"Mattie's Mutts" inspires many, saves more

Matthew loved animals. And his love lives on.

Matthew J. Roberts loved animals.Matthew J Roberts

When 16-year-old family dog Bailey John Roberts died, Matthew was struck with grief. But then he did something remarkable: Matthew but turned his grief for Bailey J. Roberts into something amazing.

"Mom, you know what we're going to do? We're not going to buy a dog," he told his mother, Debra. "We're saving one."

They came to the Humane Society of Huron Valley that day. And there, was Chica.

A tiny Rat Terrier puppy with a black head and white stripe, young Chica made Matthew and Debra smile. She'd need a new name, of course-- as all members of the family-- including furry ones-- deserve middle names. And after a consultation with their aunt and a discussion of how she looked like a famous, friendly cow, Bessie Elizabeth Roberts wiggled her way into the Roberts' family hearts and home.

Matthew and his family saved a life that day.

"And this dog has so changed my life," says Debra.

Bessie is now 3. Matthew would have turned 26 on Memorial Day.

The rare and inspiring ability to turn grief into something amazing wasn't just a trait of Matthew's-- or "Mattie John," as his family called him. Mattie John's family formed the 2016 Walk & Wag fundraising team "Mattie's Mutts."

"He would be so happy that we were helping and saving so many."

Many, indeed. Mattie's Mutts raised over $4,100 for the animals in our community.

"He was extremely passionate about animals," Debra says. "And he would have loved to volunteer but was too sensitive and would be too sad about those who weren't picked. Even as a tiny boy, he'd be sad about Christmas trees. 'What happens if someone doesn't take them home?' he'd ask me."

"He would have been all over that 'Save the Elephants' booth at Walk & Wag," Debra added.

Thanks to Mattie's Mutts' fundraising efforts, they won a brick paver that will be installed permanently in the entrance to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. The brick will read: "In loving memory of Matthew John Roberts & his special animals 2016".

Here's to a life saving another life... that even after life continues to save more. We are forever grateful. Thank you, Matthew and Mattie's Mutts!

Mattie's Mutts team 2016

 

All active news articles

Humane Society of Huron Valley

ADOPTIONS

Mon-Weds: 11 am to 6 pm
Thurs-Friday: 11 am to 7 pm
Sat-Sun: 11 am to 5 pm

CLINIC

Mon-Fri: 9 am to 7 pm
(Surgery drop-off 8 am)
Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm
Call 734-662-4365 for appointment;
please, no walk-ins.

INTAKE

9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week
To serve you best, please call our
Intake Department prior to
coming in: 734-661-3528