Stepping into an animal shelter is a deep emotional experience for animal lovers. By waving your tail and looking at the hopeful eyes behind the bar, you can fill a person with both joy and heartbreak. Many leave leaving the same thoughts that remain in their hearts: “If only we could adopt everything!” But most of the time, the practical reality of life (space, time, resources) makes this impossible. But for Chris and Mariesa Hughes, this heartfelt dream has become their reality, sparking a mission to change the lives of hundreds of elderly dogs forever.
Hughes’ incredible journey saw an elderly Moses who had walked into a local shelter and spent too long waiting for his family. Moses was not a normal dog. He faced serious health challenges, including spinal cord tumors, and his time was running out. Despite the difficult prognosis, Chris and Mariesa felt an immediate connection with him. They adopted Moses and gave him the love and care he always deserves, despite him warning that his life expectancy was heartbreakingly short.
Moses passed away just four weeks after his adoption, but his influence on Hughes was profound. Losing him made him realize how many other senior dogs, like Moses, wobbled in shelters due to their age and medical conditions. Many of these dogs spent their last days in the doghouse and never knew the warmth of the house or the joy of being part of the family. Chris and Mariesa were unable to get up to make it happen.
Determined to make a difference, the couple founded Mo Mo ProjectIt was named in honor of Moses. What began as a way to support several local shelter dogs quickly became a national initiative dedicated to rescue senior dogs from shelters and providing a loving home they had left behind. I’ve grown.
Senior dogs face unique challenges at shelters. Many families seeking to hire are drawn to young dogs and puppies and are keen on the prospects they spent years together. Elderly dogs, on the other hand, often suffer from medical problems and emotional scars, which reduces their appeal to potential employers. For shelters with limited resources, this means that senior dogs are often overlooked and left behind.
Speaking about their mission, Chris said, “We take dogs that others don’t. Whether it’s because of their age, appearance, or medical needs, we believe they deserve a chance to be loved.”
The Mos Mo project tackles these challenges head on, providing a safety net for senior dogs who would otherwise not leave the shelter. Hughes covers medical, food and other costs needed to ensure that your dog in care can enjoy the rest of the year to the fullest.
Initially, Hughes focused on local shelters and recruited and raised senior dogs in his own home. But as words spread about their efforts, the project began to grow. Over the past six years, the MoMo project has rescued more than that 500 senior dogsexpanding your reach far beyond your hometown. Today, the network of foster parents and adopters has grown from New York to California and even Canada.
Despite the scale of their operations, the core of their mission remains the same. It’s about giving each dog the love, care and dignity they deserve. All rescues are testament to their belief that dogs should not spend their last days alone or unloved.
It’s not cheap to save an elderly dog. Medical expenses for these dogs can be important as many people need surgery, treatment, or ongoing care for chronic illnesses. Hughes relies heavily on donations from caring supporters who share their vision. The generous contributions from their community help to cover the costs of veterinarian care, medicines, food and other essentials.
However, donations may not grow sufficiently. On these occasions, Chris and Mariesa were not shy away from immersing themselves in their savings. For couples, seeing the transformation of a dog once neglected is worth spending every dollar. It could be the peaceful expression of a dog that feels shaking tail, playful bark, or ultimately safe and loved.
Hughes is committed to counting every moment of the dog he rescues. From cozy beds and nutritious foods to endless hugs and playtimes, these dogs experience a level of care that many people didn’t know. The couple’s Instagram page is filled with heartwarming photos and videos, showing furry families enjoying everything from sunny afternoons in the garden to special birthday celebrations.
Chris and Mariesa’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: Every dog deserves to be loved no matter what age or illness. For Hughes, this means going up to ensure their rescued dogs live in the golden years with joy, comfort and dignity.
The Mos Mo project not only saved hundreds of dogs, but also encouraged countless people to rethink their ideas about adopting pets. Through their advocacy and online presence, Chris and Mariesa encourage others to look beyond the cute puppies of the shelter and consider giving home to senior dogs in need.
“Employing a senior dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have,” Mariesa shared. “They may not have as much time as puppies, but the love they give is unparalleled.”
The dog was badly ignored and trapped in a wooden frame
The poor puppy died after being trapped inside a wooden frame full of waste. Three other dogs were at home, trapped in a crate, barely survived. Sign the petition to demand justice for these dogs!
Thanks to Hughes’ tireless efforts, hundreds of senior dogs escaped the loneliness of living in the shelter, instead finding a home that was cherished until the last day. Their job is a powerful reminder that love has no age limit and that even the oldest dog can bring joy, dating and unconditional love to their family.
The story of Chris and Mariesa is a testament to the differences that arise when a couple is driven to compassion and determination. Through the Mo Mo project, they created a legacy of hope and love that will continue to inspire animal lovers for years to come.
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