn and all about making sure things were fair. (I am a Libra so what else would you expect.) I wanted to be a lawyer so I could make sure “justice was done”. And I guess I am still trying to see that justice is done for the ones that cannot speak for themselves.
My interest besides animals? Well, I use to dance – competitive ballroom dancing and then good old country and western dancing. I have one son, who is the light of my life, and I am active in my church. I am a paralegal and have been for 15 years. I spent 6 months working with the Humane Society of North Texas, and all my spare time, since my son has been grown, has gone to the animals.
Pricing:
- Adoption fee for dogs $150
- Adoption fee for cats $75
Contact Info:
- Website: www.muttsandmittens.org
- Email: info@muttsandmittens.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muttsandmittens.org/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
