In nearly every community, there are people working tirelessly to make life better for animals in need. From saving strays to hosting rock concerts for rescues, their passion for pets transforms lives daily.
Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue: Two Decades of Saving Lives
Founded in the backyard of its original founder, Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue is now celebrating 20 years of tireless service. What started as a response to the overwhelming crisis of homeless pets has now become a haven for animals across the state.
Kelley Long, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, describes her personal journey, “My dogs changed my life so much for the better. Working at Mostly Mutts is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done. I know we are making a difference every day for those who do not have a voice of their own.”
Mostly Mutts is committed to saving pets from euthanasia and homelessness. Even though the organization collaborates with animal control, the mission extends beyond immediate rescue. The long-term vision is to address the root causes of pet overpopulation by opening a low cost spay neuter clinic.
“We are in the process of purchasing the property next to our campus,” explains Long. “While this opens many exciting opportunities to save lives, it also creates many needs.”
Mostly Mutts thrives on community support. Volunteers, foster homes and financial contributions are essential to the operations. Whether you're looking to donate, volunteer or adopt, visit MostlyMutts.org to learn how you can contribute.
Rock for Rescues: Where Music and Animal Welfare Meet
Rock for Rescues was born from Ray Baker’s passion for music and his love for animals. Inspired one night by his sleeping chocolate lab, Duncan, Baker envisioned a platform that combined these two loves. Since its inception in 2018, Rock for Rescues has grown from a “cute little idea” to a major non-profit organization, with events that have drawn thousands.
The foundation's mission is to provide local animal rescues with a voice, stage and platform through music events. By partnering with cities, venues and businesses, Rock for Rescues raises awareness and funds for a variety of animal welfare groups from Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort, Georgia House Rabbit Society, Good Mews, Byrdhouse Ministries, Wags and Wiggles Dog Rescue and One Paw at a Time.
“We have done the research,” says Baker. “We do a deep dive into the operation of each non-profit rescue organization we partner with to make sure their mission aligns with ours and that they truly need our help. When you donate to Rock for Rescues, you can be assured your money, time and effort are appropriately used for the cause.”
Rock for Rescue events have featured everything from up-and-coming bands to ambassador animals, creating memorable experiences that connect rescues and the community.
Businesses and individuals can support Rock for Rescues by attending events, partnering or donating. More information is available at RockForRescues.org.
All About Cats Rescue: A Feline-Focused Mission
Kristy Grieco’s journey into cat rescue began with her first cat Coco, a stray tabby who became her constant companion. This deep connection inspired her to start All About Cats Rescue in 2011. The organization focuses on rescuing cats and kittens from high-kill shelters in North Georgia, and providing them with medical care and permanent homes. Each cat or kitten receives medical vetting including spay or neuter surgeries, tests for FIV/FeLV/HW, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping and rabies shots. In 2023, 321 cats and kittens were placed into loving homes.
"So many lives in our community are enriched by a loving cat from All About Cats. One of our most pressing needs, besides donations, is foster homes to temporarily care for our cats or kittens until they are ready for adoption. Without a shelter, the number of cats we can rescue depends on the number of foster homes. We can save more cats and kittens with more foster homes. Our rescue will provide the necessary supplies and medical care. It’s a great way to teach your kids to give back to the community. A little space and love ensures a kitten or cat makes it from a kill shelter into a family's home," says Kristy Grieco.
This Roswell-based rescue operates solely with volunteer support and donations, ensuring that every dollar goes toward the cats' care and well-being. To adopt, volunteer, foster or donate, visit AllAboutCats.org.
The Homeless Pet Foundation: Hosting adoption events to place pets in foster families until forever homes can be found.
The Homeless Pet Foundation is located in Marietta. It was founded by Dr Michael Good of Town & Country Veterinary Clinic—now Beyond Pets Animal Hospital—when he saw first-hand the need to get adoptable pets out of overcrowded shelters to prevent unnecessary euthanasia. Since inception in 1998, they have rescued and adopted over 25,000 dogs and cats!
The organization focuses on three areas: finding adoptive homes through Beyond Pets Animal Hospital, partnering with schools and local businesses to promote pet adoptions through their Homeless Pet Clubs, and transporting pets from the Southeast to other areas of the country where there is greater demand.
Jump in!
- Volunteer: Offer your time to help with daily operations or special events.
- Foster: Provide temporary homes for animals in need until they find their forever families.
- Donate: Financial contributions, supplies, or even hosting fundraisers can significantly support these rescues.
- Adopt: Give a homeless animal a loving home and change their life forever.