No Old Dog Deserves to Die Alone
This amazing organization is saving senior shelter dogs
Of all the dogs languishing in shelters, the ones that really break our hearts are the oldies—the sweet seniors found as strays or dropped off at animal control when their care becomes too burdensome or costly. Their grey faces and clouded eyes seem to beseech: what have I done to deserve this? Facing reduced adoption prospects, many simply don’t make it out.
Stepping in to change this is The Grey Muzzle Organization, a registered non-profit that believes no old dog deserves to die alone and afraid. The Grey Muzzle team is dedicated to creating a world in which every senior dog is cherished.
“Although they have so much love and companionship to give, senior dogs are among the first to be euthanized and last to be adopted,” says Lisa Lunghofer, Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization.
When senior dogs enter shelters, their future is uncertain—just over 50 percent find new homes, says Lunghofer. But thanks to the work of The Grey Muzzle Organization, more good, old dogs are getting out of shelters and into loving homes.
Grey Muzzle focuses solely on the welfare of senior dogs. Through grants, the organization funds programs throughout the United States designed to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs. Thanks to supporters, since 2008, Grey Muzzle has provided a total of $3,800,000 in grants to senior dog programs nationwide, including $705,000 awarded this past July to 78 animal welfare groups. Grey Muzzle invites shelters, rescue groups, sanctuaries, and other non-profit organizations to apply for these grant funds. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000.