CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Mikaela’s Mutt Motel is caring for 34 dogs rescued from a Hickman County property after a rescue operation with the Hickman Humane Society last week, and donations are urgently needed.

Co-founder Brad Lambert told Clarksville Now that Mikaela’s Mutt Motel took all 34 dogs into its care following the rescue. About a dozen dogs were found outside, including some in outdoor kennels and others roaming the property. About two dozen dogs were rescued from inside the home.

Dogs at the Hickman County property during the rescue operation on Oct. 12, 2026. (Mikaela's Mutt Motel, Contributed)

Ground inside, outside ‘saturated’ in urine, feces

Lambert said the ground around the outdoor kennels was “so saturated in urine/feces that you could smell the odor from about 150 feet away.” He added that most of the outdoor kennels were made from various building materials “haphazardly connected together.”

Inside the home, Lambert said exposed flooring was “extremely saturated with urine/feces,” comparing the damage to flood damage. “Garbage and debris was piled on just about every exposed surface from countertops to furniture,” he said.

Lambert said all of the dogs rescued had a body condition score of 1 or 2. “Several dogs were kenneled in small kennels inside the house where it is presumed they had been kenneled 24/7 since at least Oct. 6,” he said. One of the dogs seized during the rescue needed emergency care at the property before being transported. Lambert said she has since recovered and was named Phoenix.

A makeshift “cattle chute” was used to move the dogs inside the home through the front windows and into a horse trailer for transport due to a lack of access through the doorways. However, two of the dogs did not make it. “Two were deceased upon our arrival to the property and, unfortunately, we were not equipped to remove them due to their state of decomposition,” he said.

Criminal investigation ongoing into owner

Lt. Michael Doddo, spokesperson for the Hickman County Sheriff’s Office, could not give details about the owner due to the ongoing investigation. “Our priority remains ensuring that the animals removed during the operation receive appropriate care and necessary medical attention,” Doddo told Clarksville Now. “We will continue working with our partner organizations, including the Hickman County Humane Society, to help ensure the animals’ welfare and well-being throughout this process.”

“The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the cooperation and assistance of the organizations involved in helping this matter. We will provide additional information when appropriate and when doing so will not compromise the ongoing investigation.”

How to help with donations, fostering

Lambert said they need dry puppy food and paper towels to help care for the rescued dogs. He noted the organizations needs are changing daily and donations requested through its Amazon wish list will be updated accordingly.

People can support Mikaela’s Mutt Motel through:

If using Cash App, the organization advises donors to verify its logo is present because scam accounts exist. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 99 Woodlawn, TN 37191.

In-person donations may be dropped off during normal business hours at:

  • Riley’s Pet Market
    • 2250 Madison St., Suite A
    • 449 Warfield Blvd., Suite I
  • Legion Dog and Cat Supply
    • 3900 Hollingwood Blvd., Suite F-H

Anyone planning to leave donations at those locations is asked to contact the Lamberts at donations@mikaelasmuttmotel.org. Donations can also be dropped off at 5 Star Media Group, 1640 Old Russellville Pike, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Supporters can also help by volunteering, fostering, or adopting.

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