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The Grey Muzzle Organization
There’s never been a better time to be an old dog, or to bring one home. In the same way that dog-lovers are quick to tell others, “He’s a rescue,” more people today readily share that their adopted dog is also a senior, age 7 or older. “People who have adopted a senior dog say they would do it again in a heartbeat,” says Lisa Lunghofer, Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization, a nonprofit that has provided more than $1.5 million in grants to animal shelters and rescue groups helping at- risk senior dogs across America. When Grey Muzzle surveyed its grant recipients about trends in senior dog adoptions, 80% percent reported noticing an improvement in public perception of senior dogs while two-thirds cited an increase in adoptions. Lunghofer believes that these results reflect the strides society has made in valuing and caring for our older best friends. To celebrate The Grey Muzzle Organization’s 10th anniversary, the group assembled this list of the top ten changes for senior dogs over the past decade: Advances in veterinary care. New drugs help dogs live longer, healthier lives. Veterinary specialists—from cardiologists to ophthalmologists—provide expert care for specific medical issues. Holistic and alternative veterinary care such as acupuncture also help improve the quality of life for senior dogs with arthritis and other age-related ailments. The benefits of better dental care. Brushing your dog’s teeth is no longer laughable; it’s laudable. Going to the doggy dentist—a veterinarian with specialized
training—is now the norm, helping to prevent health problems caused by poor dental hygiene in the past. Media is changing public perception. This year, the first “Dog Bowl” featuring senior dog athletes, joined the popular Puppy Bowl as an alternative to watching the Super Bowl. Mainstream media frequently covers stories about senior dogs. Older canines are also often the darlings of celebrities, as well as social media stars. More books about old dogs. People who love old dogs also love reading about them. There are numerous books about senior dogs—ranging from rescue stories to health guides—with new titles being published all the time More groups are rescuing and re-homing senior dogs. In 2018, Grey Muzzle received a record 300+ grant applications from nonprofits helping at-risk senior dogs. Grants were awarded to 180 groups to provide
Rescued from a municipal shelter by Get a Bull in Huntington, NY, 13-year- old Fletcher is part of the group’s Forever Foster program. A Grey Muzzle grant helps support his ongoing medical needs, while Fletcher enjoys checking items off his bucket list with the help of a great foster dad.
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