Following a nearly four-year search for families, a 5-year-old Australian cattle dog-American pit bull mix was recently adopted, finding his new home with his committed parent, Tara Mourry.
After being surrendered by his first owner in November 2021, Marshall moved in and out of foster and boarding homes, eventually spending more than a year in MarrVelous Pet Rescue’s house as a result of his reactivity problems. Marshall suffered from traumatic experiences with the previous owner and their dogs.
“Marshall is a gentle soul with people, aside from his dog reactivity, which (had been) caused by the trauma he endured early in his life,” said Paola Lorona, the rescue coordinator at MarrVelous. “He became the greeter of everyone that stopped by the rescue house. He loved seeing people and people always loved seeing his happy face as they entered the office.”
Mourry “has had experience with dogs that have dog reactivity issues so she is not new to this game and most importantly knows how to handle these types of situations,” Lorona said. “She is a lovely person who loved Marshall from the very beginning. Marshall is her baby and is getting spoiled every day.”
Marshall’s care constituted a community effort, from the support of Key Largo Pet Sitters to food donations and the payment of vet expenses. Memorably, Kara Biery, the owner of Key Largo Pet Sitters, would watch over Marshall during hurricane evacuations.
“The moment I saw him, I felt something,” Mourry said. “I knew right then: it was a done deal.”
Mourry bonded immediately with Marshall.
“Now, after living with him for over a month, I’ve realized the truth: I needed him just as much as he needed me,” Mourry said.
MarrVelous Pet Rescues, a nonprofit headquartered in Key Largo, provides counsel and treatment for animals abandoned or in need. It hosts “Yappy Hour” on the first Thursday of every month, where guests are welcome to bring their dogs and enjoy cocktails to support the organization.
