Someone You Should Know

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

Meet Michelle Cohen!

Behind every Magnificent Mutts Adoption there is our superstar Michelle. If you adopted a pet from us, you probably already met her, and if you are considering adopting, chances are Michelle will be handling the adoption process.

1) How long have you been with Magnificent Mutts Rescue? 

  • Since 2009

2) What do you do for the rescue?

  • Currently I am VP of the rescue with various duties including contact if founder Linda is not available.
  • My various other duties include…
    • organizing the incoming pets with foster homes
    • working with the foster volunteers and others
    • reviewing and vetting paperwork and preparing adoption packets
    • meeting with potential adopters + going over the paperwork and sealing the deal at the adoption table at events
    • handling owner surrenders
    • I also provide my home for adoption meet and greets and storage of donations and supplies
    • AND I foster! 

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

  • There are so many, but one that sticks out is — there was a mom and 5 pups we agreed to rescue and I said I would foster.  Their transport was delayed by two or three weeks for a some reason.  Upon arrival the 5 pups equaled nearly 180 lbs plus the 45 lb. mom.  There were no other foster homes available.  I didn’t make a stink about it, just took them in.  They came in the house like they owned the joint, jumped up on the couch and love seat like they already lived here.  Thankfully they were all great pups and potty trained!  This was the “gem litter”.  They arrived on a Thursday and the momma and 3 pups were adopted at the upcoming Saturday event.
michelle's foster dogs

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

  • Golden/Collie mix

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

  • Gardening (not including filling holes in the yard from dogs digging), music, working out, cooking, and my dogs. 

6) What advice would you give adopters?  

  • Socialization is the key to a happy and confident dog. Don’t brag about how the dog will have the best home and the fact that you will spoil it.  Spoiling a dog is not always beneficial, it can backfire!  You don’t want the dog to run you.  Draw up a schedule of who in the family (if more than one person in the family) will help with the care of your new dog, including walking, playing, feeding and grooming.  Don’t forget to have your new dog spayed/neutered if it is not at the time of adoption. There is also the 3-3-3 rule — 3 days of feeling overwhelmed and nervous; 3 weeks of settling in; 3 months of building trust and bonding with you.  It doesn’t just happen overnight so patience please! 

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

  • The rescue has been a rescue for many years and that says a lot right there.  It’s a respected rescue within the field.  In addition, many do not know of all the work “behind the scenes” — the running of the rescue on a daily, weekly basis.  We have a great hard working team and we work well together.  We get to laugh and joke, but we shed tears as well.  

8) Tell us your favorite…

  • Song or artist – Lady Gaga, Pink & Luke Combs
  • TV show –  Americas Got Talent, American idol & Bar Rescue
  • Food – Salads & Italian Food
  • Sports Team – I am not into sports but I enjoy watching professional dancers so we will call that my favorite “sport”.