
For over twelve years, photographer Nancy LeVine has documented our nation's senior dogs in all their variety and beauty. She writes, "My interest in the world of the senior dog began as my own two dogs began to approach the end of their days....I entered a world of grace where bodies that had once expressed their vibrancy were now on a more fragile path." These photographs have become part of her series Senior Dogs Across America.

Earlier this year, Nancy LeVine visited and photographed dogs at Animal Haven, a nonprofit based in New York City that rescues homeless dogs and cats in New York and neighboring states. The Grey Muzzle Organization helps support their senior dog program with a grant for medical care for adoptable dogs.
We wanted to share some Animal Haven's senior dogs through Nancy LeVine's photographs, so we asked their Executive Director, Tiffany A. Lacey, to tell us more about Animal Haven's senior dog program and about the senior dogs Nancy met and photographed.
Animal Haven is a nonprofit organization that finds homes for abandoned dogs and cats throughout the Tri-State area, and provides medical care and behavior intervention when needed to improve chances of adoption. Founded in 1967, we operate an animal shelter in Manhattan and also provide programs that enhance the bond between animals and people.
One of Animal Haven’s special interests is rescuing senior dogs. Our organization always has quite a few dogs over the age of eight – both small and large – in its care. We offer them rehabilitation (if there is a medical issue) and socialization and training (if there is a behavior issue). Through its Executive Suite, Enrichment 2.0, Recovery Road Fund programs, fosters and other special partners, Animal Haven is committed to helping rescue as many senior dogs as possible.

Animal Haven also takes in larger senior dogs like King and Lucy. These two adorable senior Pitties came to us under two completely different circumstances but have each received the same amount of love and attention.
Lucy is a 9-year-old superstar. After being abandoned by her previous owner at a veterinarian’s office because her back legs stopped working, Animal Haven took her in and gave her the incredible gift of surgery and physical therapy with money raised through its Recovery Road Fund. After a few months, she was walking again and back to her happy-go-lucky self. To make this story even more special, after over a year in the shelter, Lucy was finally adopted by Animal Haven’s director of operations and his family. She now has a two-year-old human sibling and a big house to roam around in.

Animal Haven is always striving to increase the number of senior dogs rescued and placed. These older friends make wonderful companions and deserve the same love and attention that their younger counterparts receive.
You can see more of Nancy LeVine's photographs on her website and Facebook page. To learn more about Animal Haven, visit www.animalhavenshelter.org.
For information about all of the wonderful organizations that Grey Muzzle supports, see Who We Help.
The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other nonprofit groups nationwide.