Samet co-founded Mutts Matter Rescue in February 2010 to help overcrowded animal shelters and save unwanted dogs. Before founding the nonprofit, the Rockville resident worked in mortgage-backed securities for a Wall Street firm. Tell me about Mutts Matter Rescue. There’s between 7 million and 11 million animals euthanized every year due to lack of space. When shelters get full, there’s just no resources or places to put these dogs, so they’re put to death just for being born. The economy is hit hard. Animals are being abandoned, and the shelters … have to let one go to make space for another that’s coming in the door that very minute. I usually have to find within 24 to 48 hours somebody that’s able to pull the dog out of there.
How many dogs do you save? We’re going to probably hit 400 a year. We [also] work with rural and impoverished areas in the South. We’re getting some dogs on Tuesday out of Greenville, S.C. [My husband] is going to Myrtle Beach tomorrow for a golf trip and … coming back with six dogs in my truck.
How many dogs have you personally had at once? A couple months ago we assisted in a puppy mill raid in Tennessee, and I had 14 in my house, including my three. That’s definitely not an ideal situation. I have three of my own dogs, all rescues, and usually have at least one foster at a time.
Are there any dogs that stand out to you? We took a dog out of Baltimore City. A 17-year-old girl had smashed him in the skull with a baseball bat and blinded him in one eye. One of our fosters adopted him, and I get to see him all the time. He still is fearful of teenagers, but he lives a great life and is loved. – Rachel Baye
