October 2024
This series is dedicated to helping our community get to know the dedicated and selfless human beings that keep Magnificent Mutts Rescue running.
This month we feature Dagmara P. as “Someone You Should Know!” As a volunteer and foster she plays an important part on our Magnificent Mutts team. Not only is she always willing to help out at events as a dog handler, or transport dogs to and from events she also fosters! While she has only been with us a handful of years she has made a real impact on the Mutts she has helped care for and prepared them to find their forever homes.
1) How long have you been with Magnificent Mutts? I started fostering for Mag Mutts after the COVID lockdown began in April 2020.
2) As a volunteer, what do you do for MM?
I try to participate in the adoption events as a handler and foster from time to time when time allows.
3) What is your favorite or most memorable MM experience or story?
The most memorable experience for me has to be my experience with foster dogs. When I started fostering, I told myself that I wasn’t ready to adopt after losing my dog 5 weeks before the COVID lockdown. However, I needed something positive to fill that time, and fostering dogs seemed like a good way to do that. In June, I became a foster fail for the first time and fell in love with one of the dogs, Zoey (Tater), and she became part of my family. Even after the adoption, I continued to foster, and in January 2021, another dog came into our lives, Coco (Delighla). We fell in love with her and decided to expand our pack by one more. I know now that I don’t see myself without a dog in my life ever – they make our lives better.
4) Do you have a favorite dog breed or dog type?
My first dog was a Great Dane when I was 15 and living in Poland, so I have a soft spot for that breed. However, having had mutts most of my adult life, I think all breeds are unique, and I do not have one particular one to which I gravitate.
5) What are your hobbies or what do you like to do for fun?
I have been practicing yoga for over 20 years, and it has helped me stay centered, balanced, and present in the moment. I love to travel, and I enjoy walking, hiking, and exploring the world with the dogs by my side.
6) Do you own any of your own pets? How have they helped with your work with Magnificent Mutts dogs?
I believe both Zoey and Coco have learned to be confident and adapt to city life. Any foster dog staying with us can benefit from their example.
7) Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I am definitely a morning person; I get up around 6:30 am most days.
8) If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I really want to explore all the continents of this beautiful earth. I was born in Europe, and I have also visited Asia, but I would really love to see Africa. I would love to see elephants in the wild, take a safari, and explore the beautiful nature of that continent.
9) Would you prefer to cook, or eat out? If cook – what is your favorite thing to cook? If eat out – where is your favorite place to go?
I enjoy a little of both. When I go out, I love to try new types of foods, and I am open to experimenting with world cuisine, but I do have to say you don’t have to ask me twice to go for sushi as I am a pescetarian.
I also enjoy cooking and experimenting with different cuisines. I do like to improvise and often differ slightly from the actual recipe, and that is also why I do not bake because it’s not allowing me to be creative 🙂
10) Tell us your favorites…
Song, artist, or type of music: I don’t have one artist or song but I am a fan of House Music that was born here in Chicago
TV show or movie: Most people don’t know, but I am a huge fan of sci-fi, and I love Star Trek. I believe I have seen all the Star Trek movies and shows since 1987, when The Next Generation started. Haha, I guess I’m a little bit of a geek!
Sport or sports team: not very much into sports
Book: I enjoy books on human psychology but don’t have a favorite one