Unwanted Senior Dogs Given Second Chance To Live Out Their Final Days
When thinking about welcoming a furry friend into the family, the image that often comes to mind is a fluffy puppy. And who can help but fall in love at the sight of an adorable young dog?
But while many families go out in search of a new dog, many senior dogs are overlooked in favor of a more energetic or able-bodied companion.
This is the unfortunate reality of so many animal shelters across the country, with countless senior dogs struggling to find a home for their final chapter.
Thankfully, one incredible San Francisco animal rescue organization is looking to change that reality.
Muttville Senior Dog rescue is working to create a better future for senior dogs. Committed to finding senior dogs forever families and to providing many dogs the end-of-life care they deserve, this rescue is truly one of a kind.
After spending years volunteering in animal shelters, Muttville founder Sherri Franklin realized she could do something to help the older dogs left behind.
“Muttville started eleven years ago, after seeing so many wonderful, happy, full of life senior dogs getting death sentences in shelters, I decided something needed to change!” Franklin said. “As an animal lover, this was near and dear to my heart. Seeing these wonderful oldies get loving homes instead of euthanasia fills my soul and I know I was put here to do this.”
Muttville caters to pups at heart over 7 years old. The rescue works to find homes for adoptable seniors, provide hospice care for those that can’t be adopted, and spreads the word about the joys of owning a senior dog.
In 2017 alone, Muttville rescued 1,051 dogs. Since their beginnings in 2007, that number has reached 5,700, and the number continues to climb with new dogs arriving daily.
“Each dog that Muttville takes into the program has been through some kind of abandonment, whether it was their person dying, going to a nursing home, moved away, or they were left behind at a shelter,” Muttville board member Patty Stanton told Liftable. “From this sadness comes a new beginning for each and every Muttville dog, even the ones that have a terminal illness, we’ll find a hospice home for them. And they all find a new home!”
And according to Stanton, the relationships formed at Muttville go beyond those of senior dogs and their forever families.
“At Muttville’s headquarters in San Francisco, when the staff and volunteers fall in love with these little personalities, we’re so happy to see them on their journey with their new families,” she said. “Besides that, Muttville is a place where many friendships are formed, there’s even a (human) marriage that just happened!”
As with many animal rescues across the country, finding the funding to provide for so many deserving dogs is often the biggest challenge. According to Sherri, the cost of veterinary bills is a significant hurdle for the rescue.
“Many of the dogs we rescue come from situations where they haven’t been cared for,” she explained. “We get them ready for their new homes by making sure they leave Muttville in the best condition possible and the price can be steep. We provide full wellness exams to every dog, blood work, eyes, ears, skin, vaccines, spay, neuter, and surgeries for growths, tumors, and most importantly dentistry. You can’t believe the number of teeth that need extractions!”
Thankfully, there is always something those looking to help can do.
“Muttville asks dog lovers to adopt, foster, volunteer or donate. Or do all four!” the rescue says.
In order to keep things running smoothly, Muttville relies on the help of hundreds of volunteers. Whether it’s hanging out with the dogs or writing up enticing doggie bios, they’re the heart of the operation.
“We could not do the work we do without a robust team of volunteers,” says volunteer & Foster Care Manager Bunny Rosenberg. “We rely on our volunteer crew to support every aspect of Muttville’s work: from walking dogs, to writing adoption bios, to data entry, to veterinary assistance, to grooming, to administrative support—you name it, our volunteers do it!”
If you’re interested in getting involved with Muttville or bringing one of their adorable seniors into your family, visit their website or their San Francisco headquarters.
“Potential adopters should meet the dog first in San Francisco to ensure it’s a match, a wonderful reason to visit San Francisco this summer!” the rescue says. “Visit our cage-free headquarters and lounge on a futon with a few senior dogs!”
And what could be better than lounging around with a loving dog to call your own? Sounds like a match made in Muttville to me.
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