This was posted recently in our forums, but I know not all of you get to the forums very often, and I thought it might be of interest:
The Grey Muzzle Fact Sheet! We envision a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid.
The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of old dogs who have been abandoned or left homeless by helping animal shelters, rescue groups, and sanctuaries around the country build adoption and hospice programs for the special needs of senior dogs.
Grey Muzzle believes that:
Old dogs have much to teach us about patience, respect, responsibility, and loyalty.
Old dogs with only a few years, months, weeks, or even days left deserve a place to finish their lives where they are loved and cared for.
Our canine friends are not disposable, they are a lifelong commitment.
Senior dogs are abandoned for many reasons: the family moves, the owner won’t or can’t provide needed medical care, or they just aren’t fun anymore. Once homeless, senior dogs often find it particularly hard to survive in large shelters and can deteriorate rapidly. Old dogs get stiff and sore lying on the cement floors in shelters. They often need dental work, which may be too expensive for shelters to provide and discourages adopters. Kennel cough, which is rampant in shelters, can be very dangerous for an older dog. Adopters often pass by old dogs on their way to the puppies.
Yet old dogs have much to give. They enjoy life’s pleasures just as much as a younger dog, simply at a slower pace and with fewer demands. Old dogs enrich the lives of those who want a calm, settled pet and are great companions for senior humans. Some success has been achieved by shelters and rescue organizations that focus on the needs of senior dogs and help match them with people that can appreciate and benefit from their affection and loyalty. However, the need is great, and this success requires funding.
This is where The Grey Muzzle Organization can help! The Grey Muzzle mission encompasses granting financial assistance to organizations that provide care for homeless senior dogs; creating educational programs and resources for those considering adopting a senior dog; and, finally, educating that our old canine friends are not disposable, but rather a rewarding lifelong commitment. Examples of programs currently being funded include cots for senior dogs in shelters, medical expenses for dogs in hospice care, and a seniors-for-seniors adoption program.
The Grey Muzzle Organization was founded in 2008 as a national, nonprofit corporation. The Organization received 501(c)(3) tax exempt approval in July 2008. Grants, special program sponsorship, and financial funding are provided through the generosity of public donations. Grey Muzzle board members come from a diverse background of experience and knowledge, all sharing their common love for dogs. The Grey Muzzle Organization is also very fortunate to have an advisory board of distinguished veterinarians, animal welfare organization executives, non-profit experts, animal trainers, pet nutritionists, and naturopaths.
To find out more about The Grey Muzzle Organization and how you can help please visit our Web site.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
I have been in the music business all my life It’s my 70th birthday and I decided to record this song entitled Old Dogs and share this You Tube video with friends and dog lovers . So far the response is to cool . it’s scheduled for PBS /TV /Radio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8inY6flQFaE&feature=youtube_gdata
All the best with your creative adventures at Doggies . Com
Mickey Carroll
Who knows what I did but shortly after my boxer’s 7th birthday I took her to the vet and the vet didn’t actually believe me that she was 7 she was in such good condition. Most boxers are decrepit-looking at that age but when I take her to the dog park and say she’s 7 I get the “oh, 7 months?” response. The vet anticipated 5 more happy years for her and applauded me for whatever I did. Which still leaves me clueless. I just raised her the way I thought was best so don’t necessarily go off of breed standard life expectancy (8, maybe 10, for Boxers) because if it were always the case my girl would be on her way home as we speak. She couldn’t act farther from a senior citizen if I asked her too!
I’ve had the pleasure of owning two senior dogs. One was 17 when he passed over and the other was 13 when she passed. Both of these dogs had special needs when they got older and I could not imagine either of them surviving in a kennel. Both were loving and faithful to the end, I gave both of them as much love as I had and got more in return from them. I got as much enjoyment from them at older ages as I did when they were puppies and I just want to say that senior dogs deserve to be taken care of, they need to know that even though they may not see as well, or be able to run and play that they are still an important part of our lives. They ask for nothing
I have to comment that I am a proud owner of a 18 year old dogs. This will be her 19th weather. She has all her teeth and fur and runs around like she was a 10 year old dog. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.