CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – With her love for animals, Mikaela Lambert began fostering dogs in 2016 for local rescue organizations. But over time she realized that those rescues didn’t want to take in dogs with medical or behavioral needs.

In 2022, shortly after being medically retired from the Army at Fort Campbell, she decided to take her desire full-time and, along with her husband Brad, opened Mikaela’s Mutt Motel.

Group of five adults in a field with several dogs, smiling for the photo.
Man and woman smile as they hold a beagle puppy chewing a leopard-print plush toy outdoors on a sunny day.
Red metal barn with a pale gray sliding door and white trim, set on a grassy lot with scattered outdoor clutter in front.
Smiling woman in a teal shirt holding three small tabby kittens in her hands, indoors with cabinets in the background.
Six people stand in a parking lot beside a vintage van reading 'Mikaela's Mutt Motel' with two dogs, wearing teal shirts with an 'M' logo.
Group of volunteers at a fundraising booth for Mikaela's Mutt Motel, standing behind a table with dog-themed materials and two dogs in front.
Outdoor volunteer booth for Kaela's Mutt Motel under a blue canopy, with people talking and a red faux dog hydrant on the table.

She said their very first dog at her “motel” had heartworm disease. “I would like for people to know that we are different from other rescues. What we focus on are the ones other rescues don’t want to take in, and other people don’t want to adopt,” Lambert said.

They have had dogs that are rescued from euthanasia from local shelters. “We get them all fixed up, vetted and work with a trainer for any behavioral needs,” Lambert said. “I thought it would be really hard to let them go, which it is, but I found how incredibly rewarding it is, to see their transformation.”

She said rescue dogs may come to you timid, skinny or sick, whatever the case is, and you teach them that not all people are bad. You get them in good shape, and eventually you get to see them thrive with their forever families. “There’s nothing quite like it,” Lambert said.

What’s next at Mikaela’s Mutt Motel

Mikaela and Brad are working on a new project called the Rescue Ranch. They plan to renovate a large building on their property to include kennels with doggie doors that lead out to covered runs. Those will connect to a fenced-in play yard and maybe even a splash pad.

Recently Mikaela’s Mutt Motel welcomed a new experience with some feline guests. Lambert found out that five adult cats and six kittens were to be euthanized because they didn’t have a home.  

“We took them in and they have been getting flea and tick treatments and good nutrition. They will all be spayed, neutered, microchipped and vaccinated just like we do with dogs. They are so sweet, and this is definitely a new adventure for us,” Lambert said.  

How to help Mikaela’s Mutt Motel

To learn more about the work of Mikaela’s Mutt Motel, to make donations, or to volunteer, visit mikaelasmuttmotel.org. Mikaela’s Mutt Motel is also part of the Walmart Spark Good Round Up and Kroger Community Rewards programs for shoppers to make donations to the organization.

You can also message Mikaela’s Mutt Motel on their Facebook or Instagram page or call or text 931-342-2526.

Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is a Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.

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