Rescue group saves its 2,000th dog

Animal lovers have reason to celebrate as the Kentucky Mutts Animal Rescue (KMAR) group, specifically serving Whitley County among several others, recently reached an impressive milestone of 2,000 lives saved on their regular transport Saturday with the help of Bruno, a very lucky and very adorable chocolate lab mix puppy.

Miss Billie Cornett, Bruno’s first KMAR Foster Mom, wrote a story on his early life and shared it with others.

“He was born into a drug infested area of eastern Ky, abandoned by any human that may have known he was born… forced to hide from people in a community where cruelty to animals is a way of life… scrounging for food among the many burnt out remnants of meth houses along a very busy stretch of road, and running from the other semi feral dogs trying to survive,” said Cornett.

Cornett first encountered three pups and a skittish mom dog, calling them Mama Dog, Ms Cleo, Ringo, and Bruno, but eventually only two remained (Bruno and Ms Cleo). “They just never came back – not unusual in that neighborhood,” Cornett clarified.

Cornett set out a kettle of drinking water and fed them.

When dangerously cold weather set in before Christmas of 2022, Cornett convinced them to enter her home with her other two rescues. Add Pippi to the pack and Cornett had her hands full.

KMAR was contacted to provide help and yes without hesitation.

The three were taken into KMAR on their way to a new life.

Cornett had come to love Bruno and his company, but knew that, although a tough decision, she had to do this.

“He needed out of this neighborhood (to survive) and I comfort myself that I 100% did the right thing,” Cornett said.

Vikki Crook, Founder and Director of KMAR, shared meaningful information regarding the volunteers who helped the number get to 2,000.

Across five states, hundreds of dedicated volunteers are in on the cause, working tirelessly to transport these animals, primarily dogs with a few cats, to their “Forever Homes.”

The importance of KMAR’s mission becomes more apparent when considering the high counts of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect incidents in southern states.

The organization firmly believes every animal’s life is worth saving, regardless of the circumstances.

KMAR, explicitly founded three years ago, collaborates with coordinators and teams primarily in rural Eastern areas. The organization is involved in community outreach along with rescuing, transporting, and fostering to adoption. They work with rural shelters to pull dogs that were either owner-surrendered or strays that were never claimed.

The animals receive essential veterinary care from several clinics, including the Corbin Animal Clinic, Corbin Animal Health & Wellness, Mt. Vernon Animal Clinic, and Hopewell Animal Clinic.

Jennifer Cobb-Cannon, Practice Manager at both Corbin clinics, emphasized KMAR’s commitment. “Not only does KMAR vet healthy dogs, but they also rescue the sick and injured. Countless animals have lived long, healthy lives because of their generosity and compassion.”

Volunteers, like any, are not paid for this pricey and heroic adventure. The organization heavily relies on donations to cover the high costs of vetting and caring for animals. For reference, KMAR vetting costs for 2022 were over $80,000.

Donations are highly encouraged, welcomed, and appreciated.

“We could not have accomplished nothing without our amazing family of volunteers,” said Crook.

To learn more about KMAR, how to volunteer, or to donate to this wonderful cause and its awe-inspiring mission, visit their website at www.kymutts.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KentuckyMutts, where you can find details on Bruno’s story.