July 2023

This series is dedicated to helping our community get to know the dedicated and selfless human beings that keep Magnificent Mutts Rescue running.

Meet Lorna Wilkey!

While she prefers to be the stagehand working behind the scenes, we are shining a spotlight on this amazing volunteer this month!

1) How long have you been with Magnificent Mutts?

2) As a volunteer, what do you do for MM?

Application Processing
After Adoption Spay/Neuter Follow Up, Tracking, Reporting
Rescue/Adoption Database Input/Maintenance
Rescue data input/reporting to various required organizations (government, grant agencies,etc)
Misc Administrative tasks: Weekly/monthly/annual reports, public inquiries, weekly rescue emails
Foster Spay/Neuter reminders
Greeting and talking with potential adopters
Event attendance/scheduling
Assist with website updates, intake, transport, and any other task requested

3) What is your favorite or most memorable MM experience or story?

Back in 2019, Linda called me to ask how close I was to Oswego (I live in the west suburbs) regarding a Shepherd that was hit by a car and the owners could not afford the surgery to repair his leg and were willing to surrender to Mag Mutts. At the time, I was recovering from a fractured vertebrae and living in a cumbersome “clam-shell” brace, but hopped in my SUV and headed to the Oswego Vet. The staff was wonderful and loaded “Bean” in and I headed to EACC where the staff was all hands on deck with a stretcher and got him into the clinic for surgery. He was so easy to manage and stoic even with a broken back leg. He is now widely known as “Bean” of the “Bean and ChiChi” videos. Hands down, one of the nicest dogs I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and should have adopted him right at that moment (see favorite breed type below – haha)!

4) What is your favorite dog breed or dog type?

A long coat type as my husband is highly allergic to dander that sits up on short coat breeds (like Labs). As far as breed, there are some I love, but do not have the experience to own (like a GSD), but would enjoy a smaller, friendly, fluffer!

5) What are your hobbies or what do you like to do for fun?

Enjoy all fiber arts including knitting, crocheting, spinning and weaving and I am a technical editor for knit and crochet designer’s publications. However, I’d always rather be at the barn and doing anything with the horses! Due to multiple back injuries, I no longer compete, but help run various events for a barn friend from ropings, sortings, pennings and horse sales.

6) What advice would you give adopters?

Give your new family member every opportunity for success – whether it is various types of training from basic to agility to good canine citizen to therapy, go on adventures or outings that include the entire family, all efforts will be worth the rewards! Raise them like children: have a schedule, structure, training/teaching, rewards and most of all love and enjoy the time spent with them!

7) What is something about Magnificent Mutts that you want people to know?

I believe one thing that is unique and sets Mag Mutts apart, is that the organization is comprised of ALL volunteers! The application processing team of just 3 people handle between 75-200 applications per week depending on quantity and popularity of the pups/dogs in our care. This includes all the “checks” that occur on applications from residence/landlord/property management contact, current pet vetting verification, personal reference contact, compatibility with pup/dog of interest, and can involve multiple calls, emails and follow up. Once “processed”, the appointment scheduling begins which encompasses back and forth communication with fosters, our adoption team and applicant to coordinate a time when all are available. The goal is to complete each application within 72 hours and in reality, most are completed under 48 hours. This work is completed in between regular jobs, family obligations etc and is not uncommon for potential adopters to receive emails from the team any day of the week and all hours of the day or night!

8) Tell us your favorite…