In 2020, I interviewed several people who dedicate their lives to helping animals. These wonderful people included the founders from Project K-9 Hero Foundation, Midwest Animal Rescue & Services, Pup N Iron Canine Fitness and Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League.
Camille Bates, MARS Manager and volunteer for 15 years, sent me an update on the exciting activities at the Minnesota-based nonprofit. Please enjoy her update!
Camille, please reminder our readers about MARS.
Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS) is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 foster-based animal rescue organization. We started in 2006 and have adopted out over 20,000 animals since then with a 99% adoption success rate – Once they go home, they stay home!
In addition to animal rescue, MARS also has “Services” in our name because we feel strongly in serving the community. If we have the opportunity to help a pet stay in their home, and not the animal welfare system, we want to try and help.
For example, we have an obedience trainer! If it’s frustrating to you that Fido won’t stop jumping on the counter on the hunt for snacks – we can help!
Tell us about some of the MARS highlights from 2021.
After 2020 unfortunately broke down a lot of rescues in Minnesota, MARS’ teams banded together, bonded even stronger and went back to our foundational roots.
For example, we have one-on-one conversations with people. As a rescue, we don’t see black or white situations. We see the grey areas.
If people apply for a dog that should most definitely have a fence, but they don’t have a one, maybe we can help them problem solve.
Could their potential new dog work with them on a long leash? If not, we talk with the family and help them find a dog that is right for their situation.
Do you have an updates on new programs or projects?
2020 was incredibly difficult on everyone and we’re still feeling the effects of it. Now that the world is more open, foster homes are harder to come by. Understandably so, people are out enjoying life again…but there are still animals that need saving.
Our nonprofit vet clinic took a pause to revamp and renew – guess what had its grand opening on 11/30/2021 again? You guessed it – our Vet Clinic!! Woot! We’re very excited to be able to share our nonprofit veterinary services with the community again.
How can people help MARS ?
Fostering! The more foster homes we have, the more animals we can save.
If you can’t foster, you can volunteer. Get that doggo fix and feel good about it!Can’t do that, that’s totally okay too!
Any way to get involved whether you adopt, donate, foster, volunteer or even share a social media post, email or word of mouth helps spread the word of rescue.
It all makes a huge difference and we’re grateful for any and all support.
What are your main goals for 2022?
Keep saving animals and continuing to work and grow our mission!
How can people find you on social media?
Facebook: www.midwestanimalrescue.org/midwestanimalrescue
Instagram: www.instagram.com/midwestanimalrescue
Website: Midwest Animal Rescue
What else would you like to tell our readers about MARS?
Thank you for reading! We appreciate you taking the time to read this article and being rescue minded. We appreciate you being a part of the MARS Community! Together, we save!!
Thank you for stopping by!
Dr. Pet Mom 🙂
“Did you know that there are over 300 words for love in canine?”
–Gabriel Zevin