Mutts Matter Rescue

Mutts Matter has changed the lives of everyone in our family. We have adopted 3 dogs through the charity. These dogs have come from all over, and volunteers have brought them to visit our home in Myersville, Md. I can’t say enough about the volunteers and organisation. Our dogs were clearly well fostered and cared for. Every foster family we met clearly provided loving care. It was clear our dogs had been treated well. All 3 had come from horrible situations, but were hopeful and loving when we met them. It was obvious the bureaucratic end of the organisation was well run and efficient by their medical care, and responsiveness. They gave these wonderful companion animals a second chance, and fresh healthy new start. I am so grateful they found our dogs. Please support this charity in any way you can. They shelter, protect, and care for these precious creatures who would likely have been lost without them. Thank you Mutts Matter. You have changed our lives forever.

We had two great experiences with Mutts Matter and the owner. Our first application was for our sweet little Pug Miko. Mutts Matter conducted a very thorough phone interview, and home visit after we filled out our application. Then we brought our current dog to visit with Melanie and Miko to make sure they would get along. Everyone we dealt with was kind, caring, professional, and had the dogs best interest in mind. We had no problem with the process. After we got Miko, we adopted Oden, our sweet little French Bulldog. Because we had been through the process, and we were already approved it was much easier this time. We have had them now for years, they are members of our family, and we would absolutely recommend them and go to them again. Every once in awhile we will send them updates and pictures. Melanie always replies back. These dogs have brought much love and joy to our house for me, my wife and our children after losing our boxers to cancer.

I thought anyone who committed their time to rescuing animals was a wonderful human being, a true angel on earth. I was wrong.

Since losing our beloved Peanut last December, my 10-year-old daughter had been scouring Petfinder.com in search of our next pug. Peanut was our second rescue. Our first was Cairo, who I adopted from a rescue in California. He lived to be 16.

We adopted Peanut from a local rescue. I reached out to them when we were ready to adopt again, but they didn't have any good matches for our needs. My daughter longed for a playful, energetic dog, but loved pugs. Odie and Spud's Petfinder listing caught my daughter's eye. Given our experience, I was excited about the idea of having two pugs; double the love, I thought. Our application was quickly approved, in part due to our experience and impeccable references.

Our joy quickly turned to horror and sadness. First, Spud attacked Odie. Then he bit me. Then he bit my daughter. Then they got in a violent brawl with each other in my front yard witnessed by several neighbors. After several discussions with my veterinary clinic, fellow pug owners, rescue volunteers, dog lovers, behaviorists, trainers, friends, and family, we made the heartbreaking decision to return the dogs.

But our horror wasn't over.

When I contacted another rescue to indicate interest in another pug who had become available in the mean time, the representative contacted the organization in charge of Odie and Spud to learn what had happened, a common practice for rescue organizations with the best interest of animals' at heart. I still don't know what the president of the organization said, but the story did not match mine. She did not indicate there was an issue of aggression or biting with the dogs. What's more, whatever she said would have impeded my ability to adopt another dog had it not been for a trainer who witnessed the behavior and came to my defense.

In the end, truth and love triumphed over the lies. We brought home our sweet pug a few weeks ago with special thanks to witnesses to the aggression in the other dogs, including a professional trainer.

The president of Mutts Matter Rescue is an ego maniac who does not have the best interest of dogs or people in mind.

Oh, and the dogs were advertised once again on Petfinder, with no indication about the history. I notified Petfinder and was told the issue would be researched, but the ad was never removed until the dogs were adopted. I hear through another rescue that they are doing well. I certainly hope so. Perhaps they are in a home with an alpha dog to keep them in check? Enough time has passed since one of them was neutered? I will never know. But I know what we experienced with the dogs and the people with this organization and it wasn't good at all.

The president continues to see me as the problem, feels I'm not fit to have a dog and referring to me as "unstable," probably because I cried about the whole experience, feeling so sad for the dogs and my daughter. I call that human.

I adopted a dog from Mutts Matter in 2010 and have gone on to foster and volunteer with them. I have seen what goes on "behind the scenes" in dealing with the public and rescuing dogs from cruelty cases and shelters. Mutts Matter gets hundreds of emails each day with requests from shelters who have dogs on death row about to be euthanized and requests from local authorities who need help with animals that have been confiscated in cruelty cases or even drug busts. If you go to www.muttsmatterrescue.org, you will see there is an extensive amount of information on their mission, the dogs they take in, and the process for adopting a dog. People who have taken the time to write negative reviews here should have taken the time to thoroughly read through the information on the website in the first place. I applied with another organization before Mutts Matter and never even heard back from them. Did I write nasty reviews about them all over the Internet? Of course not. I have a life and I have common decency. In fact the dog that I applied for from Mutts Matter originally ended up getting adopted by someone else and we did not even get him. We did end up with another wonderful dog a few months later though. It just makes me wonder about the people who chose to write nasty reviews here just because they felt entitled to something and things did not go their way.

How about having a wonderful dog that has to be re-homed ( no time). Great dog, trained, loves all dogs , housebroken. Willing to foster. I contacted them 3 times, got form emails back, " we will contact you soon." No contact. Maybe this is why it us do difficult to adopt from them. I get they are volunteers but there are other volunteer organizations enough have responded.
It is hard enough to make such a decision, fortunately there are other organization

Giving Mutts Matter Rescue a star is hard to do but thought it was least I could do. They lack communication not only to the public but among themselves as well. When you submit an application and do not hear anything for weeks, a common excuse is oh we are just volunteers or someone will get in touch with you shortly and never do.

It just seems the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing and it just gets worse.

Sorry that the owner feels maligned. But so many people with the same complaint. Tried to get information on a specific dog...not a response. Tried to get information on adoption in general. Not a response. Tried several methods and no one could answer. Contacted a different agency ALSO RUN BY VOLUNTEERS and they managed to respond to inquiry about a specific dog (he was adopted already) and helped us work through and find a dog who has been in our family for almost a year. For the owner to blame ALL the bad reviews on people saying they probably got a bad vet review or had never purchased heartworm meds is just plain silly and unprofessional. Steer clear of this agency - and be aware they are operating under at least one other name. Why is THAT?

Save our furry friends through safe, humane, reputable methods.

I got the total opposite of some of these review writers on here- I think it's an Excellent rescue and Kudos to them making sure the animal gets the best home possible- they are all about the animals as it should be-
Think about it, some of the fosters have these dogs for weeks, I would imagine it would be bitter sweet when they find their forever home, if it were me fostering I would want to make sure that you are going to meet everyone of the dogs needs, if not I would move on to the next applicant until I do find the right one- they also have rules-fence, maybe another dog at home, maybe an adult home a lot-you have to read everything before you fill out an app.! I did and I followed the rules and I got the pup I applied for. Everyone that called me, visited my home and the foster parents were awesome! Thank you MMR, you Rock! And it's all Volunteers!!

I found a puppy on the Mutts Matters site that was exactly the type of dog I was looking for. I got so excited at the idea of making him part of our home! First, I submitted a couple of inquiries to the organization, but after a week, I hadn't heard back, so I went ahead and submitted an application. After several days, I still hadn't heard anything from them, so I tried contacting them through their web site. After a few more days of hearing nothing, I tried through Facebook - but more than 3 weeks after initial contact, still nothing, Not a peep. And the puppy is still on the site (his sisters have been adopted - yea!).

Maybe they are great to work with if/when you actually get some interaction going with them. For now, I'll cross them off my list of organizations to support. I recognize that they are served by many volunteers, but even a simple "thanks but no thanks" response would have been better than complete silence. Bummer.

It took my wife and I about a year after losing a fine companion dog to us and our 2 year old boxer to finally make the decision to adopt another to replace him, after scanning through the numerous ones on "Petfinder" over that period. We had hoped to find a younger, male, fairly large dog in the Lab family, as our Katy seems to gravitate to this type, and also due to their somewhat laid back attitude and even temperament. My wife found one that seemed like just what we were looking for. I submitted the application on September 20th, and received a positive, and encouraging response on the 21st. We maintained regular and often correspondence with MMR up to, and through the interview, home visit process, and after, with some hurdles along the way. Our new prospective family member was being fostered in West Virginia at the time we applied for him, so he had to be transported to MD for the routine vetting process, and was found to be suffering an enlarged spleen due to tick borne disease, so he needed to run a 30 day course of antibiotics. He also had not been neutered, and could not have the surgery until the drug therapy was completed. No matter, after hearing all the great updates on him, how everyone loved him, how well behaved he was, and getting along with cats/dogs, and the excellent reports from Lynn, his MD foster, and Suzanne, how we were getting a "dream" dog, we were prepared to do whatever was going to be necessary to complete the process, and get to meet him and bring him home. All the preparations and expense had been worth it. Finally, after a long year of procrastinating about even getting another dog, then about adoption itself, we had made the right decision. So finally, after 5 weeks of waiting, of anticipation, of updates and reports, we were finally going down to southern MD from our home in Herndon, VA on October 26th, to introduce our Katy to Big John and if all went well, bring him home. We got a call Saturday night (well not exactly, our phone rang but went to vm, and we heard Lynn asking Melanie (Samet) to call her right back. She had mistakenly called our phone, thinking it was Melanie) from Lynn, but didn't get to it in time, so Sue (my wife) called her back, and was told that she (Lynn) was sorry, but that she had become "attached" to Big John ( she may have renamed him JJ), and could not let him go. I came out to the dining room to see my wife on the phone in tears,and knew immediately what was up. It was one of our fears all along, about adoption, but I convinced Sue that that wouldn't happen because I was positive that the fosters are told going in, that there has to be a point of no return, where as keeping the dog is no longer an option, and to prepare for that, and most likely are required to sign an agreement to that effect. Obviously, I am sadly mistaken. The foster can, and will snatch your dog out from under you right up to, and including the day you were to pick it up, and MMR (Melanie) will sanction, and even condone it. This was just so wrong on so many levels. I could not write this right away, as much as I wanted to because I first had to get past the sadness and disbelief, and then the anger. MMR has no code of ethics, regardless of what their mission statement may say, and there is nothing fair or morally just about it. Suzanne even had the audacity to send me an email the following Monday titled "sincerest apologies", from which I could glean nothing sincere or apologetic. All she did was proceed to make excuses for Lynn, saying that she doesn't have much experience as a fostering, and reminding me that fosters have a right of first choice, neither of which apply here. We heard nothing from Melanie, even though she has the authority to make the appropriate call, and by that I mean the fair, and morally correct call. When she was told of this by Lynn she replied, "you're really doing this"? Apparently, the fosters' emotions take precedent over not only an adoptor, who has not only been promised a particular dog, without whose application would not have even met Big John, because he would most likely still be with the foster in West Virginia, but also over the very reputation of Mutts Matter Rescue, and their ethics. I believe it is essential for the general public to know what to expect and be prepared for in dealing with this organization, because if it happened to us, it can happen to them. We'll be seeing you out at the adoption events in the area, and on social media as well. John Warnock, Herndon, VA

I am a two time adopter with Mutts Matter and have now been a volunteer with them for the past 3 years. After reading a few of the reviews, I felt I could not sit silent while people disrespect all the great work that MMR volunteers do.
I can say without a doubt this is the most well run rescue organization I have ever been associated with and they are extremely well respected throughout the rescue community.
I am amazed how mean and rude people can be when they do not get approved or get what they want. MMR has some of the most dedicated and passionate volunteers who do this out of the goodness of their heart and don't deserve that treatment. We are very appreciative that people take the time to rescue from MMR but not every dog is perfect for every home. This is where our experience comes into play. We have rules for a reason and they are not for you...they are for the welfare of the dog. If you do not get the dog you want, it does not mean you are a bad dog owner and it certainly shouldn't mean you write a scathing review of Mutt Matter Rescue.
I love MMR and the great work we do!!

MUTTS MATTER BUT APPLICANTS DO NOT!

Absolutely, the worst animal rescue organization ever! After submitting an application to adopt, no response received after approximately a week! As a result, sent e-mail message stating common courtesy would have been appreciated in receiving at least an acknowledgment. Within only 30 minutes, received a scathing response from the President of MMR. As she apparently could not deal with the truth that persons typically expect common courtesy in the form of an acknowledgment, she proceeds to attack us by stating we wasted our time by not reviewing the policies on their website, and in affect, were not suitable pet owners despite the fact we have adopted from numerous other rescue organizations over the years! In response to my statement that numerous others have vetted similar complaints on sites such as this one, her response was the following:

"most of those people that have written those are people that of been declined by our organization for either not having a good vet reference personal reference or not having a good application."

It's amazing, how the President of MMR responded in less than 1/2 hour with a verbose response when she felt wronged after reading my message, whereas she could not even send a couple of sentences acknowledging receipt of our application for a week. Of course, persons like myself who voice their opinions of not receiving common courtesy are "bad applicants who wasted their time applying after not reviewing the policies on their website." For an organization operated by such an UNPROFESSIONAL individual, all I can recommend to others searching for homeless dogs would be steer clear of MMR and seek an organization where ANIMALS AND PERSONS BOTH MATTER!
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OCTOBER 10, 2014:

In response to the volunteer who left an obviously biased review after mine, I am sorry to say that persons have every right to post their experience here or elsewhere regarding their negative encounters with MMR! In fact, I have every right to contact previous persons (couple have already been contacted) who left comments or file a formal complaint to the Attorney General of Maryland, if I desire.

Unfortunately, you are not seeing the forest for the trees, as persons have not complained about not receiving a pet but the manner in which they were inconsiderately treated including myself. In fact, the remark made to the MMR President was done after she was explicitly told not to contact me but continued to send another inflammatory message.

With respect to facts concerning at least a three year history of disrespectful and unprofessional service on the part of MMR, numerous examples are listed below:

1) In response to a customer review, MMR President responded with the following inconsiderate remark:

“Why don't you show some courage and tell us your name and the dogs name?”

My Response: You don't consider that question to be unprofessional and unnecessary? I am certain any reasonable person would! It's ironic, the MMR President and yourself are blaming others for whatever reason such as they did not receive a pet, etc.

2) Content excerpted from prior customer review:

“... but a simple email response back would take just a few seconds. To not even show enough professionalism to do this, suggests they are poorly managed and overwhelmed.”

My Response: Completely agree as this was the basis of my original complaint. In this day and age, automated mechanisms can be configured to automatically notify applicants without any time on the part of MMR. Either the MMR President has no knowledge of technology or simply does not care about good public relations! Don't see any complaint about not receiving a dog and would bet the lack of common courtesy was the motivator for leaving the complaint.

3) Content excerpted from prior customer review:

“I understand they are staffed by volunteers but how hard is it to respond to an email?”

My Response: Once again, completely agree as this was the basis of my original complaint. In this day and age, automated mechanisms can be configured to automatically notify applicants without any time on the part of MMR. Either the MMR President has no knowledge of technology or simply does not care about good public relations! Don't see any complaint about not receiving a dog and would bet the lack of common courtesy was the motivator for leaving the complaint.

4) Content excerpted from prior customer review: “Rosemary contacted me. She was very unprofessional. I called the owner Megan. Her excuse for the unprofessional was because her staff are volunteers. Being a volunteer is not an excuse for being unprofessional.”

“Lastly, while talking to Megan she was rude and tried to yell at me.”

My Response: Completely unprofessional and should not be tolerated! However, given the same type of attitude from MMR President, not surprised! Don't see any complaint about not receiving a dog and would bet the lack of common courtesy was the motivator for leaving the complaint.

5) “We still have yet to hear from this organization. No application confirmation. No follow up. No response to our email. This is completely unprofessional and rude. Honestly, it takes two minutes to say Sorry, but we don't think you are the right fit."

“I would NOT recommend trying to adopt from this rescue. Completely unprofessional.”

My Response: Once again, completely agree as this was the basis of my original complaint. In this day and age, automated mechanisms can be configured to automatically notify applicants without any time on the part of MMR. Either the MMR President has no knowledge of technology or simply does not care about good public relations! As mentioned numerous times already, don't see any complaint about not receiving a dog and would bet the lack of common courtesy was the motivator for leaving the complaint.

6) “After a week of not being contacted by anyone from the rescue I sent an email to their questions about adoption address. after two days of hearing nothing again, I sent an email to Melanie. She called me the next day and although she had a very nasty tone set up a phone interview for the next day.”

My Response: Once again, completely unprofessional and should not be tolerated! However, given the same type of attitude from MMR President, not surprised! As mentioned numerous times already, don't see any complaint about not receiving a dog and would bet the lack of common courtesy was the motivator for leaving the complaint.

Based upon the ratio of complaints to overall number of reviews, I recommend MMR work on treating persons with respect and their public relations!

This is one of the most dedicated, organized, compassionate group of people.
A wonderful group that constantly puts itself on the front line, fighting for dogs who are simply helpless, and that most have given up on. I applaud this group for their efforts and compassion.

Unfortunately, people don't understand what goes into finding a home for a dog that has been abused, neglected, abandoned, living on the streets or sitting a high kill shelter because the owner just did not want to care for it anymore. Sure it would be nice to place a dog in every home that we get an application for, but it does not work that way.

No one can speak for the dogs except those who are in rescue. If one could see some of the conditions that some dogs were found in it would make one sick. Some were rescued from back yard breeders,living in filthy conditions, sores on their paws from being in a wire cage, never knowing what soft grass feels like or any kind of kind and loving human interaction.

One is responsible for taking care of the pets and making sure their vaccines are up to date, they are on Heartworm and Flea and Tick preventative. In any rescue, vet checks are important because it indicates how an individual takes care of their pets. After what these animals have been through both physically and mentally, all rescues want to do their best to find the right home. There are so many dogs and cats that every rescue is trying to save and it is every rescue's goal to help find them one.

We understand that you wanted to open your heart and home for an animal and sometimes we do have to turn someone down but we also try to reconsider the application. If the vet information is incorrect, it is everyone's responsibility to make sure it is accurate. Check with the vet first before you apply and ask if the vaccinations are up to date.

On May 9, 2014, I submitted an application to “Mutts Matter Rescue (MMR) -- in Rockville, MD 20847”. After waiting 6 days later, I emailed to Jessica Llich, the application Manager/Trainer to inquire about the dog I chose named, “Emmy” a Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie Mix. On this date, Jessica emailed me back saying, “When our volunteer contacted your vet, she was told that your cat had never received vaccines”. Boots had not received vaccines at this particular vet because we had just recently moved to this area, however; I did take Boots there on Sept 12, 2013, in Chestertown, MD, and came home with a bill of $163.00. But if there was a concern, or problem about Vaccinations, etc., why didn’t the MMR Volunteer call me to inquire? There is nothing on the Application that states anything at all to indicate, “Vaccination will be checked”. Otherwise, I would have provided that information, or at least called the Vets to have them provide that information, or sent the records in the postal mail, or drove there myself to give them in person if need be. The MMR did not state, list all Vet’s that Boots was taken care of for whatever medical care, or vaccinations, etc. So I only listed this last Vet, that I used in this newest area, which we just recently moved to.

I have all records on my cat named “Boots” who received all his vaccinations and other health concerns that were immediately taking care of and attended to. Boots was my pet, that I loved and cared for, who lived with me for 17.5 yrs. If he wasn’t healthy, and was not well attended to, how could he have lived as long as he did? I adopted Boots from Tucson, AZ and over the 17.5 years plus, he traveled with me across the US to different places in Maryland. After living 18 yrs, he was put down due to health reasons November 2013.

When looking for a small dog, I called around to many different “Rescue Sources” to be told, go on line. Thus, my time and effort went towards searching for a small dog on the Internet. I filled out new applications on 4 different occasions; but never heard back from any of them. However, I’d received new emails asking me to look at many new and available other dogs, but NOT the one I choose.

Today, May 15, 2014, when I inquired about what was taking so long and found out about the Vet issue. Jessica Llich Application Manager, wrote back asking for the other Vets I took Boots to, and if there was a way for me to provide the vacination records via email, or FAX. Neither of these worked for me, as I don’t have a FAX and do not know how to upload records onto the Computer. However, I stated that I lived on the other side of the Bay Bridge, 1 ½ hrs away from MMR, that I would be happy to drive there to show Boot’s records, and meet with them. And then I provided 4 Vet Hospitals with whom Boots (over 18 plus yrs) had received all vaccinations from. There were two in MD, and two from Tucson AZ. Jessica email’s me back saying, “our volunteer contacted the two vets listed on your application and neither had record of your cat being vaccinated. I regret that you are unhappy with our process”.

This makes me wonder, are the Animal Care People really interested in finding a good decent home for a pet? Or was the dog I choose, given to someone else because someone else was previously vetted before me?

There are thousands upon thousands of dogs wanting a homes, according to all Animal Rescues Centers/Resources. I could have provided a good decent home for one of them, as I have done so for a cat for over 18 years in the past. I have proof of all medical records, I have the desire, the commitment and enthusiasm. I have the finances to care for a dog. I would be a good companion and could give the dog a permanent home. I have a good home environment to offer the dog. I would nurture, love, and protect the dog. And most of all, I have the love, devotion, dedication all the means necessary to ensure the dog would be safe, comfortable, and that he/she would live vs. be put down. Yet, I was denied by Jessica Llich at MMR, Rockville MD. WHY?

We are ready to have a nice small dog at home again and I decided to go for a rescue dog, there are so many in need of a nice home. We got excited with the idea and started the search, lots of the small dogs we liked could be found at the Mutts Matter Rescue, so I filled the adoption application, sent emails, tried to call them, I never never had any reply and I just don't know how to reach them. I will try other rescue places and hopefully we will be luckier.

No rescue that takes in a lot of homeless dogs is capable of keeping up with such a huge amount of
paperwork. I think to resolve this issue it should be stated on their website not to expect a return call in less then two weeks. All volunteer rescues have to depend on what time is left in anyone's day to help out and more often then not these are married people with children and/or a fulltime job. It appears that MMR needs some help in this area but I would not consider them a bad rescue just for that. They do their adoptions the right way. The dogs are spayed/neutered and completely vetted PRIOR to adoption and housechecks are done as well. I understand there is some frustration but I have seen some really bad, sloppy rescues and MMR is NOT one of them.
I do have my own rescue so I can walk a mile in their shoes. I can never please everyone no matter how hard I try. My point here is that MMR is saving a lot of dog's lives. Please try not to discourage them.

I am both an adopter and now a volunteer with Mutts Matter rescue. I've adopted from other rescues in the past and found Mutts Mater to be very thorough and responsive in comparison. They asked me great questions during the approval process to determine the type of pup who would best fit my lifestyle, and really seemed to care about the fit. Their dogs live in foster homes, so they get to know them and what they need to make a better match for the dog and adopter. Not everyone who applies for a dog will get approved, so you will always have disappointed and angry folks, but the mission is to save pups and find them great homes and that's what they do.

We applied for a dog and listed another dog in case our first choice was already adopted. We filled out the application and asked to be notified of receipt of the application because we are actively looking to adopt a rescue rather then deal with a breeder. We have always rescued and we understand it can be a bit of a challenge because they are dealing with volunteers who have full time employment.

After a week we sent another email simply asking receipt of our application. I understand with the current cold weather many volunteers may be actively rushing to help animals right now, but a simple email response back would take just a few seconds. To not even show enough professionalism to do this, suggests they are poorly managed and overwhelmed.

For this reason, we will continue our search and attempt to deal mainly with the ASPCA.

I cannot say enough great things about this organization. We have been dealing with several rescues trying to find the right dog for our family and Mutts Matter was by far the best to work with. Their process was very thorough but they kept us in the loop the entire way. Everyone from the phone screener to the home visit person could not have been any nicer. All of them are volunteers and you can really tell they do this out of love for the animals. I'm amazed when I read some of the bad reviews on this site as far as not getting calls or waiting forever. Only thing I can imagine is that they were not qualified applicants or something. Anyway, keep up the great work and thank you for bringing our little buddy Travis into our lives!!

I filled out an application for a dog they had on petfinder. After two weeks I had not heard back from anyone so I sent an email asking if someone could contact me. Again I never heard from anyone. The dog I was interested in is still listed on petfinder but I won't be wasting my time filling out any applications from this organization. I understand they are staffed by volunteers but how hard is it to respond to an email?

I filled out an application for a dog. I knew there was no promise I would meet the criteria for adopting. I was going through the processes when I was told that the dog I applied for had been adopted. Why ws I not told? What a disappointment. ! !

I got my Goober from this rescue. I found them to extremely dedicated and helpful. Everyone I talked to during the process was very nice and considerate. I met a lot of the volunteers during an adoption event, and they were all very knowledgeable about the dog they were with. If I had the time, I would actually foster and volunteer for them. My dog was as he was explained on the website, and very well taken care of while he was fostered.

I contacted Mutts Mattes regarding adopting a dog. Rosemary contacted me. She was very unprofessoinal. I called the owner Megan. Her excuse for the unprofessional was becaues her staff are volunteers. Being a volunteer is not an excuse for being unprofessional. Your staff should not send out emails with "BTW" in the content. Correspondence in a work environment should be differentiated between texting. Lastly, while talking to Megan she was rude and tried to yell at me. Was not having that. They were not honest regarding the dog I wanted and the excuses provided by Megan were horrific. Because of her stank attitude and lies she not only lost my potential adoption but I made sure to tell the four people in my office who are also on the lookout for dogs to not bother with this place as well. I am also ensuring that no one I know makes a donation to a place that treats people with so little consideration and respect.

I wanted to write in response to ShannonElizabeth's review. While I certainly am sorry if she felt that she was not treated professionally, I think it is important to understand that although the individuals who volunteer with MuttsMatter are extremely dedicated, they do have other jobs. In other words, MuttsMatter volunteers have other commitments that may make it difficult for someone to contact you immediately. We try our best to respond as quickly as possible. Additionally, and this may not have been known to whomever you spoke with, but just because you have an application for a particular dog or dogs, does not mean that there is not someone else who has also placed an application for the same dog or dogs and is farther along in the process than you are.

MuttsMatter is a wonderful organization that has rescued hundreds of dogs -- all with the help of individuals who volunteer their time for free.

We had the privledge of adopting two wonderful pugs from MMR. We were elated to learn that our adoptions were the 999th and 1000th successful adoptions for MMR. That is a great acomplishment for a rescue that "opened" in 2010. I just read a few other reviews from folks who were annoyed that they had not been contacted in a time frame that they felt appropriate. I just want to say that this is an ALL volunteer group, and it takes some time to get through to everyone that wants a dog. One person stated that they were excited to find a dog they thought would be perfect. Try to remember that there are more than likely 10 other families who are just excited for the same dog!!! The rescue folks do the best they can, I am sure of that. It does take time, and sometimes you don't get the dog you think you should get. But, listen to the rescue, and see if there is another dog for you!!! I am glad we waited, as two wonderful dogs walked into our lives, and it was clear that THESE were the dogs we should adopt.
This rescue is very professional and wants to place all their dogs in good homes. It does take time, so be patient.....they will work with you to find the right dog. I would definitely recommend them, and am very happy with our adoptees!!!

We applied for a dog on this site. We were quite excited as we thought we had found the perfect pet who could find a great home with us after our aged dog passed away. We had great reviews from our vet as we are experienced dog owners, puppy raisers, and dog sitters so we were certain we would be accepted. We didn't hear back from them for over a week, so we wrote asking if everything was okay with our application. We were asked two more questions not listed on the application and ten minutes later we were informed we were not acceptable to their organization. Even our vet was surprised to hear this. No explanation of what criteria were given other than we were not a good fit. How can one tell if we are a great fit if no one has even interviewed us?

Over a week ago my wife and I applied to adopt a dog we fell in love with on petfinder. A week ago I emailed them to check on the status of the application. We still have yet to hear from this organization. No application comfirmation. No follow up. No response to our email. This is completely unprofessional and rude. Honestly, it takes two mintues to say "Sorry, but we don't think you are the right fit." If that is even the case!

Feel free to try your luck, but I would NOT recommend trying to adopt from this rescue. Completely unprofessional.

Mutts Matter is a wonderful organization that puts dogs first and believes that every dog deserves a good home. They take great care in helping make the right match between animals and families. We adopted a puppy from MMR ins early 2011. He had been severely injured and abandoned at an animal hospital. His injuries required extensive surgery but MMR raised funds to cover the cost of his treatment and support his rehab until he could go to a good home. We were so fortunate that we were matched with him! He's a very important part of our family and we're grateful that MMR was there for him. While all organizations are more than than a single person, Melanie S. is truly the heart of the organization and she does an amazing job. She is tireless in her efforts to help every dog find their family, especially senior and hard to place animals that most others would never even care about. She and her volunteers help these dogs shine so that everyone can see how great they are too. MMR is very special and very deserving of every dollar that they receive. It's money well spent.

In May 2011, I was browsing Petfinder and noticied an extremely sweet Wheaten Terrier, Emma, and lost my heart. I went through a rigorous screening and home visit with Mutts Matter Rescue and finally on Memorial Day, I brought Emma home. She had been well cared for in a foster home and had received excellent vet care in preparation for adoption. Everyone in the organization was friendly and professional. The main goal was to find the right forever home for this wonderful dog. Since then Emma has thrived in her new family with her brother, Ben, who was adopted from Anne Arundel SPCA. It was love at first sight for all of us and I will always be grateful to Mutts for making our family complete.

Mutts Matter Rescue truly practices what it preaches. Rescuing dogs that are in desperate need of a human who can do what it can't and provide it with medical needs, fostering, rehabilitation and a forever home. My life has forever changed because of Mutts Matter Rescue. Not only because I adopted two precious girls that I could not imagine life without, but have inspired me to take action and do what I can to help dogs in need. I definitely recommend Mutts Matter Rescue!

This is without a doubt the best organization I have ever been a part of. From the top down, volunteers give their heart and soul in everything they do. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to adopt a dog or to volunteer their time. You won't regret it!!

Having been involved with a number of rescues, and served as President & CEO of a non-profit animal welfare society operating a shelter for abandoned and unwanted pets, I have nothing but the highest regard for MMR and its founder, Melanie. I have even adopted 2 dogs from them. Melanie is passionate beyond belief in the mission of MMR and serving unwanted dogs. I think their record of successful placements speaks volumes to the devotion of the organization and its volunteers. MMR leaves no stone unturned to help a canine in need. Keep up the GREAT WORK - Bill Dunn

Having volunteered with several rescues in the area, I can say that Mutts Matter is always the one I go to when I find a dog in need. On several occassions I have come across stray dogs, of various sizes and breeds, who were in need of rescue. And with nothing more than a phone call to Melanie, she has been more than willing to help in an instant. That is what true dog rescue is about. She cares about the animals she helps and does everything within her means to help as many as possible. There are lots of "crazy rescue people" out there, myself included at times, but Melanie is one of the goods ones. She comes from a good place, with good intentions, and does everything she can to help those in need.

Mutts Matter really loves dogs! They were wonderful for us and made the adoption process fun and rewarding. Aside from the fact that we have the greatest dog ever. I would highly recommend Mutts Matter Rescue for dog beginners and seasoned owners. Gordon.

MMR helped us find the perfect dog for our family! They not only worked with us to find exactly what we wanted, but they worked to find the dog that would fit best for us. MMR wasn't afraid to tell us if they thought a dog we liked would be a poor fit, they kept us well informed so that we could make the best decision for ourselves and the dog. They truly work to make great matches so that each dog is placed with the best home for its personality and breed. We couldn't be happier with our pug mix who fits perfectly into our little family. We will be forever grateful to MMR for saving Lydia from certain euthanization in the south and bringing her here for us!

MMR is a God-send! I adopted my precious dog from them in 2010. The process of adopting her was wonderful! MMR had taken the time to know what this dog was like, so I was prepared. Plus, they continually provide information and access to training, dog-walkers, really anything that might come up – they will get involved and try to help. The founder/owner is just great – very approachable and obviously in love with the doggies in the rescue. When the time comes for my next dog, hands-down I will contact Mutts Matter Rescue!!

This is an organization that focuses on one thing - rescuing dogs and finding them loving families. It constantly amazes me how "unadoptable" dogs became the most loving family pets after some time with an MMR foster family.

I went through MMR to adopt a rescue dog and was extremely pleased with the whole process and the people I talked to and met. I adopted a poodle/mix who is about 5 years old. He was rescued from a shelter that was about to kill him because no one wanted him. MMR got him out of there into foster care and now he is part of our family and we love him dearly.

We adopted our dog from MMR in 2011. They do great work and were the most well organized rescue groups I have ever seen. They do hard work and really care about the animals they place. MMR is the best.

Having looked and applied with numerous rescues, I was so relieved when I got a response so quickly from this organization. Besides being super thorough in their process, they gave me tons of advice and resources to help make it a smooth transition. I would highly recommend this group to anyone looking to add a dog to their home, The founder herself attends almost all of the adoption event, and really take the time to get to know the each of the dogs. It's nice to see a group that really cares about the well being of each and every dog. And I'm thrilled to say we adopted a wonderful dog from them in August of this year. Thank you MMR!

I am a client not served. I applied for a bonded pair, then went and visited the pair at one of their events. The rescue misrepresented the health issues of one of the dogs included in this pair, but i was willing to take on her severe health challenges. At this event, I met the owner of Mutts Matter Rescue who told me and several of the volunteers to expedite my adoption of the two dogs. After a week of not being contacted by anyone from the rescue I sent an email to their questions about adoption address. after two days of hearing nothing again, I sent an email to Melanie. She called me the next day and although she had a very nasty tone set up a phone interview for the next day. She did not contact me the next day and one of the dogs that I had applied for is now being adopted despite the fact that I had already had an adoption in the progress. I am heartbroken. The practices of this organization are atrocious. It is unfair and unprofessional to be adopting a pair of dogs to one family then decide to cease contact and adopt them out separately for a bigger profit.

I have the honor and privilige of serving on the board of this great nonprofit. I have seen every mix/breed of dog come into the rescue in every state of neglect, poor health, unloved and terrified. MMR provides not only the basic health care to get this deserving animal well but also the nurturing and love to help heal from the inside out.

We have gotten almost 450 dogs into loving homes where they are not just pets but considered family members that are truly loved and cherished. Every dog deserves a place to call home with belly rubs, kindness and love until their very last breath. Organizations like MMR make this possible.

I have volunteer for a number of animal rescue organizations and I can easily say that Mutts Matter Rescue is a top knotch rescue. While all the organizations that I work for share the same passion and mission to rescue animals in need, Mutts Matter has something that I don't find in other rescues. They are very organized and deliberate in their approach to animal rescue. Their ability to masterfully manage their organization makes a difference in their response time with interested adopters, their diligence and patience in finding the best "fit" when placing dogs, the quality of care and support given to foster families, the level of satisfaction of new owners and countless . I'm grateful and proud to be a part of such an amazing rescue that shares the same mission as I do in rescuing and the well being of the dogs!

My husband and I wanted to adopt a second dog and found Mutts Matter Rescue online. We had a pug and wanted another (or other compatible small breed) so I sent the application from the MMR website since there were several dogs from MMR that looked promising. My references, pre-screening interview, and home visit were completed faster than I expected! We were given the opportunity to "foster-to-adopt". Everyone at Mutts Matter was very knowledgeable and helpful. Even though this was a new experience for us, they were there for us every step of the way. I could really tell that the people behind this organization truly care about the dogs they save. I have gone on to foster a couple of dogs with Mutts Matter and have found it to be a very rewarding experience. My "rescued" dog is the sweetest, most loving little guy and has completed our family.

I volunteer for a number of animal rescue organizations and I can easily say that Mutts Matter Rescue is head and shoulders above the rest. While all the organizations that I work for share the same passion and desire to rescue animals in need, Mutts Matter has something that I don't find in other rescues. A tightly run ship! Melanie Samet and her crew are very organized and deliberate in their approach to animal rescue. Although this may sound trivial it is actually an invaluable quality. Their ability to masterfully manage their organization makes a difference in their response time with interested adopters, their diligence and patience in finding the best "fit" when placing dogs, the quality of care and support given to foster families, the level of satisfaction of new owners and countless other areas. I'm grateful and proud to be a part of such an awesome organization!

In may of last year I lost my German Shepherd, through tears I began searching for another dog to fill in the gap, not replace him but to keep my heart full. Mutts Matter had this wonderful little dog who was heartworm positive, I saw his picture and fell in love, Mutts Matter went to the expense of having him treated and saving him from the kill shelter in Georgia. I am not sure how they knew how perfect he would be for my husband and I. We were going to stop with 2 dogs, because we already had an older Black Lab, but along came this skinny pathetic beautiful German Shepherd that they rescued from a kill shelter in Georgia. One look and now she is with us. I have had to honor to also do some limited volunteer work for them, what a great organization to be involved with. I thank them wholeheartedly as they have helped make my family complete. Thanks MMR, you rock...

From remarkable people come remarkable achievements and Melanie Samet is no exception. I have worked both professionally and personally with many rescue organizations over my career and life however Mutts Matter stands out and alone as one of the most effective, competent and successful of its kind. I am so proud to be a tiny part of this great rescue and I cannot thank Melanie and the folks at Mutts Matter enough for all their hard work, effort and most of all, their compassionate hearts.

I will forever be grateful to the angels of MMR for my "little" Bailey. MMR saved a whole crew of mastiffs from a very bad situation and I was fortunate enough to be chosen to raise this precious baby. She's now 7 months and a healthy 75 pounds or so. Bailey's future would not have looked so bright without the big hearts at MMR. Thank you so much!

This group is the real deal. They are in it for all the RIGHT reasons. Melanie goes out of her way to help the dogs most in need; most having come from abuse, neglect or with health problems others didn't want to deal with. She is so committed to making sure the rest of their sweet lives are spent with joy and love. Mutts Matter has saved countless lives...and us animal lovers are comforted by it. I wouldn't dream of adopting from anyone else. -lori

I got a call from my sister one day last February. "Mutts Matter could use your help and your SUV to pick up some Mastiffs that need to be rescued." Uhh...ok. I had no idea how or where, but I knew a little bit about this wonderful organization and couldn't say no to my sister ;) She and I drove to a shelter in our vehicles and met up with Melanie, the organization's founder and president who is a very passionate woman who knew what she wanted and didn't want to take no for an answer. We walked through the shelter, which is no easy task to do seeing all of the dogs wanting to leave and be loved! Pointing out the Mastiffs that were part of a cruelty case of a backyard breeder, she said we'll take them! Loading 3 of the adult Mastiffs we had room for and two puppies into our vehicles, we drove to the vet in a caravan to have them checked out. I was so taken with Melanie's drive and compassion for these very large helpless dogs, I couldn't help but be feel compelled to do more! Mutts Matter has a large networking capability, allowing them to bring the dogs to the public very quickly and lining up fosters to have them adjusted and evaluated before they are adopted. Their fundraisers have been fantastic! Again, using the wide networking capabilities that are needed for a rescue organization to get the word out for the much needed support they need to survive and thrive, allowing them to continue their wonderful work! I am so fortunate and thankful for the opportunity to volunteer with Mutts Matter. After all, Mutts DO Matter and their chances just got a lot better with this organization! 

I've been a volunteer with many rescue organizations in the past and I wanted to take a moment to express how much I admire the dedication and devotion given by Mutts Matter Rescue to neglected, abused and abandoned dogs. This organization is led by the heart and does everything possible to provide safe haven for dogs that many other rescues would pass up, either because of known medical issues or because the dog isn't considered "adoptable".

I'll continue to volunteer as long as I am able and will do so happily for Mutts Matter!

I adopted my wonderful little boy pug "Tug" from Mutts Matter in December 2010. I can't imagine how he survived living outside through "Snowmageddon" and living the first three years of his life without love and a warm bed. He's my little shadow .. he can't get enough of me and vise versa!!! Mutts Matter is the best to rescue these poor souls and deliver them into the life they deserve. I'm just so thankful for them. Melanie was so kind, helpful and easy to work with - the adoption couldn't have been easier. The organization is full of saints who live to make life better for helpless animals who deserve more.

My fiance and I adopted our pug, German Shepard mix from Mutts Matter. The whole process was super easy, and everyone was great to work with!

My family and I were looking for a 2nd Pug for our family last summer. I found one that I was interested in through Petfinder who was with Mutts Matter. After communicating with a volunteer I learned that the Pug I wanted probably wasn't the best match for my 3 young children. She stayed in contact with me a when they got some Pug puppies I was contacted and she turned out to be the very best addition we could have ever hoped for! The whole process was thorough, but easy and we were able to take our new "baby" home about a week later. That was last summer and we are as in love with our Dot today as we were when we first met her. I am so grateful for this organization- for I cannot imagine what would have happened to her without them!

I live in Houston & had the good fortune of visiting DC recently. I met many of the fosters, volunteers & doggies in the program. I am so impressed with how this organization runs...just a well oiled machine...saving one precious life @ a time. Melanie is a strong, intelligent & fearless leader...& it all trickles down.

In December of last year my beloved pit bull Romeo was diagnosed with stage four Lymphoma. Ironically enough, a woman who is friends with the President of this organization was kind enough to pass me a card with MMR's website attached and told me to take a look. I knew I wanted another pitty so just two short weeks after Romeo's death I started reading and looking for a new member to mend my very broken heart. Everyone from my first email to my phone conversations to the wonderful woman who fostered the pup I was interested in was amazing. After bringing this beautiful baby boy home, Melanie and the staff at MMR contiued to email and check on Bear's progress and even gave me phone numbers of people to contact with questions for training. For the 4 short months that I had Bear, my heart was mended. Mutts Matter Rescue and all of the wonderful volunteers and staff are amazing. They will answer your questions or concerns whatever time of day or night. I think this organization should be known as a wonderful role model for other rescue groups.

My husband and I had been looking to rescue a Presa Canario or a Pitbull and found Mutts Matter on Petfinder. Scrolling through the many adorable faces they had on their web site one face instantly shot up at us. They called her Cinnamon, and we knew just from the video they had posted of her that she was THE ONE for us. We anxiously awaited to be approved for adoption and Melanie was so awesome at keeping us informed of our progress in bringing Cinnamon home. What I loved about this rescue is they don't just send the pups on their way after adoption, but they always check up on the families to make sure everyone is happy and the pups are getting taken care of. We always try to send pictures of our pup Nala a.k.a Cinnamon and we will always be grateful to them for giving us such an amazing member of our family. This rescue is thorough in making sure the animal is going to a good home, and you can see they want the best for their animals. :-))

My family decided to adopt a dog. I looked at several different agencies in the Washington, D.C. area. I found MMR through the web and was impressed with the descriptions of the dogs and the fact that MMR took the time to make sure the dogs were in good physical condition before they are adopted. My family went to an adoption event hosted by MMR and we were impressed by the volunteers and one of the founders of the organization who was at the event. We have passed our home visit and are waiting for the right dog to become available through MMR.

When we decided to adopt a dog, the other rescue groups I contacted made me feel as if I was inconveniencing or bothering them. I could tell right away that Mutts Matter was different. They were willing to drive over an hour for a home visit and helped us find the perfect dog for our family. Within a few minutes of talking to Melanie and the others involved, their passion for rescuing dogs becomes apparent. I recommend Mutts Matter to everyone I know looking to adopt. I'm so grateful to them and I can't imagine our lives without our (100 pound) baby!

MMR is a wonderful non-profit, dedicated to saving dogs and puppies from kill shelters. MMR pulls, transports, vets, fosters, screens, and places all of the animals it rescues. The volunteers are very dedicated, often driving long distances, bottle feeding, attending adoption events, etc. The do a wonderful job in all aspects of rescue and are extremely committed to the cause. It is a pleasure to work with them.

I had the pleasure of adopting our (then) puppy from Mutts Matters. From the beginning of the process all the way through the adoption, every volunteer that I worked with was extremely helpful and professional. Their staff was readily available to answer all of my questions, and help in any way possible. I strongly recommend all my family and friends to consider adopting through MMR when they are ready to add a dog to their family.

I have been lucky enough to work with Melanie Samet, one of the founders of Mutts Matter Rescue. In March of 2010, a beautiful but very sick black and white puppy came in to our hospital after being pulled by MMR before being put to sleep. That black and white puppy was so sick, so frail, and required hospitalization, iv fluids and much love and care before we knew he would get better. Already having 2 dogs at home I reluctantly took that puppy home with me to care for it through the night and quickly found myself totally in love with this 4 week old puppy that had to be bottle fed and cared for hour after hour. Needless to say, a year later I have a beautiful, playful puppy named "Fenway". Thank you Mutts Matter for helping us complete our family as Fenway was the missing puzzle piece. What a wonderful organization!!!

I volunteer for Mutts Matter and my family and extended family has adopted dogs from the organization. The women who started this organization and continue to run it are amazing, they have saved over 300 dogs lives and enriched so many peoples lives including my own. I am proud and grateful of all the work this rescue does, they are passionate about dogs. My family got 2 dogs from Mutts Matters and I was so inspired by the rescue process that I wanted to do more to help them. I now volunteer for the rescue and I have met some of the nicest people from all over the Maryland and Virginia area who are dedicated to animal welfare.

Mutts Matter Rescue is an amazing organization that is works tirelessly to save dogs from abuse and neglect. Through their effots to increase awareness in the community about the need for fosters and rescue adoption, my family and I agreed to foster an abused Mastiff. We are the lucky ones - we didn't save her but rather she saved us! Having her has brought our family closer and changed our life! Mutts Matter is saving dogs lives and bringing so much more to the families that get involved! We ended up giving our "foster" her forever home and can't imagine our life if we hadn't met Mutts Matter Rescue!