KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Mitch Schwartz plays football, of course. He also loves his wife, his dogs and cooking.
“My wife gets a little burnt out on barbecue I cook it so much,” he said. “You can’t really cook a small brisket, so when you cook a brisket, it’s going to be in the house for about a week or so.”
And he’s not the only one who loves his dogs.
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“Our dogs have over 125,000 followers on Instagram, which is more than her Instagram, my Instagram and my Twitter combined,” the Chiefs offensive tackle said.
After four seasons of living in Kansas City, it made sense for the Chiefs star to create a charity event that combined his passions.
On Monday night, he hosted his second annual ‘Que for a Cause. Money raised will benefit AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Britain Development and Midwest Animal ResQ.
“Being able to see what they do for those kids and the families is really special,” Schwartz said. “Being able to obviously rescue dogs and keep the dogs out of adverse conditions is something that we really love, and so it just kind of came together.”
He said it was easy to get his teammates to trade uniforms for aprons for the night.
“A lot of offensive linemen are going to be in here,” he said before the event. “It’s not too hard to entice them with barbecue and good food, so we’re able to come and serve the guests. It’s something that’s fun. You get to meet a lot of the fans and you get to meet the people who are cheering you on on Sunday.”
Just in case you’re an aspiring home cook yourself, he’s got some advice:
“Just try it. Just have fun with it. You’re going to mess up, you’re going to overcook something, you’re going to undercook something. It’s all trial and error. It’s all fun. I mean, no one’s going to be too disappointed. You can always order a pizza if you need to at the end of the day!”
The team travels to Nashville this weekend to take on the Tennessee Titans.

RAYTOWN, Mo. — A Kansas City-area nonprofit nearly got scammed. They got lucky, because we’re told, other groups lost thousands of dollars.
The founder of Midwest Animal ResQ says someone tried to scam them out of $1,000, posing as a reputable company.
She says it’s happening to nonprofits across Missouri and Kansas.

Right now, the Midwest Animal ResQ in Raytown is taking care of Speedbump the dog and hundreds of others.
Founder Erin Morse said about a week ago, a scammer tried to take advantage of the nonprofit.
“It’s heartbreaking, because right now, it has been a difficult time for nonprofits in general,” Morse said. “This is especially despicable.”

Morse said they got an email asking if someone could send a donation check in the mail. She was ecstatic to receive more than $2,600.
The next day, the “donor” asked for a tax receipt. Then, they demanded a portion of the donation to be returned.
Morse spotted the red flags, so she called the company listed on the check.
Jimmy Stallings is the general manager of the car dealership in Texas. They’ve been in business for nearly 100 years. He said they did not send that check. In fact, he believes someone is reproducing fake checks in their name.

“We’re all victims in this, the nonprofit obviously, we are and the bank as well,” he said.
Stallings said a fake check showed up at their bank last week and the bank opened an investigation.
“Hopefully they’ll get caught,” he said. “So it doesn’t surprise me if they did it once, they could do it multiple times.”
KC Pet Project said that’s happened, they received the same check as Morse and the same thing happened.


Morse posted a warning online. She said about 20 nonprofits responded, saying they were scammed, some out thousands.
“Anywhere from a thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars,” Morse said.
Morse said scammers are using other companies’ names. She encourages nonprofits to stay vigilant.
“Every dollar that we have goes to help our communities,” Morse said. “So, you’re not just stealing from us, you’re stealing from the community as a whole. So, I know times are tough out there, but there are other ways to make a dollar, than to steal from those that need it most. “

https://puppytoob.com/best-pit-bull-rescues-in-missouri/​

10 local animal welfare organizations are teaming up to host a community wide spay and neuter clinic this Sunday, Nov 12.
Fix ‘Em KC, Great Plains SPCA, Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, KCK Animal Services, KC Pet Project, Lawerence Humane Society, Midwest Animal ResQ, Northland Animal Welfare Society, Pet Resource Center, and Wayside Waifs have come together to form Spay/Neuter Collaborative of Kansas City (SNCKC).
Through this collaborative effort, they hope to tackle the crisis of pet overpopulation in Kansas City head on, first by alleviating the stress that can come with spay and neuter surgery costs.
“The pet overpopulation crisis is evident in so many animal shelters being at or over capacity with the causes ranging from over-breeding to meet the COVID companion demand, a shortage of veterinarians, evictions, hard economic times, the high cost of pet care and misconceptions about spaying/neutering. SNCKC is in a position to combat several of these challenges and reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters,” says Great Plains SPCA CEO Tam Singer.
SNCKC has scheduled over 350 appointments across the Kansas City metro area at no cost to the public where you can bring your dogs, cats (yes, even your outdoor community cats) to be spayed and neutered. Heartworm preventatives and discounted rabies vaccines will also be available at the event.
Clinics will be held at the facilities of SNCKC organizations and times will vary based on location. Note: all spots at KCK Animal Services have been filled.

RAYTOWN, Mo. --A local animal shelter is getting a chance to replace its wrecked van.
You can help with a simple online vote.
It’s been a tough stretch for Midwest Animal ResQ. The charity has dealt with the theft and destruction of multiple vehicles.

“One of our vehicles was stolen, used in some burglaries, and then set on fire," Erin Morse with Midwest Animal ResQ said.
Another vehicle that was donated had its catalytic converter stolen.

“And then we just recently had a distracted driver pull out in front of me while we were transporting animals to the vet. It was totaled, and I was injured," Morse said.

While Morse is recovering, the charity is currently forced to use volunteers and their personal vehicles to transport animals.

That's why they entered a contest to try and get a free Land Rover. It’s being donated to a charity that receives the most amount of votes in an online contest.

The rescue has made it into the final five among hundreds of entries.

Morse says now, they just need votes. You can head to their website and find the voting link.

“To have a safe, reliable vehicle that we can get out there and save these animals would mean the world to us," Morse said.
If you'd like to help the rescue, you can also go to the Midwest Animal Res-Q Facebook page.
They have a direct link where you can vote one time each day.

​https://www.kmbc.com/article/midwest-animal-resq-a-finalist-new-land-rover/45197432

The City of Raytown and their contracted veterinarian each blame the other for the flaws in the process that led to a dog being euthanized.

41 Action News obtained the itemized records for 2017-2018 that detail Dr. Rose's medical expenses charged to the city. The services add up to $80,000 for the year, with the majority of expenses going toward rabies vaccines for impounded animals.
As of 9/1 the city said it would implement a new procedure requiring medical records to be sent with an animal when its released from stray hold and into MARQ's care. Previously the rescue group had to request those records from the city.
Original story below:
A city-contracted veterinarian talked to 41 Action News about what led up to a pitbull being euthanizedlast month.

"I think a lot of this could have been avoided if somebody would have reached out with questions first," Dr. Heath Rose of Raytown Animal Hospital (RAH) said.
As part of his contract with the city, Rose boards dogs and cats picked up by animal control.
In July, a severely emaciated pitbull named Butch was picked up by an officer and taken to RAH.
"At that point in time, the dog had been eating," Rose said.
Butch stayed at the clinic for 15 hours, receiving food and water but no medical treatment. When he was released to Midwest Animal Resq (MARQ), an emergency vet found Butch was suffering from sepsis and shock. The decision was made to put him down.
The question 41 Action News has been pursuing for more than a month is, why didn't Butch receive medical care at the city-contracted RAH?
Rose maintains he was not authorized by the city to initiate it. He walked 41 Action News through the impound process from his perspective.
The veterinarian said any medical care begins with the city asking him to first examine an animal.
"That's typically the way it has been. They would flag a case or call us or contact us and authorize us to do any treatment," he saidCity Administrator Damon Hodges previously told 41 Action News "the decision to further treatment is made after initial assessment and observation by the vet and their staff," which can take 24 to 48 hours.
A key part of that process is tracking down the animal's owner, especially in a life-threatening situation.
"During the typical time frame, the vet and staff at the animal hospital are utilizing their professional judgment for the care of animals," Hodges went on to write.
The confusion over the medical care has been frustrating for MARQ Founder Erin Morse.
"Both parties say the other is responsible, and in the meantime not a lot happens," she said, "That's why we have tried to step in and say we'll take medical responsibility for these animals."
The city said talks are ongoing with both RAH and MARQ in the hopes of clarifying the process.

​Thelma is one of 10 “known owner” dogs that were not reclaimed this week.
She is an 80-pound American Bully and a social butterfly who loves everyone she meets. With her charming personality and gentle nature, Thelma has won the hearts of many, both human and canine alike.
This lovable pooch has a knack for making friends wherever she goes. Her friendly demeanor and wagging tail instantly put people at ease, making her a favorite among friends, family, and even strangers. Thelma’s warm and welcoming nature makes her the life of the party, always ready to bring joy and laughter to any gathering.
When it comes to other dogs, Thelma is a true ambassador of friendship. She has a remarkable ability to get along with her fellow canines, making her a great companion for playdates and doggy social events. Whether it’s a game of fetch or a romp in the park, Thelma’s playful spirit shines through, creating lasting bonds with her furry friends.
Thelma’s good behavior extends beyond her social skills. She is a dream to walk on a leash, making strolls through the neighborhood a breeze. With her calm and composed demeanor, she walks by your side, never pulling or causing any trouble. Thelma’s leash manners are a testament to her well-rounded and obedient nature.
One of Thelma’s greatest joys in life is playing with toys. From squeaky balls to plush stuffed animals, she delights in the simple pleasure of a good game. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she’ll happily entertain herself or engage in playtime with her human companions. Thelma’s playful nature brings a sense of joy and liveliness to any environment.
But amidst all the fun and games, Thelma has a soft spot for belly rubs. She absolutely adores the feeling of gentle strokes on her tummy, and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on her face. Thelma’s love for belly rubs is a testament to her affectionate nature and her desire for human connection.
If you would like more information or to schedule a meet and greet, please get in touch with Midwest Animal ResQ in Raytown, Missouri.





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We recently connected with Erin Morse and have shared our conversation below.
Erin, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Discovering my purpose to establish a non-profit animal rescue has a been a transformative journey. Despite having a successful and financially rewarding career in automotive software, I felt an ever-growing sense of emptiness. Something within me was not being satisfied despite the accolades I was achieving within my career. To help fill this sense of emptiness I decided to get a dog. I am a researcher by nature, so I started learning about what kind of dog would best suit my lifestyle, and in doing so stumbled across how many homeless pets there were here in the KC metro. I dug a little deeper and learned that Missouri is the puppymill capital of the world, with over 30% of the nations mills located here, I had no prior knowledge in animal care, heck I had never even owned a dog before, I just knew I needed to be part of the solution, I needed to be their voice. Thus, I adopted my first dog, and dipped my toe in the world of animal advocacy. Advocating for those that have no voice gave me the sense of purpose and passion I had been yearning for. So the time came to overcome the fear of the unknown and make the courageous decision to leave behind the comfortable lucrative career and dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the cause of animal welfare, I can honestly say I have never looked back, and with every step forward in this new direction, I am motivated by the fact that every animal deserves love, care, and a chance at a compassionate home. Though the road I have chosen is a challenging one, I am determined to make a lasting impact.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Midwest Animal ResQ is unique! We are small enough to get to know all of our animals really well, but large enough to have a great selection of companion animals. We employ the highest number of staff per animal in the metro, which means not only do our animals get a high level of care, they also spend a tremendous amount of time outdoors, on walks, and in play groups. We get to know our animals really well, so we can do a better job matching them with potential families. We also offer fostering, trial adoptions, and doggie day outs, so families can get to know all sorts of pets to assure they find the perfect match for their families. We are passionate about the animals in our care, but we are passionate about people as well, our mission is completing families, one tail at a time!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Compassion- This is a personal journey that involves kindness and understanding, not just of others…but for yourself as well. Acknowledge shortcomings in yourself and others and give them grace. Offer support and encouragement not judgment, Active listening to ensure that you really understand the struggles of others and empathize with their journey. Just being present and attentive, and showing genuine interest in people’s experiences, is often enough for people to feel heard and valued.

Leadership- This is SO important, even more so in a non-profit. You must be able to communicate your vision in a clear and concise way and get people excited about it. You need to know when to be inspirational, when to be motivational, and when to be transactional. You need to know when to jump in and get your hands dirty, and when to stand back and let your team soar. Leadership is understanding that no task is beneath you, but all employees should look up to you. You must always lead with integrity and demonstrate ethical behavior. Hold strong to your moral compass, and make all decisions based on what is best for the whole, respect will follow

Adaptability- My industry, like so many others is changing rapidly. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and solve problems on the fly is crucial when starting, and growing, any business. As an entrepreneur, i’ve encountered countless setbacks and obstacles along the way. Being adaptable has allowed me to pivot and embrace those obstacles and turn them into potential opportunities. Take the time to analyze all the data, and make an informed data driven decision based mostly and on facts with a little conjecture, block out the chatter.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
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The biggest challenge I am facing right now is a national animal sheltering challenge. The number of homeless animals has increased exponentially across the country over the prior year. The sheer volume of stray animals, combined with several other factors like housing insecurity, a national veterinarian shortage and inflation, has led to the perfect storm within the animal welfare industry, resulting in unprecedented numbers of animals entering shelters across the country.
Contact Info:

• Website:https://www.midwestanimalresq.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marqkc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MARQkc 

The Kansas City area’s animal shelters, overwhelmed since COVID, have hundreds of dogs up for adoption. The situation at KC Pet Project in Kansas City has become so critical that the shelter has now felt forced to euthanize dogs for reasons that go beyond obvious illness or severe behavioral issues such as unresolvable biting or aggression.
Leaders at several Kansas City area shelters offer ways the public can help ease the kennel crisis:
How you can help
▪ Adopt. Every area shelter posts online photos and stories of pets that need homes. See the list of shelters below.
▪ Foster. Volunteers willing to take larger dogs are in special need.
▪ Volunteer. More animals mean shelters need more help with tasks such as walking dogs or special events.
▪ Help lost animals get back home. If you find a stray, post about it on social media and on sites like Nextdoor, Facebook or Instagram. Getting them home on your own helps keep animals out of already-packed shelters.
▪ Donate. Greater need requires more resources, such as towels to clean up after cats and dogs, medicines and food. At KC Pet Project, the things most needed are kitten supplies, large and extra-large wire kennels, soft treats, and new or used leashes. KC Pet Project publishes its own online wish list. So do Great Plains SPCA and others. Money is always appreciated.
Kansas City area animal shelters
▪ KC Pet Project, 7077 Elmwood Ave., 816-683-1383, kcpetproject.org
▪ Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Road, 816-761-8151, waysidewaifs.org
Great Plains SPCA, 5424 Antioch Drive, Merriam, 913- 831-7722, greatplainsspca.org
▪ Melissa’s Second Chances, 11015 W. 75th St., Shawnee, 913-364-1822, mscrescue.org
▪ Human Society of Greater Kansas City, 5445 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas, 913-596-1000, hsgkc.org
▪ Midwest Animal ResQ, 10312 E. 63rd St., Raytown, 816-919-1364, midwestanimalresq.org
▪ Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter, 1356 Highway 9, Parkville, 816-587-0918, parkvilleshelter.com
▪ City of Liberty Animal Shelter, 2801 Riverview Road, Liberty, 816-439-4791, libertymissouri.gov.
▪ Independence Animal Services, 21001 E. Highway 78, Independence, 816-325-7207, ci.ndependence.mo.us.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Morse.
Hi Erin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Shortly after I moved to the Kansas City area, I adopted my first dog. She was a puppy mill survivor of 8 years, and I was quickly made aware of the puppy mill problem here in Missouri and was appalled. I had no idea the state I now lived in was responsible for more suffering than any other nation, and I wanted to get involved. At first, I became involved politically, working on getting Prop B passed in 2010. We were successful in getting it passed. However quickly dismantled in the Senate. At that point, I realized it would be a much longer and harder road than my young, naive self first thought, So I decided to start my rescue, focusing on saving dogs from puppy mills while educating people about the horrors of what goes on there. I figured if I couldn’t change the laws for them all, I could at least help the few lucky enough to make it out of the mill and into my home. What started in a small one-bedroom cabin in Lake Lotawana, with one or 2 dogs at a time, grew into a small foster-based rescue group focused on saving dogs from inhumane conditions at large-scale local breeding facilities. With the help of dedicated supporters and volunteers, MARQ has quickly grown into a multifaceted group saving thousands of animals each year. While we are still very passionate about retired breeding dogs, our scope has increased along with our capacity to serve the animals of the greater Kansas City area. Our adoption center in Raytown, MO, opened in 2015, and our sanctuary property on 6 acres provides safe housing for animals of all kinds needing special medical or behavioral help before going to their forever homes. I quit my career in software and have thrown myself full-time into animal welfare, and I’ve never looked back!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There’s nothing smooth in this line of work. Nothing. The obstacles we face are insurmountable. The constant barrage of animals in need is overwhelming. The sheer number of requests we receive each day to take in animals seems infinite, while the resources we have to help them are finite. It can be increasingly disheartening to spend your life working on improving the lives of pets with a large group of other extremely dedicated individuals. Yet, the problem never seems to get better. MO still tops the horrible 100 lists of worst offending puppy mills in the nation. More retail stores open selling puppies sourced from inhumane puppy mills, and our intake requests rise every year. This is the struggle, trying to stay positive instead of defeated.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Midwest Animal ResQ?
Midwest Animal ResQ is a multifaceted animal shelter and rescue. We are big enough to make a major impact in our community but small enough to know every animal in ours. We employ “matchmakers” whose job it is to help match people with a perfect new family member. We are passionate about pets, of course, but also about people and making sure their experience with us is just as wonderful as the new family member they are adopting. Our mission statement is “Completing families one tail at a time,” and our focus is taking the time to get to know our pets and our customers so we can make a perfect match! Our adult animals go on a two-week trial adoption to ensure everyone is happy in the new home, and our commitment to each animal is lifelong.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success means changing a single person’s perspective about responsible pet ownership and helping to effect legislation changes to protect pets and the people who purchase them. By saving lives, improving the lives of pets in our community, being a responsible steward of the funds donated, and educating every chance we get. My ultimate success would be to shut the doors of our rescue because our work would no longer be needed.
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