Chris and Mariesa Hughes are an extraordinary couple with a shared passion that has shaped their lives—rescuing and caring for dogs in need. Their love for animals, particularly rescue dogs, has driven them to open their home and hearts to many dogs who might otherwise have no place to go. With a mission rooted in compassion, the Hughes have devoted themselves to creating a loving, safe environment where their furry companions can thrive. Their story is one of dedication, kindness, and a deep, unbreakable bond with their rescue dogs.
From the moment Chris and Mariesa met, it was clear that dogs were an integral part of both their lives. At the time, Mariesa had two rescue dogs, and Chris had six. Chris’s devotion to dogs was already well established, as he was actively running a rescue organization known as “Rowdy to the Rescue.” This organization focused on fostering and rehabilitating dogs that struggled to find permanent homes. Among his pack were several special dogs with unique needs, such as Moses, who was initially a foster dog but became a permanent family member. Chris also had Sam, a dog who suffered from extreme fear and anxiety, making him difficult to adopt. Sam was returned multiple times before finding stability and safety with Chris. Meatball, another of Chris’s rescues, was also returned to the shelter three times before finding his forever home with him.
When Chris and Mariesa brought their dogs together, they were relieved to see that the pack meshed well. The couple’s love for their dogs deepened as they witnessed how the animals bonded and created their own family dynamic. Their home became a sanctuary not just for the dogs, but for the couple as well.
Sadly, two years into their relationship, Moses passed away from cancer, leaving Chris and Mariesa heartbroken. To honor Moses’s memory and extend their passion for helping dogs, the couple founded a new organization called The Mr. Mo Project. The Mr. Mo Project is dedicated to rescuing senior and terminally ill dogs, providing them with the care and support they need to live out their remaining years in loving homes. This project became their life’s mission, helping dogs that might otherwise be overlooked due to age or medical conditions.
As their pack grew closer and larger, Chris and Mariesa knew that they needed to find a solution to one of their most pressing challenges: sleeping arrangements. Their home, now filled with rescue dogs, didn’t have enough space for everyone to sleep comfortably in the same room. The couple didn’t want their dogs to feel excluded by sleeping in separate dog beds scattered around the house, and they also didn’t want to choose which dogs could sleep with them in their bed. So, they decided to take a unique approach: they would have a custom-made bed built large enough to accommodate both of them and all eight of their rescue dogs — Mabel, Gremlin, Meatball, Tejas, Money, The Stig, Sam, and Quinn.
Determined to make this dream a reality, they reached out to a local craftsman named Mike Ford, a skilled woodworker with a passion for dogs, particularly senior rescues. When Ford heard their story, he was inspired and eager to take on the project. “As a dog lover myself, especially of older dogs, I thought this was such a wonderful idea,” Ford said. “They came to me with the concept of creating a custom king-sized bed that could accommodate the entire family, and I was excited to figure out how to make it work.”
Ford designed the bed with durability and functionality in mind. Knowing that the combined weight of the dogs would require a robust structure, he selected solid cherry wood for its strength and longevity. The bed was not only designed to be spacious, but it also featured a series of practical additions to make life easier for both the couple and their dogs. Ford built a staircase into the side of the bed so that the smaller or older dogs, who might struggle to jump up, could easily access the mattress. Additionally, Ford included three large drawers along the bed’s base, perfect for storing dog toys, blankets, and other supplies.
But it wasn’t just functionality that Ford focused on; he also wanted to add a personal touch to the bed that reflected his own love for dogs. He carved a pawprint into the wood in honor of his late dog, Bailey, creating a beautiful and meaningful tribute. This small detail resonated deeply with Chris and Mariesa, who appreciated the emotional connection that Ford brought to the project.
Once the bed was completed, it was everything the couple had dreamed of and more. Their dogs were instantly drawn to the cozy new space, and Chris and Mariesa loved how it allowed their entire family to stay close together at night. “I wake up sometimes, and I can’t believe it,” Mariesa shared. “I’m basically a contortionist now — with Stig spooning me, Gremlin between my legs, and Sam sharing my pillow. But that’s what makes them happy. They just want to be near us, and however we can make that happen, we’ll do it.”
The Hughes family’s nightly routine is now a testament to their love and dedication to their dogs. Their evenings are spent snuggled together, sharing a massive bed designed for comfort and closeness. But their bond with their dogs extends far beyond the bedroom. Chris and Mariesa make sure to spend as much quality time as possible with their pack. They frequently visit local parks where the dogs can run and play, and their home is always filled with joy and energy. Whether it’s cuddling on the couch for movie nights or enjoying outdoor adventures, the couple and their dogs are inseparable.
In addition to their eight permanent dogs, Chris and Mariesa regularly open their doors to foster dogs. Their own dogs, accustomed to welcoming new members into the fold, are always patient and accepting of the new arrivals. The couple’s dedication to fostering and rescuing animals remains unwavering, and the Mr. Mo Project continues to grow and thrive, saving more dogs each year.
Though time has passed since the bed was built, the couple has experienced the joys of welcoming new dogs into their home and the heartache of saying goodbye to some of their senior dogs as they crossed the rainbow bridge. But one thing has remained constant — Chris and Mariesa’s deep love for every dog that becomes a part of their family. Their commitment to providing a happy, safe, and loving environment for dogs in need is truly inspiring. They continue to demonstrate that love knows no bounds, especially when it comes to their rescue dogs, who are more than just pets — they are family.
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Through their incredible efforts, Chris and Mariesa have shown the world the importance of adopting and caring for rescue dogs, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked. Their giant custom bed is more than just a practical solution; it symbolizes the love, devotion, and sense of belonging that they offer to every dog they welcome into their home. Their story continues to inspire countless others to adopt, foster, and care for rescue dogs, giving them the chance to experience the warmth of a forever home.
In the end, Chris and Mariesa’s story is about more than just a bed — it’s about building a life around the things they love most: each other and the dogs that have forever changed their lives.
Toledo, United States.
