Chris and Mariesa Hughes are a couple with a heart overflowing with love for dogs, especially those who have been dealt a rough hand in life. Their dedication to senior and special needs canines is truly inspiring, as evidenced by their non-profit organization, the Mr. Mo Project, and their incredible commitment to rescuing over 600 dogs.
A couple saved every unwanted senior dog from the animal shelters
A love story rooted in rescue
Their passion for dog rescue began long before they met. Chris, raised with a love for animals since childhood, already had six dogs when he met Mariesa, who shared the same passion and had two of her own. Their combined love for dogs instantly doubled their furry family size.
Mariesa, reflecting on her early years, remembers, “I’ve always wanted to rescue dogs since I was a kid. When I was nine years old, I got my first rescue dog.” Chris echoes this sentiment, highlighting a lifetime of dedication to giving abandoned and surrendered dogs a loving home.
A love story rooted in rescue
Inspired by loss, fueled by compassion: The birth of Mr. Mo project
While Chris and Mariesa both held full-time jobs, their passion for rescuing dogs never wavered. The Mr. Mo Project was born from a personal loss – the passing of Chris’ beloved dog, Moses.
“Moses was an old Pittie who had to be surrendered to the shelter because he was too old,” Chris shared. “He was with us for 22 months before succumbing to spinal cord cancer.”
The experience with Moses opened their eyes to the financial burden of caring for senior dogs with medical needs. It ignited a burning desire to help others in similar situations. “After he died,” Chris explained, “we decided to take up the job of finding homes for senior dogs by paying all veterinary care and opening up fantastic homes for dogs who needed all of the love but didn’t have any extra money.”
Inspired by loss, fueled by compassion: The birth of Mr. Mo project
A sanctuary of love and care
Chris and Mariesa’s dedication goes far beyond simply providing a roof over these dogs’ heads. Their home is meticulously designed to ensure the comfort and well-being of their furry residents. A spacious, secure backyard allows for playtime, while individual kennels with personalized names provide a sense of belonging.
Their commitment extends to medical care with an in-house hydrotherapy treadmill and laser treatment system for healing joints and wounds. “All of our dogs have special needs, and it’s a lot cheaper having everything in our house,” Chris explains.
The logistics of caring for such a large and diverse pack are daunting. Feeding time alone is a testament to their dedication, taking a staggering 30 minutes with special diets catering to individual needs, including hand-feeding dogs with missing teeth. Ages range from a sprightly 22-year-old Chihuahua to a wise 20-year-old Pug.
Mariesa acknowledges the challenges: “The 19 canines [they have right now] are of all ages, breeds, and abilities, which makes their care tough.” But the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.
“It’s bittersweet because it’s not always a dream, it can be extremely stressful, but it’s amazing to see all of your hard work and seeing all of these lovely dogs loved, who are all deserving of a second chance,” she says.
A sanctuary of love and care
The bittersweet symphony of rescue
The emotional toll of rescue work is undeniable. “However, when there are dogs you can’t save, the lows are incredibly low, and it really affects you,” Mariesa confides.
Despite the challenges, their unwavering commitment to these dogs shines through. “I’d like to say ‘no, we won’t get any more dogs,’ but I also didn’t expect two more so quickly,” Mariesa admits with a hint of a smile.
The joy of witnessing the transformations of these rescued dogs fuels their passion. “Seeing their transformations makes all of the effort and grief worthwhile,” Chris says. “It’s really challenging, but it’s without a doubt our life’s work.”
The bittersweet symphony of rescue
Chris and Mariesa Hughes, through the Mr. Mo Project, are beacons of hope for senior and special needs dogs. Their unwavering dedication to providing a loving sanctuary and ensuring top-notch medical care is an inspiration to all who share their love for animals.
