each dog. She observes that people are often afraid to adopt unknown dogs, but Lily’s keeps them long enough to properly assess them. “When you get a dog, you know who you’re bringing home,” she says, and she finds that when you adopt an older dog, they are grateful and develop a very strong bond.
Unique needs Despite the upheaval
they’ve had in their lives, the dogs seem to adjust well. “Once they feel safe and know they’re home, they relax,” says Mayn. She advises anyone considering adopting a senior dog to be cognizant that older dogs have special needs and be prepared to commit to taking proper care of their new family member. Regular walks and grooming are basic caretaking, and they should learn to read their dog to recognize its signals so they’ll know what it needs. Wentzell also advises
Navarro is an ideal Lily’s Legacy senior dog: 7 years or older and more than 50 pounds.
Rewards and Joys “The thing I have learned most from these dogs is gratitude,” says Mayn. She finds that every dog has its own personality and special antics. She recalls some dogs who were living in the bunkhouse, and they learned how to open the door to the freezer below the refrigerator, took out the food, unwrapped it and had a party—without any ill effects. Wentzell believes that senior dogs have so much love to give. “They’re often gentle, experienced souls,” he says, but often when families are looking for a dog in a shelter, they don’t think about older dogs. “Lily’s Legacy is the best rescue group I’ve ever worked with,” Wentzell says, noting that it’s one of a kind in that it’s a sanctuary for senior dogs that are also big dogs. That the unmet need is huge, he says, and many of the dogs would be euthanized if they ended up in shelters. He adds that the dogs have lost their homes and have been through stressful times, and they’re often suffering from a kind of PTSD. But if they’re given a loving, stable environment, they thrive. Wentzell points out the tagline on Mayn’s email, which sums up the organization’s spirit. “Saving one dog won’t change the world, but it will change the world for that one dog.” g
adopters to recognize that senior dogs have unique needs. They might have dental disease or arthritis. “People should understand what they’re getting into,” he says. Lily’s evaluates and screens potential adopters so they understand their responsibilities, and when homes are a good fit, “Senior dogs will give so much love in return for having that stable, loving family at the end of their life,” he says. The path to adoption When making dogs available for adoption, “We like families where someone’s home a lot,” says Mayn, because senior dogs need more attention than younger ones. Someone who has a heart for senior dogs and can give them the love and attention they need is ideal, and Lily’s Legacy has repeat adopters who fill that description. She’ll call to tell them about a dog, and they’re frequently ready to give it a home. She also gets the word out that a new dog is available by posting on the organization’s website and social media and by relying on good word of mouth. Anyone who’s interested in a particular dog can send in an application. She advises potential adopters to know enough to be able to ask questions and take into consideration the energy level and size of the dog. “Most of the time, they have a dog in mind when they call us. Then they come and meet them. If it’s a good fit, and they’re approved, they get to take it home,” she says. They pay the cost of adoption, which is $300. Later, if they need help, a staff member at Lily’s Legacy will talk with them and help them resolve any issues.
34 NorthBaybiz
July 2024
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