HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Monica Mayo launched Moving Mountains for Mastiffs, a local nonprofit and rescue organization in 2017. She had the idea after a personal encounter with rescuing a puppy whose father had been abandoned in a high-kill shelter. Motivated by this experience, Monica dedicated herself to helping abandoned dogs in need.
Creating her own rescue
“It was the hardest two weeks of my life but also the best two weeks of my life,” Mayo recounted about her initial rescue efforts. This pivotal moment inspired her to establish her own rescue, starting with raising $1,000 and saving three dogs, fostering one herself. Eventually the puppy’s father was pulled out of the shelter with her efforts. “I felt like I moved a mountain during this time,” said Mayo.
Monica and her husband then embarked on the path of establishing Moving Mountains for Mastiffs, navigating paperwork to obtain 501(c)(3) status and actively engaging with local rescues. They purchased property in Hopkinsville to build their rescue from the ground up, garnering support from the community and volunteers along the way.
Over 60 dogs adopted
Since opening in October 2017, Mayo has adopted out over 60 dogs. “It may not seem like a lot but when you are rehoming 100-pound dogs, not everyone is looking for a giant. A lot of things go into consideration when finding the forever home,” said Mayo.
Along with a team of volunteers, she mostly takes in dogs that are local, with the capacity of holding up to 14 at the rescue. Before adoption, Monica asks people about their lifestyle, and questions regarding taking care of a long-time commitment. Monica also does frequent updates with owners checking on the pets going in and out.
“We try to not only help during adoption, but past adoption as well,” said Mayo. “We want to stay connected with our people; we want them to know we are always there. Hopkinsville has been so good to us including other rescues and shelters.”
The bigger picture
Reflecting on her work, Monica recognizes the ongoing need to address issues like pet abandonment and insufficient breeding regulations. “Young people sometimes treat puppies like furniture, discarding them when they become inconvenient,” she said.
Her dedication to animal welfare extends beyond mere rescue operations as she strives to educate the community and advocate for responsible pet ownership. Mayo addresses a common misconception that bringing a pet to an animal shelter often leads to euthanasia. “The shelter here and most animal rescues need a very good reason to put a dog down whether they are very sick or too aggressive that they are dangerous,” she said.
Mayo emphasizes that with rescues operating at full capacity due to over breeding and the increasing financial burden of caring for dogs, animal abandonment has escalated into a significant crisis. “Nothing is going to change until the laws change,” Mayo told Christian County Now.
Get Involved
“This year, we’ve seen triple the number of dogs and only half the donation,” Mayo reported. She encouraged people to support through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. “Don’t give up, push for change,” she urged.
Moving Moutains for Mastiffs hosts fundrasiers and engages in local events throughout the year. Mayo emphasizes the importance of collective effort. “Everyone working together can make a difference. Just stopping by and spending time with the dogs helps.”
To contribute or learn more, visit Moving Mountains for Mastiffs online or drop by the rescue at 4671 Old Madisonville Road.
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