Old Dog Haven

Your Dollars are Helping to Find Homes and Provide Care for Abandoned Senior Dogs

Not only does Old Dog Haven find homes for senior dogs who often have outlived their people, but they also provide a network of foster homes and medical care for those dogs who don’t have much longer to live themselves.

End-of-Life Planning

Have you ever thought of what would happen to your pet, if you passed away?  Not all of us are planners but when we do make an end-of-life plan, we tend to take into account our spouses, our children, our siblings maybe…but few if any of us make a plan for our pets, should they outlive us.  Maybe we hope that family steps in, but there are so many dogs who become homeless after years of loyal friendship and partnership, by no fault of their own – and often while themselves experiencing loss of their “loved-one”.

This is where Old Dog Haven steps in, and thank goodness. It’s an organization close to my heart because 10 years ago my “old” dog Suki came to me through them. She was an 8 year old shepherd-greyhound mix when she came to live with me and lived another 5 years.  She was considered “old” but in my opinion still in her prime , and young at heart – like many of us when we reach advanced years 😉 …not to mention she came with life experience (leash skills etc.) and potty-trained!

Let’s Not Discard Any Creatures Just Because of Age

Older dogs statistically are less likely to be adopted.  Everyone wants a new pup but anyone who has taken in an older dog will tell you that there is a sense of gratitude from these older dogs that is hard to describe.  Just like us – if we were to be uprooted at mid or late life, stressed by unexpected transition, it takes time for a dog with history to adjust to a new home routine, but with some understanding and patience it can be a deeply rewarding experience.

Every adoption – of young and old dogs – should come with an expectation of time invested in building your relationship through training classes.  And it’s worth noting that the training is not for the dog as much as it’s for the humans.  We are the ones who generally have a lot to learn about communicating humanely and effectively with our four-legged family members.

We are more alike than we realize.  One thing my pets have taught me over the years is how similar our health needs are.  Many of the natural interventions I’ve recommended for humans in my practice actually also apply to dogs and cats.  They benefit from herbs and other supplements like digestive enzymes for one example.  They get relief from acupuncture and manual therapy and physical therapy too!

If you’re a dog lover, and you want to find out more about these folks, please take a look at Old Dog Haven’s mission by clicking on these words.

Conversation Starter:

What’s your plan for your pet if he or she should outlive you?  On the flip side, have you planned for your approach to senior care or hospice care for your pet?