SAUGUS — Lisa Mattuchio found her calling when she met her dog Eddie in 2018 after three other homes returned him. His mobility issues would lead to him being given a set of wheels, leading Mattuchio down the path she is on.
Now, she runs local nonprofit Eddie’s Ranch, where she helps other dogs like Eddie find their forever homes. She herself has adopted other senior dogs and dogs with disabilities.
“Although I always rescued, Eddie changed who I am. He made me a better person, and I wanted to do more in his memory. Eddie’s Ranch and everything I do is 100% inspired by the love I had for him and the desire to help the dogs that need it most. He is why my rescue concentrates on senior and disabled dogs. There are so many dogs like Eddie that are overlooked. I wanted to be sure they had a place to retire and be loved for the rest of their lives. Eddie deserved that, and so does every dog like Eddie,” Mattuchio said.
Her ranch is a full house with dogs stopping in to receive all the love Mattuchio can give them before they make it to a home that she knows she can trust.
She said that “knowing there are so many dogs that need me” is how she finds the motivation to wake up every day and continue to help the animals that can’t help themselves. She added, “And, of course, I do it for my Eddie.”
Walking into the ranch, there’s no doubt that it’s a house built on love and healing, with Mattuchio speaking affectionately to all of her dogs, cleaning up after them at the drop of a hat, and making sure they’re comfortable in their spaces.
“I am looking to expand the Ranch in 2026 to make room for more dogs in need. More space and more volunteers will help me save more lives,” she said.
Each dog has time and effort dedicated directly to them and their special needs.
For the dogs that come to her and need wheels, Mattuchio puts them through therapy and works with them to help them gain some mobility. She truly is a second chance for the dogs that seem to have no hope left in them, rewriting their stories one small step at a time.
To get an inside look at Matucchio’s dogs and see the work she does, you can find her all over social media. Her Instagram and TikTok handle is @Eddieonwheels; this is where her journey with Eddie helped garner a large audience.
Those looking to lend a helping hand can donate pee pads, dog food, cat litter, and cat food.
She noted that she often finds donations left on her doorstep.
To fill out an adoption form, make a monetary donation, and find more information, you can visit her website eddieonwheels.com, where you can also contact Mattuchio for other inquiries.
Due to her dedication to the dogs that need another chance at life, Mattuchio has been named the 2025 Saugus Person of the Year.
