A couple's profound love for dogs led them to adopt 19 at once, providing these furry companions a second chance at life. Chris and Mariesa Hughes, committed to ensuring the well-being of all animals, have rescued over 600 elderly and special needs dogs, pledging to cover their veterinary expenses even if they find new homes.
Focused on aiding surrendered or abandoned dogs, Chris and Mariesa Hughes have opened their home to more than a dozen canines. They've meticulously arranged their house to ensure a comfortable life for their furry companions. Additionally, the couple founded the Mr. Mo Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to placing dogs in loving homes and covering their lifetime medical expenses.
Chris, 34, originally from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, moved to America with his family at the age of three. When Chris and Mariesa first crossed paths, Chris was already caring for six dogs, and Mariesa had two, instantly expanding their family to eight. However, their shared love for dogs led them to continue growing their furry family.
"I've always wanted to rescue dogs since I was a kid," said Mariesa, 40. When I was nine years old, I got my first rescue dog. Chris has been acting similarly.
"We now take in specialist dogs with the goal of rehoming them."
Despite having full-time jobs, they continue to find loving homes for dogs and pay for their medical bills.
The Mr. Mo project was inspired by Chris' dog Moses, who sadly passed away.
"Moses was an old Pittie who had to be surrendered to the shelter because he was too old," he added. He was with us for 22 months before succumbing to spinal cord cancer.
"Over the course of our time with him, we realized how expensive it was to care for a senior and ailing dog, so after he died, 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."
Because Chris and Mariesa accept a specific dog, many shelters contact them. The pair takes in sick and injured dogs, as well as dogs that other people are unable to take in due to medical expenses.
The couple's effort requires a large financial investment in order to care for the pets. Last year, they spent $700,000 (£508,536) on veterinary treatment.
"Shelters call us, and we take the dogs in and provide all financial care, eventually finding them the ideal foster home where they will live for the rest of their lives," Chris said. We, on the other hand, are responsible for their medical care for the rest of their life."
Everything is in place for the pets to live happily ever after at the couple's house. They have a spacious walled back garden where the dogs can go about and their own kennels with their names on them. They have a hydrotherapy treadmill and a laser treatment system to heal joints and wounds.
"All of our dogs have special needs, and it's a lot cheaper having everything in our house," Chris noted.
"The feeding time is insane, probably around 30 minutes." We have dogs who are hand fed since they lack teeth and bottom jaws. Some dogs can develop food allergies, and we have dogs of all diets.
"There are also some insanely old dogs here." We have a Chihuahua who is 22 years old and a Pug that is 20."
The 19 canines are of all ages, breeds, and abilities, which Mariesa claims makes their care tough.
"It's bittersweet because that's not always such 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 said.
"However, when there are dogs you can't save, the lows are incredibly low, and it really affects you." It's also always disorganized.
"I'd like to say 'no, we won't get any more dogs,' but I also didn't expect two more so quickly."
"Seeing their transformations makes all of the effort and grief worthwhile." It's really challenging, but it's without a doubt our life's work."
