Grey Matters

No one likes to think about losing a dog to old age, but just as distressing is the thought of our dog outliving us, alone and homeless. Many senior dogs end up in shelters for just this reason. These are some steps you can take to ensure the care of your dog after you are gone.

If you are like most people, you will eventually decide to get another dog after your dog passes on. This is a personal decision and one that should be made very carefully and the entire family should be involved. The best time to commit to a new relationship is different for everyone, but this article offers advice what to consider when making it.

Shirley Zindler, an animal control officer and author of The Secret Life of Dog Catchers, was asked to tell us about the senior dogs she meets in her work. In this post, she describes the joy of being able to help find homes for dogs - especially senior dogs, and tells the story of one such dog, named Hilda.

Veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby, a Grey Muzzle Advisory Board Member, explains some of the reasons why older dogs can be restless at night, and how a vet makes a diagnosis. She offers hope for sleepless dogs and their people, and suggests common remedies for this malady.

Before coming to the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS), Dora, a senior Pit Bull, had a difficult life, but she remained a hopeful, happy girl. With the care of KHS and help from a grant from Grey Muzzle, she recovered from heartworm, found a home with a family, and learned to love and trust again.

Many senior dogs are abandoned when they need us most. Read about how Grey Muzzle works to improve the lives of these at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources for senior dog programs through shelters, rescues, sanctuaries, and other nonprofits.

Hospice fostering provides care for homeless dogs that do not have long to live. The prospect of caring for these dogs may seem daunting to some, but Debbie Marks, a hospice foster parent for Grey Muzzle grantee Blind Dog Rescue Alliance, explains why it is rewarding beyond measure.

The classic Labrador Retriever has a "forever young" attitude to life, but senior Labs in shelters can have a difficult time finding adopters. Safe Harbor Lab Rescue, a Grey Muzzle grantee, provides these older Labs with care, and shows potential adopters how much companionship old Labs have to give.

Old Dog Haven, a Grey Muzzle grantee, prioritizes the oldest and sickest dogs in shelters. For those dogs very near the end of their lives, Old Dog Haven offers a special program that gives the dogs their final weeks or days in a comfortable home with people who really care.

Lasers are now being used by many veterinarians in the treatment of our four-legged companions, which can help in the care of older canines. For many senior dogs, laser therapy is a safe alternative to treat common conditions, including arthritis.