2,631 hearts
Of all the dogs waiting in shelters, none gut us like the seniors — the sweet old-timers found as strays or surrendered when their care becomes too heavy or too expensive. Their gray muzzles and cloudy eyes seem to ask: what did I do to deserve this? Facing slim adoption odds, too many of them never get out.
Stepping up to rewrite that fate is The Grey Muzzle Organization, a registered non-profit built on the belief that no old dog deserves to die alone or afraid. Their mission is to create a world where every senior dog is truly cherished.
"Despite all the love and companionship they offer, senior dogs are among the first to be euthanized and the last to be adopted," says Lisa Lunghofer, Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization.
When senior dogs enter shelters, their outlook is bleak — just over half ever find new homes, Lunghofer says. But thanks to Grey Muzzle's tireless work, more good old dogs are escaping shelters and landing in loving homes.
Razz curls up for cuddles with an adoption center volunteer. Grey Muzzle grants help prevent at-risk seniors like Razz from being surrendered to shelters.
Grey Muzzle zeroes in solely on the welfare of senior dogs. Through grants, the organization funds programs across the United States designed to improve the lives of at-risk seniors. Thanks to supporters, since 2008 Grey Muzzle has awarded a total of $3,800,000 in grants to senior-dog programs nationwide — including $705,000 given out this past July to 78 animal-welfare groups. Grey Muzzle invites shelters, rescue groups, sanctuaries, and other non-profits to apply for these funds, which typically range from $2,500 to $10,000.
From Chained and Forgotten to Truly Loved: The Pilgrim Story
Rescue group NMDOG answered an urgent call from Animal Control in Albuquerque, New Mexico. An officer had picked up nine-year-old Pilgrim, found chained up and freezing. He was severely malnourished and covered in wounds from repeated dog attacks.
Thanks to a Grey Muzzle grant, NMDOG could say "yes" to taking Pilgrim in. Within the hour, he was on his way to the veterinarian.
It was plain that Pilgrim had suffered terribly — so much so that the responding officer filed animal cruelty charges. In the end, Pilgrim's abuser was convicted.
Once safely at NMDOG, Pilgrim finally received all the care he'd gone so long without. He was treated for a severe blood infection and trauma to his right eye, then put on a special diet to help him regain the 20 pounds he'd lost fending for himself. The community rallied around him, mailing care packages filled with treats and notes of encouragement.
As Pilgrim's body healed, his spirit came alive again. Now feeling safe and loved at last, he let a little more of his wiggly, kissy self shine through every day. It was only a matter of time before he was ready for a home of his own — and before long, Pilgrim found his perfect match: Woody! Two old souls cut from the same cloth, they loved sharing the couch together and browsing the Web. Woody even signed Pilgrim up for a monthly subscription box packed with chew toys and special treats that were easy on his tummy.
After three blissful years together, Woody and Pilgrim's NMDOG family had to say goodbye. "With plenty of treats, countless kisses, snuggles, and wagging tails, we told Pilgrim what a best boy he was, what a difference he made in so many lives, and what an honor it has been to be his rescue," says NMDOG. "We're grateful that Pilgrim knew only health, happiness, and love once he came into our care… as that is our ultimate promise to each of them."
Originally featured in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!
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