We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Beverly (Lee) Mercer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Beverly (Lee) below.
Beverly (Lee), thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Mercer Animal Rescue & Sanctuary has a mission of saving southern homeless dogs and finding them forever homes in the Northeast, Midwest and West. Our goal is to get as many dogs out of the overpopulated south as possible. Something we have been doing for more than 13 years.
We rescue homeless dogs and owner surrenders. They receive the vet care they need, they are vaccinated, spayed & neutered, along with microchipping. And anything else to assure they will be healthy, happy pets.
Once they are ready, we begin our quest to find them the best home possible.
Beverly (Lee), before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I got into the non-profit sector by accident.
After a career for many years in advertising, I left my 9-5 job and began free lancing.
This gave me more free time to do other things. I have always been an animal lover. I got that from my father. Through his five years of cancer treatments, he was able to take care of his five dogs and three horses until he died. He loved them so, Then they came to me to live on my 15 acre horse farm.
Since I did have room and a barn – I decided to step up to help puppies at Memphis Animal Services, that were being put to sleep that day. 33 of them were scheduled to be euthanized. Basically because they had stuffy noses and at that time, MAS did not have a quarantine area.
I drove to the shelter and brought home 11 puppies that day. With the idea that I would take them back to the shelter when they were healthy so that they may be adopted.
After three weeks, they had all recovered. They were so sweet. Heathy, fat and all adorable.
But after having them in my home and caring for them for three weeks, there was no way I was taking them back to the shelter. No way.
Okay. Now what? I already have two dogs of my own……so now I have 11 more??
I set out to find them the best homes possible.
Then I discovered Petfinder and a great pet transport, who took them to the northeast, to their new families. I was so happy for them.
Wow! This was great! And fun!
I went back to the high kill Memphis shelter the next week and rescued 15 more dogs.. Soon we had foster homes for some of the dogs, which meant we could save even more.
And that’s what we have been doing for the last 13 years.
Any advice for managing a team?
Puppies and dogs. My advice, fill your work place with puppies and dogs. Everyday. Or as many days as possible.
It’s been proven that having dogs in the workplace improves morale and lowers stress.
Seriously. Look into it. Even if it’s just one day a week. People love to bring their dog to the office. Dogs love to be in the office.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
We never have enough funds. Ever. We are always stressed about paying our vet bills. Buying food. There are so many homeless dogs that need help. Getting them the care they need is expensive.
Ask for help. Or ask for what you need. That was a hard one for me. I hate to ask. But it’s the only way.
Let people know what you need and you’ll find them to be amazingly generous.
Contact Info:
- Website: Merceranimalrescue.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercer_animal_rescue/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/merceranimalrescue
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/me?trk=p_mwlite_my_network-secondary_nav
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@merceranimalrescue8379