Orangetheory kick-starts Motley Zoo Animal Rescue fundraiser

Motley Zoo is searching for new physical location to continue its mission.

By Andy Nystrom • December 5, 2022 2:30 pm
Dash Dog leads the way for the Orangetheory Fitness fundraiser for Motley Zoo Animal Rescue. Photo courtesy of Ande Edlund
Dash Dog leads the way for the Orangetheory Fitness fundraiser for Motley Zoo Animal Rescue. Photo courtesy of Ande Edlund

Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) studios are joining forces to provide financial relief for Motley Zoo Animal Rescue.

With a location on Mercer Island and 17 others spread out across the Eastside, Seattle and neighboring counties, OTF’s members are engaged in a friendly competition from now until Dec. 19 to amass the most funds for Redmond-based nonprofit Motley Zoo and spread awareness of its mission to aid homeless animals in need.

Motley Zoo is searching for a new home since its current building has become uninhabitable due to structural issues. The 13-year-old organization offered dog daycare, training and boarding to adoptable dogs at the location and needs resources to open a new facility to continue its critical operation of animal rehabilitation and securing safe homes through a foster and education system.

Since Motley Zoo’s inception, “They have placed thousands of pets in loving homes and work tirelessly to improve the lives of animals and reach their goal of ending all neglect and abuse against them,” according to a press release.

Longtime OTF member and animal advocate Ande Edlund has paired with his golden retriever, Dash Dog, to spark the partnership between OTF and Motley Zoo. As of Dec. 5, members had raised $1,571 to kick-start the campaign. To donate, visit https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTcwMDA0.

EJ Costello, OTF regional vice president, said the fitness company is grateful that its members have stepped up for the crucial cause.

“This amazing group is always eager to help their neighbors and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to help raise funds and awareness for such an incredible organization like Motley Zoo,” Costello said. OTF offers Eastside locations in Redmond, Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island and Sammamish, all within the Reporter’s coverage area.

Motley Zoo Animal Rescue Executive Director Jme Thomas echoed Costello’s sentiment and added: “We are thrilled that the OTF community is putting in the sweat equity to raise funds for our needy rescue animals.”

As of Nov. 22, Motley Zoo had saved 240 cats and 142 dogs this year with a live release rate average of 99.73%, which matches its yearly percentage since they launched the organization.

Since 2009, the nonprofit has rescued more than 4,400 animals, according to its website, which adds that, “It is important that the results of our efforts match the immense input of time, energy, funding and quality when it comes to the number of lives saved.”

For more information, visit https://www.motleyzooanimalrescue.org/.