The life of an older dog can be heartbreaking. These dogs often spend most of their lives in a loving home, only to find themselves in shelters during their golden years when they need care the most. Unfortunately, when these senior dogs are up for adoption again, most potential adopters tend to overlook them in favor of puppies or younger dogs.
This sad reality, among other challenges that senior dogs face, motivated the Hughes family to start their mission to help these old souls.
The Start of a Beautiful Journey
The Hughes, a couple deeply in love with dogs, faced many obstacles at the beginning. However, today they have created a small empire of kindness centered around aiding older dogs.
The Story of Moses, The Pittie
Before Chris and Mariesa Hughes met, both were avid dog lovers and had owned several dogs. Their shared love for dogs only grew stronger when they married. The cornerstone of their journey together began with the adoption of Moses, a senior Pit Bull. Moses was often overlooked in the shelter due to his age, with little hope for adoption.
However, everything changed when Chris spotted Moses in his kennel and was moved by his situation. He decided that he would make the final years of Moses’ life the happiest possible. For a year and a half, Moses brought immense joy to Chris and Mariesa, and their lives revolved around him.
Tragedy Strikes
Their happy life with Moses took a sudden turn on Valentine’s Day in 2014, when Mariesa noticed Moses seemed unsteady. Their concern for him led them to sell their hot tub to finance an MRI, which revealed a spinal cord tumor. The diagnosis was grim, with vets giving Moses only four weeks to live. The couple did everything they could, from acupuncture to herbal treatments, to make his final days comfortable. Moses passed away five weeks later, a loss that deeply affected them but also sparked a new purpose.
Birth of The Mr. Mo Project
In the days following Moses’ passing, while driving, Chris proposed the idea to Mariesa to start saving senior dogs and cover their medical expenses. Despite her initial reservations, the lingering pain from losing Moses spurred Mariesa to agree, and thus, The Mr. Mo Project was born.
The project started small, with visits to shelters where they distributed care packages to senior dogs. Over time, their efforts expanded, and they began adopting senior dogs from their local area in Clifton Park, NY.
Challenges and Triumphs
The early days were not easy. Financial challenges were frequent, sometimes requiring the couple to sell personal items to cover expenses. Gradually, they adapted their home to better accommodate the needs of their aging canine residents. They installed ramps and special flooring to help dogs with mobility issues and even equipped their home with medical aids like oxygen tanks and hydrotherapy units.
Despite numerous obstacles, the Hughes transformed their home into a haven for senior dogs. What started as a small gesture of kindness grew into a significant endeavor—the Mr. Mo Project.
A Growing Network
The success of their project led to the establishment of a network of foster homes, expanding their reach beyond Clifton Park to across the United States and even other parts of the continent. To date, they have rescued over 500 senior dogs, providing them with a chance to live out their final days in comfort and love.
From Passion to Life Mission
The journey to make a difference in the lives of senior dogs was fraught with difficulties, but for Chris and Mariesa, it has become their life’s mission. The joy of seeing the transformation in the dogs they rescue, from their state in shelters to becoming beloved family members, is immeasurable.
Chris and Mariesa feel incredibly fortunate; their passion for helping dogs not only fulfills them but also brings immense happiness. Despite the challenges that come with running such a mission, they embrace each obstacle with open hearts, driven by their love for dogs and the memory of Moses.
Their work continues to be a source of inspiration and a testament to the impact of kindness and dedication in the face of adversity. As they look to the future, they are eager to face new challenges and continue their mission, blessed to be able to make a difference in the lives of senior dogs.
