As of July 1, Ashleigh McHugh has officially stepped into the role of Director of Operations for Must Luv Dogs Rescue. Founder Cindy Nettles Shotwell is stepping down after nearly a decade of tireless leadership, though she assures supporters she’ll remain involved as a mentor, foster, and hands-on helper.

“I started the rescue almost 8 years ago and originally committed to the first five,” says Shotwell. “I’m exhausted, burned out, and on the road too much, visiting my grandchildren all over the country. But I just didn’t want to see our good work stop.”

Ashleigh, a longtime volunteer, foster, and advocate, is more than ready to take the reins—but she’ll need help from the community now more than ever. Her history with the rescue is deep-rooted, dating back to Huey, one of her first rescues, and a familiar face at one of the group’s first Pawdi Gras parades.

The Must Luv Dogs story began in 2012, when Shotwell launched a Lost Pets Facebook page to help reunite pets with their owners. That effort quickly evolved when she noticed the staggering number of dumped and discarded dogs in the area since there was no animal rescue within the parish. By 2018, she officially founded Must Luv Dogs Rescue, gathering like-minded friends and holding the group’s very first adoption event.

What sets this 501(c)(3) nonprofit apart is its unique foster-based model. Unlike traditional shelters, Must Luv Dogs places each pup in an individual foster home. Weekly deliveries of food, treats, heartworm prevention, and supplies help reduce the burden on fosters, ensuring every dog receives individualized care in a home environment while awaiting their forever family.

The rescue focuses on saving abused, neglected and abandoned dogs. Many arrive injured or traumatized, but thanks to the organization’s full medical care, loving fosters, and dedicated team, each one gets a second chance.

In 2024, Shotwell was honored as the Zachary Rotary Citizen of the Year in recognition of the impact Must Luv Dogs has had on the region.

Fundraisers like the annual Mardi Paws Parade, which has grown to become a Fat Tuesday tradition in downtown Zachary, keep the rescue's mission alive, with 100% of proceeds supporting its efforts.

With Ashleigh McHugh now leading the way, Must Luv Dogs is poised for its next chapter. The rescue’s heart remains the same, but its future depends on the community’s continued support, from donations to foster families and everything in between.

“We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves,” says Shotwell. And now, that voice continues stronger than ever.

Learn more or get involved at www.mustluvdogs.org, give them a follow on Facebook, or call: 225-252-3029. 
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