We’ve been barking about the importance of rescuing, fostering and adopting senior pets for a while now — in recent SVPP and Pup Plaza blogs. Found as a stray, abandoned or surrendered to the shelter, senior pets can be the ideal companion...low key, sweet, and often undemanding, happy with a bit of time, love, attention, and a warm bed.
Initially though, these pets can require more support — veterinary and dental care and longer time in foster to find the right forever family. This can be an expensive endeavor, but these dogs and cats are worth every penny and deserving of our embrace. In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, SVPP rescued more than 300 pets including 83 dogs, 20 of which were senior.
The Lieb family recently added 10-year old Emma to their Senior Doxie party! |
We have some good news to share on this front. The Grey Muzzle Organization has awarded SVPP a grant to help care for these senior pooches. With its vision of “a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid,” this national nonprofit has provided more than $3.1 million in grants to organizations that help achieve this vision.
“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re delighted to help deserving organizations like SVPP make a difference in the lives of dogs and people in their communities,” Grey Muzzle’s Executive Director Lisa Lunghofer said. “Many senior dogs are enjoying their golden years in loving homes thanks to the wonderful work of SVPP.”
SVPP is one of 77 animal welfare groups chosen from 266 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs. The winning groups received a total of more than $616,000 in grants to help save or improve the lives of at-risk old dogs in their communities.As you ponder fostering or adopting a dog — or cat, think of the joy you can bring a senior and the love he or she can bring you.
For more information about adoptable dogs and cats and/or fostering, please visit our website.
Karen Zamel is a long-time SVPP volunteer and is a member of the communications team.