Mikaela’s Mutt Motel
Mikaela’s Mutt Motel is a non-profit foster-based dog rescue operating in Clarksville, Tennessee. We rescue dogs from shelters all over the United States including Montgomery County Animal Care and Control in Tennessee, Christian County Animal Shelter in Kentucky, Gwinnett County Animal Shelter in Georgia, Salem Animal Control in Virginia, and many others.
The Mutt Motel hosted our first guest, Allegiance (“Allie”) in 2016. Our founder and namesake, Mikaela, had recently moved to Northern Virginia and after seeing dozens of homeless dogs up for adoption outside every pet store in town, she knew she had to act. Partnering with local rescues, she began fostering dogs and helping them find their “fur”ever homes. It wasn’t until about the 10th dog that the “motel” metaphor became clear. Given their short stay and their origin stories, we figured a short “motel stay” was the perfect symbol to show the transformation of these VIPs (Very Important Pups).
Many come to the Motel riddled with worms, fleas, ticks, and malnutrition. Our staff and volunteers get right to work caring for and pampering our guests to ensure a speedy path to the “good life.” From oatmeal baths to hand-prepared meals, the Mutt Motel goes to great lengths to provide 5-Paw Service to each and every VIP. Since our doggy-door first opened we have hosted over 250 VIPs and that number continues to grow.
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About Our Operation
For most organizations, the customer’s satisfaction is the ultimate goal. We don’t do that here. The idea behind this philosophy is that the perfect Adopter will want the exact same thing: the best home for the Mutt rather than a particular breed, color, other arbitrary characteristic. Instead of searching for the “perfect dog” for an Adopter, we wait for the perfect Adopter for our Mutts. We are guided by our Core Values which state that our Mutts’ well-being is the most important factor in our operation. Our Adoption Application and review process is designed to ensure our Mutts will be loved, cared for, and (most importantly) safe in their new, fur-ever homes. Our Application is extensive and thorough which enables us to effectively place our Mutts into the best homes for them and, although we still experience incompatible placements, we pride ourselves on our screening and placement process.
About Our Funding
As a non-profit organization, our funding comes entirely from the generous support of individuals and corporations as well as grants (for which we must apply and be selected). Without your support, our Mission will not succeed and dogs will needlessly die in shelters or be dumped, defenseless and terrified, in any number of areas around our community. Together, we can continue saving dogs and providing love and joy to families in our area.
Mikaela, Founder
“I’ve been an animal lover for as long as I can remember. I began caring for and riding horses at age 8. I also cared for goats, sheep, rabbits, and half the animal kingdom to pay for the boarding and care of my horse, Dollie. When I ventured into the world on my own, I knew my apartment needed something more. I went to the Greene County Shelter in Dayton, Ohio, where I fell in love with my first official rescue, Ace. Shortly after, I found a Craigslist ad about a puppy being dumped. Within 24 hours, Addie became the second permanent resident of the not-yet-conceptualized Mutt Motel.
Two years later, I would accept my first foster (Allie) and that broke the proverbial seal. Following Allie’s adoption, the Mutt Motel had no vacancies for nearly 2 years. I’ve loved and cared for each of our guests as if they were my own. Nothing compares to the feeling of knowing I’ve placed a dog into a loving home where he will soon forget all the troubles of his past life.”
Permanent Residents (Ace & Addie)
Ace was a stray near Dayton, Ohio rescued from the Greene County Animal Shelter. We found Addie on Craigslist where her then-owner was threatening to dump her if she could not be re-homed. Since joining the Mutt Motel they have lived lives of luxury. They enjoy the finest shampoos and conditioners, body spray, and bathrobes. They each have multiple beds of their own. Ace and Addie dine on a variety of hand-prepared meals and treats and receive supplements to support their health and wellness. They have more clothes in their wardrobe than their dad and more toys than they could ever play with. They give our VIP guests hope for a better life by telling them stories of the high-life and demonstrating how to enjoy the finest foods around. Though our guests and services are the focus of our page, look out for updates about Ace & Addie as well.