Old dogs and the people who love them have something to wag about this week, as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces $419,000 in grants going to 62 animal welfare groups nationwide. This brings the national nonprofit Grey Muzzle Organization’s total grant funding to nearly $2 million since 2008.
Members of the Dog Writers Association of America have even more reason to celebrate the Grey Muzzle Organization.
Grey Muzzle DWAA Award
A new special award will be given to one DWAA member in February 2020, at the annual banquet and award even. This award goes to the best article, book, blog, TV segment, radio spot, video, column or other creative media format that best educates, promotes, or demonstrates to the public the plight of at-risk senior dogs. This may include stories about special programs at a rescue or shelter that enable older best friends to retain their homes or find new forever homes, seniors for seniors programs, medical victories,hospice care for homeless dogs or other ways in which communities and/or individuals are helping to make sure no old dog dies alone or afraid. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a commemorative plaque.
The new grantees, selected from among 236 applicants, will use the funds to help save and improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs in their communities. These grants will provide critically needed medical and dental treatment; foster and hospice care; adoption promotions; and programs that help keep old dogs in good homes.
Senior Dogs Rock
Here are a few examples of how old dogs will benefit from the new Grey Muzzle grants:
Nike is almost nine, but thanks to daily medication for arthritis, he still enjoys leash-walks and snuggles. A Grey Muzzle grant to Austin Pets Alive! in Texas provides dogs like Nike with the veterinary care needed to diagnose and treat medical conditions, helping them feel better and improving their chances of adoption. Currently in a foster home, Nike is hoping to find a forever family soon.
When Goober, a nine-year-old corgi, needed emergency surgery to remove a foreign object lodged in his throat, his mom turned to the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) in San Diego, California. Although she was unable to afford the cost of the procedure, Goober got the surgery he needed and is back to his old self again. A Grey Muzzle grant to FACE will help cover the cost of care for senior dogs like Goober who have treatable conditions, saving their lives and keeping them with their families.
Sometimes, being seen makes all the difference in a shelter dog’s life. After 427 days of waiting for a home, some creative marketing and new photos of ten-year-old Bee helped shine a light on her personality and led to her being adopted! A Grey Muzzle grant to HeARTs Speak in Poughkeepsie, New York, will allow the nonprofit arts and advocacy group to create and distribute a free marketing toolkit for animal welfare organizations to use to help promote the senior dogs in their care.
Graham Greene was found as a stray, wandering the streets of Chicago. Luckily, he landed in the care of Second City Canine Rescue, where he received desperately needed dental and medical care. It didn’t take long for Graham to win the hearts of his foster family, who adopted him. A Grey Muzzle Grant will enable Second City Canine Rescue to provide dental exams and periodontal treatments for 50 senior dogs like Graham, making them healthier, happier and more adoptable.
Grey Muzzle Is There For Senior Dogs
“Through these grants, many more senior dogs will get the second chance they all deserve,” Grey Muzzle Executive Director Lisa Lunghofer said. “Thanks to our donors, who share our vision of a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid, thousands of at-risk old dogs will spend their golden years in homes with families who love them.”
A complete list of grantees is available at greymuzzle.org.
The national nonprofit 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.
How To Enter the Yearly DWAA Writing Competition
On July 9, 2019, visit this website to join the exciting competition.
