Written By: Derek Hawn

MoCo Mutts Rescue Center is a vital part of Morgan County, Tennessee, providing care and hope for animals in a region with no animal shelter or animal control services. Since its founding in 2018 by Lisa Hill, this 501(c)(3) non-profit has rescued and rehabilitated over 4,000 animals, offering them medical care, sanctuary housing, fostering opportunities, and adoption services. But MoCo Mutts is more than just a rescue center—it’s a lifeline for the community’s most vulnerable creatures.

In addition to their rescue work, MoCo Mutts has recently expanded its efforts by opening Elegant Clutter, a thrift store located in Wartburg. This store serves as both a fundraising initiative and a way to engage the local community in their mission. Let’s take a closer look at what MoCo Mutts has accomplished, how Elegant Clutter supports their work, and how you can help them continue making a difference.

Who They Are and What They Do

MoCo Mutts began as the Senior Dog Lodge Rescue in Washington State in 2012. When Lisa Hill and her husband relocated to Morgan County in 2018, they were struck by the lack of resources for stray and abandoned animals. What started as a small operation quickly grew into MoCo Mutts Rescue Center in 2020, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the support of the local community.

The rescue center works tirelessly to:

• Reunite lost pets with their families
• Provide medical care for injured or sick animals
• Find loving homes through fostering and adoption programs
• Offer sanctuary housing for animals that are not adoptable

MoCo Mutts also collaborates with neighboring counties that lack animal shelters, extending their impact beyond Morgan County. Their mission is rooted in kindness, compassion, and the belief that every animal deserves a chance at a better life.

Elegant Clutter: Supporting the Mission

In an effort to sustain their rescue operations and engage the community further, MoCo Mutts opened Elegant Clutter, a thrift store located in Wartburg. The store offers an eclectic mix of donated items, from furniture and home decor to clothing and collectibles. Every purchase made at Elegant Clutter directly supports the rescue center’s work, helping fund medical care, food, shelter maintenance, and other essential expenses.

Not only does Elegant Clutter provide financial support for MoCo Mutts, but it also serves as a hub for community involvement. Locals can donate items to the store or shop knowing that their contributions are making a tangible difference in the lives of animals in need.

The store has been well-received by the community, with many praising it as a creative way to raise funds while giving people an opportunity to contribute to the cause. If you’re looking for unique finds while supporting animal welfare, Elegant Clutter is worth a visit.

Elegant Clutter Address:
408 N Kingston St.
Wartburg, TN 37887
Phone: (423) 319-3647

Accomplishments Worth Celebrating

Since its founding, MoCo Mutts has achieved remarkable milestones:

• Rescuing over 4,000 animals from neglectful or dangerous situations
• Partnering with organizations like Best Friends Animal Society to expand lifesaving efforts
• Establishing Elegant Clutter as an innovative way to fundraise and engage with the community

These accomplishments highlight the dedication of Lisa Hill, Vice President Tracy Wyant, and countless volunteers who pour their hearts into this mission every day.

The Ongoing Need for Support

Despite their successes, MoCo Mutts faces constant challenges. Operating an animal rescue center requires significant resources—medical bills alone can quickly add up when caring for injured or sick animals. Additionally, providing food, shelter maintenance, transportation for animals, and staffing needs relies heavily on donations.

MoCo Mutts is always in need of:

• Monetary Donations: These funds go directly toward medical care, food supplies, shelter upkeep, and operational costs.
• Supplies: Items like pet food, bedding materials, cleaning supplies, toys, and crates are always appreciated.
• Volunteers: Whether it’s helping at the center or fostering animals temporarily in your home, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

If you’d like to contribute or learn more about how you can help support MoCo Mutts Rescue Center’s mission:

Contact Information:
MoCo Mutts Rescue Center
P.O. Box 127
7920 Morgan County Highway
Sunbright, TN 37872
Phone: (423) 628-5060
Website: mocomutts.org

A Community Effort

MoCo Mutts Rescue Center isn’t just about saving animals—it’s about building a compassionate community where people value kindness toward all living beings. With initiatives like Elegant Clutter helping sustain their work and continued support from donors and volunteers, they are making an incredible impact on Morgan County and beyond.

If you’re inspired by what they’ve accomplished so far, consider visiting Elegant Clutter, making a donation to their cause, or volunteering your time. Together, we can ensure that MoCo Mutts continues its lifesaving work for years to come.