The Mitch Russell Fund

The Mitch Russell Memorial Fund for TRU Rescue Dogs was established to honor Mitchell (Mitch) Wood Russell who suddenly passed away in 2019 at the age of 23.

Mitch was a gentle, kind, and selfless person. Everyone who knew Mitch felt loved and knew that he was there for them. He had a deep-rooted love for all the world’s creatures and a special place in his heart for rescue animals. Mitch and his girlfriend Samantha Prager recently adopted a big, white dog they named Ghost (previously known as Marshmallow) from TRU Rescue.

Ghost found his way to TRU Rescue as he was considered unadoptable because he had Heartworm Disease. Mitch and Ghost loved each other from first sight and when Mitch learned his four-legged companion would require special medical attention, he did not hesitate to provide Ghost with all the love and care he would need to become a happy and healthy pup.

Dogs with Heartworm Disease are on restricted exercise so Mitch would keep Ghost entertained by teaching him tricks. Mitch discovered that Ghost already knew how to give his paw for a shake and turned this into teaching Ghost how to high-five. The two would give each other high-fives all day long for various reasons and Mitch thought it was the funniest thing. When Mitch and Ghost weren’t practicing their tricks, they enjoyed snuggle and movie sessions.

Mitch attended Severna Park High School class of 2014 where he discovered his passion for computers. He was a senior at Towson University, pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science with a Math minor. Mitch participated in countless Green Hornets sports, was a Boy Scout in Troop 339, and was an avid skateboarder. He will be dearly missed by those fortunate enough to have known him.

Mitch’s unconditional love for his family, friends, and rescue animals was known by all and is his legacy. Rescue dogs with Heartworm Disease need adopters who can give them the extra love and care they need. In honor of his life and his love for rescue animals, the Mitch Russell Memorial Fund is devoted to providing financial support for the rescue and treatment of dogs like his beloved Ghost: those in high-kill shelters suffering from Heartworm Disease. Mitch Russell had a heart big enough to save Ghost and inspire this fund. All donations will be used to help dogs with Heartworm Disease have a chance at finding a forever home.

Donations to the Mitch Russell Memorial Fund can be made online through GoFundMe by clicking the Donate button below.

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Donations can also be made by check and mailed to
They Rescue Us, Inc.
PO Box 27
Phoenix, MD 21131

Please indicate in the notes/memo section of the check that the donation is for the Mitchell Russell Memorial Fund.

Mitch and his girlfriend Sam when they first took Ghost home.
Mitch and Ghost enjoying each other’s snuggles.