We are thrilled to share that Lucky Dog Refuge has been selected by Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation and Tractor Supply Company as this year’s Connecticut recipient of the Mutts Across America Grant! This $5,000 award directly supports life-saving medical care for dogs in need—like Mowgli, a 5 year old shepherd boxer mix who recently received surgery thanks to this generous gift.

For Lucky Dog Refuge, this award is more than a financial gift—it is a heartfelt recognition of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, fosters, and community. The grant will be used to provide urgent, life-saving medical care for dogs who arrive at our doors with nowhere else to turn.

One such dog is Mowgli, a young shepherd mix surrendered to us with a two-week-old intestinal obstruction caused by swallowing a sock. His owners could not afford the costly procedure, but thanks to this grant, Mowgli is receiving the surgery and recovery he needs to survive.

Kirstin Mende, Co-Founder and CEO of Lucky Dog Refuge, shared:
“Like Bev and Miranda, Lucky Dog Refuge was born out of a mother-daughter bond and a shared passion for animals. To be recognized by MuttNation and Tractor Supply—a foundation and company that share those same family values and unwavering dedication to animals—is both humbling and uplifting. This grant will directly fund life-saving surgeries, like Mowgli’s, and help us continue providing second chances to the dogs who need us most. Thank you, Miranda and Bev, for leading by example and inspiring so many.”

We are deeply grateful to Miranda Lambert, Bev Lambert, MuttNation, and Tractor Supply Company for this incredible honor and for shining a spotlight on shelters like ours across the country.
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Every tail wag, every grateful glance, and every second chance is possible because of support like this. From all of us at Lucky Dog Refuge—and from Mowgli—thank you.

​By: greenwichfreepress | February 17, 2025

The youth committee from the Tamil Center Stamford recently made a stop at Lucky Dog Refuge in Stamford to drop off items the group collected to support the shelter, including dog crates, beds and cleaning products.
A highlight of the visit was getting to see some of the dogs that volunteers were walking.

The group’s mentor and chair, Kosalai Mohan explained that the youth group, comprised of enthusiastic middle and high school students, is part of the non-profit Tamil Center Stamford that serves the Tamil-speaking diaspora from the southern state of India.
The volunteers recently concluded a successful food and coat drive, and after sorting and packing them for distribution, they made drop-offs at four local organizations.
On Friday, which happened to be Valentine’s Day, the youth group made four stops: Person to Person in Darien with winter coats, hats and mittens; Kids in Crisis with food items; Goodwill with boots, shoes and reusable water bottles; and Lucky Dog Refuge.
​More information on Tamil Center Stamford Inc is also available online.

News 12 Staff | Feb 10, 2025, 8:06 AM

​If your NFL team didn't make the Super Bowl, there was no need to fret; there was another game with some local competitors to cheer for.
Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl featured six dogs from rescues in Connecticut, providing plenty of tail-wagging action and playful competition.
The annual Puppy Bowl included over 140 rescue dogs, split into Team Ruff and Team Fluff.
Lucky Dog Refuge, which contributed two of the canine athletes, hosted a watch party last night in Stamford.
In a display of canine athleticism and spirit, Team Fluff emerged victorious, securing the coveted "Lombarky" trophy.

Marissa Alter Feb 6, 2025, 5:30 PM
Two of Lucky Dog's pups are on the roster for Team Ruff, going paw-to-paw with Team Fluff for the Vince “Lombarky” trophy.

If your NFL team didn't make the Super Bowl, there's still some local competitors you can root for on Sunday. Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl XXI will feature six dogs from rescues in Western Connecticut. For the third year, the cutest clash in sports runs through Lucky Dog Refuge in Stamford.

“As we like to say, it's the big game. The Super Bowl is just the little game afterwards,” said Kirstin Mende, co-founder and CEO of Lucky Dog Refuge.

Two of Lucky Dog's pups are on the roster for Team Ruff, going paw-to-paw with Team Fluff for the Vince “Lombarky” trophy.