Mackenzies Animal Sanctuary
Adoptions are limited to within 150 miles of Grand Rapids/Lake Odessa, MI
For safety's sake, we are looking for homes with fenced in areas.
We use and recommend Kuranda Dog Beds
Visit
Kuranda's web site
Thanks to our wonderful donators, ALL of our dogs now sleep on a comfy Kuranda Bed.
Looking For A Loving, Caring, Companion...Meet Betty Sue!

Say hello to Betty Sue!! (d.o.b. 9/10/2004, weight 78 lbs). This big beautiful girl is full of fun-lovin’ energy and such joy for life, and she’s searching for someone to share it all with!! Are you looking for an active companion that likes having fun, but can also be a cuddly affectionate friend?
If you would like more information about this sweetheart, please call the office today at 616-693-2490.
Who We Are
Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary was founded by the Azzar family in August of 1999, after the passing of their beloved dog Mac. We are a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose primary goal is to place homeless dogs into loving, lifelong homes. Mackenzie's is funded soley by private donations and fundraisers and does not receive any state, local or federal funding. Our major expenses are the result of the extensive medical expenses we provide for each dog in our care including de-worming, all vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, along with intensive medical procedures that some of our dogs need to have a happy healthier life.
Our Goal:
To save dogs in need and place them in loving forever homes.
Our Dream:
To give to these dogs the love and companionship all dogs deserve and in Mac's name give them "a home along the way."
Our Mission:
- To find loving homes for abused, abandoned and neglected dogs.
- To spay/neuter our rescued dogs of age to stop the cycle of unwanted litters.
- Assist in public education for the betterment of our local animal community.
- Keep a high standard of excellence and professionalism.
- Maintain the highest standards of care for the animals, including veterinary care, housing, love, tenderness and compassion.
Adopting a friend
The Adoption Process (Please note: Adoptions are limited to within 150 miles of Grand Rapids/Lake Odessa, MI)
Step 1: Please fill out our online adoption survey, if you can't you can call 616-693-2490 Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 to 4:30 to discuss your interest in one of our dogs. Plan to spend about 15-20 minutes with us on the phone to complete the phone interview process.
Step 2: If we have the dog for you, we will be happy to make an appointment for you and your family to come and visit. This will be the first of at least two 'get-to-know-you' visits. If you already own a dog, it is very important that you bring your dog with you, along with current vaccination records.
Step 3: Upon completion of steps 1 & 2, we will bring the dog to your home for a visit. If all goes well, this will be the final step to becoming a forever dog owner of a Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary dog. Let the good times roll!
MEET YOUR MATCH
The ‘Meet Your Match’ canine-ality adoption program is designed
to match an adopter's person-ality, lifestyle, and energy level to
a dog's canine-ality. Making that match is the foundation for the human/canine bond to develop, increasing the potential for a successful, permanent placement.
Each dog is tested to determine his general canine-ality, such traits as friendliness, playfulness, energy level and motivation or drive. The Adopter Survey takes a potential adopters experience level and adds to how they envision their new dog fitting into their home and family. Using these tools together, Mackenzie’s continues to find the best fit between our adopters and our dogs.
Color Coding and Descriptions:
After the testing is completed the dogs’ score is added up, they are given one of the three colors; Green, Orange or Purple. We then review our notes to see how the dog responded to each test. All of this helps us to determine the canine-ality description that best fits the dog under their color.
Purple = Easy Maintenance Dogs
The canine-ality description for these dogs could be:
Couch Potato:Like the easy life? Then I’m the perfect match for you. I’m relaxed, laid back kind of dog who enjoys long naps, watching movies, curling up on laps, and walking very short distances from the couch to the food bowl and back.
Constant Companion:Looking for an emotionally secure, mutually satisfying, low maintenance relationship? I am all you need. Let me sit at your feet, walk by your side, and I’ll be your devoted companion forever.
Teacher’s Pet: I’ve got the whole package – smart, fuzzy, four legs, love to learn and live to please. Go ahead, teach me anything. Sit, stay, balance your checkbook, I can do it all. Keep me entertained and I’ll be yours forever.
Orange = Average Maintenance Dogs
The canine-ality description for these dogs could be:
Wallflower: Shy yet charming canine searching for patient owner with relaxed lifestyle. Looking for gentle guidance to help me come out of my shell. Treat me sweet and kind and I’ll blossom.
Busy Bee: I’m a naturally playful, curious, and trusting canine. Take me for a big walk every day; give me something to do. After my job’s done, I’ll curl up in front of the fire with you in the evenings. I’m a dog on a mission to please you and myself.
Goofball: I’m a fun-loving, happy-all-the-time, glass-is-half-full kind of dog looking for someone who loves to laugh and play around. Must have a great sense of humor and a bunch of tennis balls.
Green = High Maintenance Dogs
The canine-ality description for these dogs could be:
Life of the Party: I think everything is fun, interesting and meant for play, especially you. Anything you do, I’ll want to do too. With my own brand of surprises, life with me will keep you constantly on your toes, and the fun is guaranteed.
Go-Getter: Want to get more exercise? Action is my middle name. My “Let’s GO!” lifestyle will keep you motivated to get outside and move. I’ve got tons of energy; and just like the sun, I’m burning and working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I’ll run for miles, chase a ball for hours, and still want to play at the end of the day.
Free Spirit:Intelligent, independent, confident and clever, I prefer making my own decisions but will listen to you if you make a good case. We’re partners in this adventure. Treat me like one and we’ll both live happily ever after.
Please fill out our Adoption Survey today! Your perfect match could be one click away.
Adoption Fee:
Dogs $150; Puppies $150 + $50 refundable spay/neuter deposit.
The Adoption Fee includes:
Heartworm test and preventative medicine for dogs (while in our care), current vaccinations according to age, de-worming for internal parasites and de-fleaing. Adult dogs have already been spayed/neutered. To adopt a puppy under the age of 6 months, a refundable $50.00 spay/neuter deposit is required in addition to the adoption fee.
Volunteers and Donations Always Needed!
We welcome your participation and support of our goal to provide a happy and healthy life for animals everywhere.
We are currently in need of volunteers and donations. If you are interested in a volunteer opportunity, have items you would like to donate or would like to receive our quarterly newsletter, please contact us today.
We need your help to continue saving lives!
Our Location:
Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary
8935 Thompson Rd.
Lake Odessa, MI. 48849
Also go to www.mackenzies.info
Phone: (616) 693-2490
Please call to schedule an appointment, we are unable to assist walk-ins due to our busy kennel and schedules. Thank you!
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday
If you are seriously interested in adopting one of our Special Friends, please call us or be sure to add your phone number to your e-mails so we can call you back as soon as possible! If you have questions about our adoption process, please read the section above entitled "Adopting a Friend". Thank You! Hope to hear from you soon!
Email:
Erik Bauer - General Manager; Autumn Russell- Office Manager; Sarah Kaake - Lead Kennel Attendant; www.mackenzies.info
Click here for a list of pets at this shelter

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