THE 3-MINUTE INTERVIEW: Melanie Samet

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.