BestBullySticks.com had the great opportunity to speak with Sue Rogers, founder of The Mia Foundation. This great organization helps pets with birth defects that no one else will take. Read on to learn about the inspiring Mia the Chihuahua and more amazing pet rescues.
When & Why did you start?
The Mia Foundation was established in April of 2012 after the death of our precious Chihuahua, Mia. This is her story.
My precious Mia was born with a cleft palate. Mia had several surgeries, (all of which had failed.) Although she was taken to the top Universities and to the top Veterinarians, she was given little hope of survival. I was told that euthanasia was best. I refused to give up on her and vowed to fight for her as long as she continued to fight. She was given a chance at life and even though her life was short-lived, she lived it to the fullest. She had to face many medical obstacles on her journey here, but she never let it overpower her love for life. Mia has inspired over 11,000 people from all over the world and continues to create Miracles every day.
Sadly, Mia passed away from pneumonia on April 11th, 2012 two months shy of her 2nd birthday. Her legacy lives on through The Mia Foundation which was created in her honor.
The Mia Foundation was developed to give animals born with birth defects a fighting chance. Mia was given a chance and in return gave so much love, hope and inspiration to people all around the world. I have come to realize that Mia was sent here to help us all in whatever way possible. She was brought to this earth to show us courage and unconditional love, she was here to bring loving, caring people together from all over the world and to teach us all to never give up no matter what obstacles we may face. She taught us to be brave, to be strong, and to smile in the face of adversity. Most importantly, she taught us all how to love unconditionally!!
Since her death, Mia's story has inspired people to adopt animals with birth defects that may have otherwise been overlooked or not given a chance at life and love. Mia has educated thousands of people from all walks of life on how to care for a special needs animal. She has raised awareness as to, "If they are born, they deserve a chance to live!!" Because of her strength, determination, love and will to live, she has enriched the lives of countless individuals. She had a zest for life unlike any I have ever seen. Her tiny paw left a huge imprint on so very many hearts.
Mia has shown us all that miracles really do exist. She changed the world with just one smile!!
What's different about your rescue?
The Mia Foundation only helps animals born with birth defects. We concentrate on the special needs animals but also help and share ALL animals needing homes.
What is the greatest success story or "win" that your rescue has had?
In July, 2012 I received several pleas about a newborn puppy in Florida that was on Craigslist for free. She had a cleft palate and the breeder wanted the puppy out of the house by 7 pm that night. I found a foster home in Florida willing to get the baby at only hours old, and tube-feed her. We had her evaluated by a specialist at a few weeks old and it was determined that Marcy only had a cleft lip and her palate was perfectly normal. Marcy started eating dog food at 4 weeks old and never needed surgery to survive. She only needed help getting to the point where she could eat on her own. She is a perfect example of why all animals should be given a chance. Most vets would have suggested putting her down at birth. Marcy was adopted by a loving family in October 2012 and is a perfect, normal, happy puppy!!
For more stories amazing rescue stories of the Mia Foundation visit their website.
What's the most rewarding thing about working at your rescue?
The most rewarding thing about The Mia Foundation is the little faces that enter my life with little or no chance. When you see an animal that may not have legs keep up with the rest or a cleft palate baby eat on their own, it puts a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart like nothing else could. It is such a beautiful feeling to be able to look into the eyes of these animals and give them hope, love and a chance at a wonderful life.
What can people do to help your rescue?
They can go to The Mia Foundation website http://www.themiafoundation.com where they can donate, They can also send supplies for the animals, such as food, piddle pads, toys, medical supplies, etc. They can sign up to be a Mia's Angel (Volunteer position for fostering/transporting/etc.) We also have people that do fundraisers and some that create jewelry, dog clothes, etc. to sell.
A big THANK YOU to all that the Mia Foundation does for their special needs dogs. Visit their website to find out more about this great rescue.
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Bless you!
I love you Mia! You are miracle in action.
<3 MIA SMILES <3.
We love to see MIA SMILES <3.
Thank you to The Mia Foundation for everything you do!
MIA SMILES
I love the Mia Foundation, such a wonderful organization<3<3.
Absolutely Beautiful!
MIA SMILES We miss you baby girl.
I luv luv luv Princess Mia, The Mia Foundation & my friend Sue Rogers…Mia smiles:)))…xoxoxo
Mia was and is such an inspiration. We love and miss you angel. Keep that smile beaming for us. So man wonderful stories and miracles because of this special little girl.
The Mia Foundation is a great & true foundation to support ever!
Thank you so much for sharing the story of the Mia Foundation. Those of us who love Mia and all the furbabies Sue has helped and is helping appreciate you spreading the word!
The Mia Foundation is a great & true foundation to support ever!
Mia truly is a Miracle In Action and thru Mia I have met some wonderful people who have the same determination to help animals and help with fostering and rescues as I do and I am grateful for that.
The Mia foundation does such marvellous work with all these extra special animals, I stand in awe of what you do, and I agree with your principles and fully support you, keep up the good work x x x
Love you Mia <3 Miss You!
`~ THIS SORRY IS ALL THAT…AND MUCH MORE…FOR ONE LITTLE BABIE…WHO STARTED THIS AWESOME-JOURNEY… & FOR ALL THE LITTLE ONES WHO WILL FOLLOW HER PATH…SHE HAS TAUGHT SO MANY THAT TLC & LOVE GOES ALONG WAY… EVERY-ONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE…( MIA SMILES )~.