Health & Fitness
Mequon Native & Harvard Law Student will be Honoring a Veteran by Running for the Dogs in the Boston Marathon!
A Wisconsinite & Harvard Law student is touched by the story of a veteran and his stolen dog and is raising money to support the Florida Dog Rescue that reunited them.
What will the dogs at Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDRR) in Wellington, Florida be doing on Patriot’s Day, Monday, April 15th?
They will be cheering on Breah Mortenson, a native of Mequon, Wisconsin and a Harvard Law School student, who will be running the 2013 Boston Marathon to raise money for one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in South Florida. Mortenson is running in honor of a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who was reunited with his dog, Black Jack, thanks to BDRR.
You may ask, what is the connection between a Wisconsinite, a Harvard Law student, and an animal shelter in Florida? This is where the story gets interesting.
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Mortenson does have an association with Wellington, FL as she used to compete at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. However, prior to February 2013, she didn’t know of BDRR.
It was through an email that she receives as a member of the horse community that she read about the story of Black Jack, a German Shepherd who was stolen and used as a bait dog for a Dog Fighting Ring. Black Jack was rescued by BDRR, and when he was found, he had a severe neck laceration and a chain with a piece of raw meat was around his neck. He required immediate medical attention. BDRR was able to locate his owner through his microchip. What followed was a tear-filled, joyful reunion with his dad, Robert Moreland, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran. Mortenson, along with so many of BDRR’s followers, was so moved by the story that she made a contribution toward Black Jack’s medical care.
Find out what's happening in Fox Point-Baysidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Black Jack’s story is really touching, plus it really tugs at the heartstrings because who knows what the poor guy went through before BDRR was able to help him. All I can think is thank goodness he escaped from wherever he was or he’d most likely be dead by now. He must be one tough dog. And the role Black Jack has played in Robert Moreland’s life makes the story that much more meaningful,” Mortenson stated.
Mortenson wondered if she could possibly help more dogs at the Ranch by raising money for them during the Boston Marathon as she has done in the past for other charities. How more fitting than to raise money for the BDRR on Patriots Day to honor one of our American heroes, Robert Moreland!
On the day of the Boston Marathon, BDRR will be following Mortenson’s progress and keeping their followers updated on Facebook www.facebook.com/bigdogranchrescue.
Her journey starts around 10:30 am in an effort to raise money for the dogs and puppies at Big Dog Ranch Rescue. You too can support Breah Mortenson and the dogs by donating a dollar or a dollar a mile ($26.20)! Making your donation is easy by clicking on the following link www.bdrr.org/breah.
Join our pack and help us cheer on Wisconsin native Breah Mortenson as she runs for the Big Dogs!
Big Dog Ranch Rescue is a unique no-kill dog rescue situated on 28 acres in Wellington, Florida. The mission of Big Dog Ranch Rescue is to provide shelter, care and affection to homeless and unwanted dogs of all breeds and to adopt them out to loving human companions. In support of those objectives, we also promote animal welfare and celebrate the special bond between dogs and people through education, awareness and community outreach. Big Dog Ranch Rescue is associated with the Weimaraner Rescue & Adoption of Florida and is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. For more information on Big Dog Ranch Rescue, visit www.bdrr.org.
