The Grey Muzzle Organization

Helping homeless senior dogs

Meet the Dogs

Meet some of the dogs helped by The Grey Muzzle Organization. We provide grants and other funding to pay expenses such as medical care, so that the wonderful organizations that give these dogs a second chance can focus on their care. To learn more about these organizations, see organizations we have approved for funding. The dogs on this page are just a sample of the elder dogs that have benefited from our grants to these organizations.

	*Nolan*	January 2009 Nolan is a nice older dog who was left behind in an empty house when his former humans moved out. He was picked up by animal control where he was near the top of their list for euthanasia He was horribly matted when he came to Saint Louis Senior Dog Project (first picture). They were not even sure whether this dog was a boy or a girl! After being shaved down, Nolan is much more comfortable. Under all those mats, the Senior Dog Project found a lot of spots! They estimate Nolan's age at 10 or 11. His medical care, including vaccinations, heartworm test, dental, and bloodwork will be paid for by Grey Muzzle.
	*Halo*	January 2009 Halo, an old chocolate lab, was found as a stray in rural Ohio and taken to the local shelter. Southwest Pennsylvania Retriever Rescue (SPARRO) works on a regular basis with this shelter and was happy to make the 300 mile drive to pick Halo up there. She had no chance of adoption at the rural shelter and was in danger of being euthanized. Halo had kennel cough, an infection in both eyes due to Entropion, and also had a large mammary mass that SPARRO hoped was not cancer. In late January, Grey Muzzle paid for surgery to remove the tumor and fix the Entropion, so she is now much more comfortable. (And lab tests showed the tumor to be benign-yeah!) Other good news: she is heartworm negative, free of parasites, and her heart and lungs are good, as well as her bloodwork. Amazingly, no dental is needed as she has great teeth. Some "maintenance" was all that was needed to give this girl a chance at a happy retirement! Now that she is free of kennel cough, Halo has free run of her new home, and will likely live in the home of SPARRO's founder (who also operates Shades of Grey Senior Sanctuary) for the remainder of her life.
	Baby	January 2009 Last month we learned that 13-year-old Baby, a mini-dachshund, entered the hospice program at Central Texas Dachshund Rescue. CTDR says, "Baby came to us with her buddy after spending her entire life in the backyard of her home. Her family dumped Baby and a companion at a kill shelter when they found fleas on them! When we got her she didn't know how to be an "inside dog." She was hesitant to walk over a threshold or walk on carpet. She hadn't been socialized much and didn't know how to respond to a kind hand petting her. But time and patience has brought her around. "A routine check-up found a small mass on one of her mammary glands. Since she also needed a dental, the decision was made to remove the lump at the same time and send it off for analysis. Pre-op blood work found that her liver was severely compromised, and the results on the tumor came back cancerous. The decision was made to make Baby a Hospice Care dog to ensure the she be given all the care that she needed for the rest of her life." Hard to imagine such a tiny little dog all alone outside, but no more of that! CTDR says she has decided she likes the indoors, her warm fuzzy bed, the sun through the windows, and even laps. CTDR will make sure that she will live out her life loved and comfortable. Grey Muzzle has provided a grant to support the hospice program at CTDR for two years.
Mooter, matted, on his chain Shiny and happy in his new home	*Mooter*	December 2009 Mooter, a spaniel mix, spent his nine years of life on the end of a chain, like many other dogs at a rural property in North Carolina. Community Partnership for Pets worked with Grey Muzzle to find homes for Mooter and several other senior dogs from this property. Saint Louis Senior Dog project took Mooter and three other seniors and provided foster homes. Community Partnership for Pets completed initial veterinary care, and Grey Muzzle provided funding for any additional medical care required. Within weeks all were adopted through Saint Louis Senior Dog Project. Despite living their lives on chains with little human affection, Mooter and his friends have proved to be loving, quiet, and extremely happy companions. Mooter's new dad Vince writes: "Mo has enriched our lives every day!! He loves taking walks and wags his tail from start to finish. You look into his eyes and you just see that he is content with where his life is now! Thanks for making our home complete! Traci and I admit that although Mo is lucky to have us, we are the ones blessed to have Mo in our lives!"
	*Molly*	November 2009 Sweet senior Molly was turned in to Southwest Pennsylvania Retriever Rescue (SPARRO) by her owner, because they were not able to care for her properly. She had a full body yeast infection as well as infected ears, and had lost most of her fur. SPARRO cares for Molly in their in-home sanctuary and she's already improving. They tell us, "Other than a large bare spot on her back, she has hair coming in everywhere. Her legs and feet look like velvet." Grey Muzzle pays for Molly's much-needed medical care. We'll post some "improved" pictures soon! December 2009 In the 3rd picture at left, a much-improved Molly (with fur!) cuddles on a chair. It takes so little to help old dogs like Molly; they blossom when given the proper medical care, food, and love. January 2009 Molly had been adopted by a family who says they can't believe what an angel she is (we can!). And we just heard that she is doing so well that she recently had to go to the groomer!
	*Cabot*	November 2009 Cabot was rescued from animal control by St. Louis Senior Dog Project, and Grey Muzzle paid for his medical care. He is a Pekingese boy about 12 years old. How he ended up as a stray picked up by animal control we'll never know. Poor Cabot was very skinny and frightened when St. Louis Senior Dog Project first met him at the shelter. He went to a foster home where he got the TLC he needs to prepare him for a new home. Other than being skinny and rather old, he's a healthy boy with no serious health problems. Not surprisingly, he was adopted by his foster mom within a month. Too cute!
	*Angelica*	October 2009 Angelica, 12 years old, was picked up as a stray, most likely dumped because of her physical condition—advanced myelopathy. She was scheduled to be euthanized when a volunteer from German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California (GSRNC) saw her and she was brought into their hospice care program, which Grey Muzzle supports with a grant. She is alert, bright eyed, affectionate, and a fighter. She may have only a few months left, but GSRNC is committed to making this the best time of her life.
	*Shelly*	August 2009 St. Louis Senior Dog Project was at a local animal control facility when they pointed out a senior schnauzer who was likely to be euthanized soon because she was both old and sick. The management there asked if the Senior Dog Project would give her a chance and they agreed; Grey Muzzle chipped in on medical expenses. X-rays showed bladder stones, and of course a dental was needed. The picture shows Shelly recovering quite nicely from her surgery -- next step, a forever home! The Senior Dog Project says, "She's already quite perky and seems to be housebroken and good with other pets. She's a friendly girl who will soon be ready for a home."
After a few weeks:	Johnny O.	August 2009 It was very difficult for our Board Members to read the medical fund application for Johnny O. from Posh Pets in New York City. He was rescued by a policeman from some kids who were kicking him around in a paper bag in a parking lot. The policeman brought him to animal control where he was found to be crushed, shaking, and could not open his eyes or walk. Posh Pets, who is not afraid to take the difficult cases, took him to their vet for IV fluids and surgery (of course, he needed a dental and neuter on top of everything else). We asked Linda at Posh Pets if Johnny O. would be a hospice care dog. "Oh, no," she responded, "he's going to be fine! When he sees the other dogs [in his foster home] his tail wags and he starts walking fast with them in the garden and sniffing them. He is going to be just fine. When I picked him up from the vet, his eyes were wide open and clear, and he actually could be a little younger [than the 12 years originally estimated]. He can absolutely see again, and he just needs good home cooking and rest and love, and the other dogs in foster will get him being a dog again. Stay tuned!" Sure enough, Linda told us a week later that Johnny O. is putting on weight, prancing around the garden, and jumping on the back of the foster parent's legs when he is ready to eat. Yeah! That we should all be so resilient at his relative age... October 2009 Poor Johnny O. has passed away unexpectedly. Posh Pets says, "He was doing so well and then he just seemed to give up. Such a shame, but at least he knew love and happiness before the end of his life." We agree, sometimes that's the best we can do for the old ones that have just been through too much, but it's worth doing. Scamper over the Rainbow Bridge, little one.
Sebastian going home to DVGRR	*Sebastian*	August 2009 This month we met Sebastian, one of the senior Goldens being helped by our new grant to Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue. Here's the story that DVGRR sent us: Sebastian’s original family wrote on a Tuesday in June to say that they were moving on Friday and could not take 13.5 year old Sebastian: “I was going to put him down but can’t bring myself to do it. He is great with kids and loves people. Please help my Sebastian.” DVGRR contacted the owner immediately and by Thursday, Sebastian was at our kennel facility, Golden Gateway. His nails and ears were in horrendous condition and our first priority was getting his nails cut and all the black gunk in his ears cleaned out. He amazed us with his good natured attitude towards anything we needed to do — his hearing was gone but the rest of his senses were in good shape and he was a very spunky, spirited guy! At his vet exam, a suspicious lump was found on his leg and our vet recommended taking it off and sending for biopsy. Sebastian’s pre-op bloodwork looked great, so he underwent surgery to remove the lump….and to neuter him, since that had never been done by his previous family. We worried about his ability to recuperate from the surgery, but when he returned from the vet he didn’t miss a beat...just kept wagging his tail and saying hi to all his new friends at Gateway -- “Didja miss me??” Yes, we did! The lump turned out to be a peripheral nerve sheath tumor, which is a cancerous mass, so we were very glad it had been taken off. It might return to the same location, but is unlikely to spread to other areas of his body. Sebastian flourished at DVGRR, charming everyone he met, gaining a few needed pounds, and acting more like a 10 year old Golden than one ready to turn 14 in a few months. On July 29, he was placed into a hospice home where he will enjoy the company of two other Goldens and a yellow Lab, and be doted on by the humans in the family. He hopped into the car to go home with no hesitation — a big Golden smile on his face! Thanks, DVGRR!
After just a few weeks in his new foster home:	*"Old Spot" aka Pumper*	July 2009 He didn't even have a name when we got the picture, but this old guy is the first recipient of Grey Muzzle's grant to Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay (DRTB). We'll keep you updated! August 2009 This 11+ year-old, flea-ravaged boy came in as a stray. His first stop after DRTB took charge was their vet’s office, where he was treated for severe skin, eye, ear and arthritis problems—and fleas. This Dalmatian has since been renamed Pumper and is doing well with Pam and Ron, his foster people, and their two other old adopted Dal. Ron can’t stop exclaiming what a sweet dog Pumper is. October 2009 We were very sad to hear that Pumper only had a short time in his wonderful foster home. From DRTB: "Sadly, right after your newsletter came out, sweet old Pumper was put to rest. His back legs completely gave out on him. [Surgery] couldn't be done at his age. Pam lifted him around for several days until the quality of his life was no longer any good. Even though we only had him a month, none of us regret or would have changed taking him into our rescue. At least he had 30 days of a lot of love." We agree and appreciate the important and meaningful effort DRTB and his foster home made.
	*Flash*	July 2009 St. Louis Senior Dog Project was contacted by a shelter in rural Illinois for help with old Flash. The shelter won't place dogs over a certain age for adoption, and on top of that, Flash badly needed a dental which is a big deterrent to adoption (and a common problem for senior dogs in shelters.) He's now safe in a foster home and Grey Muzzle will be paying for his much-needed dental work. January 2010 Flash has been adopted by a retired couple! Yeah! It took awhile because he does not get along with other dogs, but there's someone for everydog.
	Kendall	June 2009 Kendall was an old Rottweiler who was given to a local shelter and then began to limp. Radiographs confirmed osteosarcoma, so common in the breed, and the shelter manager asked if OldDog Haven in Washington state could possibly take her since she was still so happy. ODH has a program that provides hospice care to dogs from shelters, and Grey Muzzle helps fund this program. ODH was lucky to find a foster home who wanted a big dog for end-of-life care, and she gave Kendall a really terrific three weeks. As is so common with dogs who’ve gone through terrifying abandonment and stress, Kendall was so happy to be safe and loved again that she acted perfectly healthy for that long, and then one day the euphoria was gone and she was in serious pain. Her foster mom watched her very carefully, so she could get her to the vet immediately to make sure that Kendall didn’t suffer any longer. Kendall left the world with much love around her.
	Connor	June 2009 A supporter contacted us about 10-year-old Connor, who was running out of time in a shelter in Wichita, KS. St. Louis Senior Dog project took him in, and Grey Muzzle paid for his medical expenses. Like many, this rescue involved lots of people in several states! St. Louis Sr. Dog Project says, "He's a great dog. A real sweetheart." We're very glad that he will get a second chance! July 2009 In an amazing turn of events, Connor has gone home! Turns out Connor, actually Scotty, is a highly trained working dog and also a valued member of the family. His family was looking for him in all the wrong places! St. Louis Sr. Dog Project said, "I think they were all humbled and grateful to have him back, realizing how close he came to not making it out of the shelter at all." Not only is he now safe, but neutered and microchipped as well! The third picture on the left shows Scotty back with the family. Not quite the way we usually do it, but a Grey Muzzle priority is keeping senior dogs with their families!
	Winston	May 2009 Recently we learned that Winston, one of the hospice dogs in the care of Central Texas Dachshund Rescue, was diagnosed with diabetes. Winston had been in a CTDR foster home for a year before the diagnosis, so they caught it early and and are able to control the condition with daily insulin shots. A year ago, CTDR found 13-year-old Winston at a local shelter. His health had been seriously neglected by his previous family. With the help of their Grey Muzzle grant, CTDR fixed some very bad teeth, removed a nasty growth from his head and gave him good nutrition. Now, Winston lives in a foster home where he gets along with everyone, including the cats. His foster mom and dad took in a traumatized puppy mill dog, and Winston helped to bring her out of her shell. He participates in community functions and is a talented and beloved ambassador for senior dogs wherever he goes. CTDR says, "Winston is just a doll. He is so laid back and happy to be wherever his people are. He is very grateful to have found us! He loves his foster parents as long as they follow his schedule - bedtime is 8:30 sharp!" Winston is one of the beneficiaries of a Grey Muzzle grant to CTDR to support hospice dogs. January 2009 Winston was adopted by his foster family!
	Missy	May 2009 Well, Missy's story happened in February and March and we are a bit late in getting it posted. Yes, we need help! See our volunteer positions. February 2009 This sweet lady is Missy, a senior dog about of about 9 years. She ended up in the county animal control after her elderly owner died. St. Louis Senior Dog Project was told that police broke down the front door to gain access and Missy ran out in a panic. Neighbors eventually caught her and turned her in to animal control where she sat sadly in a cage while officials there tried to locate any relatives. The closest one, a niece, lived in in the SouthWest. She signed Missy over, and that's when St. Louis Senior Dog Project got involved. They took Missy into their foster program and to their vet, and Grey Muzzle paid for her medical expenses. Unfortunately, she was heartworm positive. She was treated for the heartworms and is recovering in her foster home where she spends a lot of time resting on a people bed and sometimes on the dog bed in front of the fireplace. She'll be available for adoption in a few weeks. Her bloodwork is normal and the Senior Dog Project can see her gradually regaining energy and confidence. March 2009 Missy has found her forever home! St. Louis Senior Dog Project reports that for the first 24 hours, she was pretty scared in her new home, but then she settled in and is now a happy girl, wagging her tail, giving kisses and bonding with the other dog. Security and love at last, Missy!
	Gracie	April 2009 Old Gracie arrived at Yonkers Animal Shelter in late February. The staff knew she had something wrong with her, probably old-age related, maybe hips. When we found out about Gracie, we had to send a bed from the Grey Muzzle Bed Fund. But her prospects for adoption didn't seem good. On April 19th, Leslie from Yonkers Animal Shelter told us Gracie went home with a wonderful woman who drove from Greenwich, CT to adopt her. We are thrilled. Great job, Leslie and Yonkers Animal Shelter.
	Gizmo	April 2009 Tere knew her mom needed a companion. But her mom uses a walker and she needed a dog that was not too small, so she wouldn't trip over him. Gizmo was the perfect match -- he and Tere's mom walk at the same speed because Gizmo has very short legs! It was love at first sight. This happy ending was arranged by Muttville's seniors-for-seniors program in California, a program funded by Grey Muzzle.
	Merlin	March 2009 This month we found out about two new seniors who entered the Permanent Foster program at the Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas (GRRNT), Merlin and Brinkley. Grey Muzzle helps fund this program. Merlin's former owner released him to GRRNT at ten years of age because he had no time to devote to the dog. Merlin had lived outside for the previous five years with no shelter and almost no social interaction. At intake veterinarians discovered a huge growth on the inside of his right rear leg. This growth is painful and affects his mobility, causing awkward movement. He became a Permanent Foster because of his age and because amputation of the tumor is not an option due to its location. Merlin is a happy dog despite his pre-rescue neglect and his tumor. He believes he is a lap dog, despite weighing 85 pounds, and covers people with kisses as he tries to sit on their lap. He also is a good mentor to younger fosters in his home.
	Brinkley	March 2009 Brinkley is a senior who was recently made a Permanent Foster at the Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas (GRRNT) due to cancer. He developed a cancerous fibro-sarcoma cancer that was removed from his nose, leaving him with a permanent scar. He received radiation treatment following his surgery. There is little information regarding this type of cancer. Brinkley’s cancer recently returned and will live out his life happy in his GRRNT Permanent Foster home. May 2009 We learned from GRRNT that Brinkley recently succumbed to his cancer. Thanks to GRRNT, he finished his life in a loving foster home.
	Lena	February 2009 We all know about the horrible conditions that puppy mill dogs endure. But one of the saddest kinds of stories we see all too frequently is a similar level of neglect, or even worse, in an owner’s home. Lena’s elderly owner was not able to care for her properly, and when the owner passed away, Lena went to family members without much dog experience and little money to spend on her care. When this small old dog wandered off from their unfenced yard, she ended up in a huge shelter. A veterinary examination showed that Lena’s kidneys had failed, she had severe anemia, and a ruptured disc that made her unable to control her back legs and caused her back to hunch up. OldDog Haven in Washington State says, “She was in worse shape than most of the puppy mill dogs, just from neglect, and she would have died in that kennel all alone.” Instead, OldDog Haven committed to Lena even though her time was very short. They cleaned her up (she couldn't see out of the hair over her face and the crusted-closed eyes), held her, fed her all she wanted, and let her sleep in front of the fire. Lena loved being cuddled, and she loved string cheese. She lived only a few days, but she ended her life in the arms of someone she trusted. Lena was one of the beneficiaries of a Grey Muzzle grant to OldDog Haven, for their program that helps dogs from shelters that have only a short time left.
January 2009 August 2009	Diamond	January 2009 Diamond is a little Maltese, probably about 10 years old. Diamond's owners brought her into a shelter to be euthanized, saying they could not afford her. Posh Pets, a rescue organization in New York City, took her to the vet, where indeed he diagnosed her with a terminal liver condition. He gave her 6-9 months live. With medicine and occasional special nursing, Posh Pets believes she can live these last months happily as she is still very energetic. Posh Pets tells us, "Poor little thing is losing all her hair from the illness, but she still walks around like she has long flowing hair and she is the prettiest thing ever. And that's what we tell her every day, how pretty she is. I am so glad we are letting her live out her life to the fullest. Thanks for your help." Grey Muzzle is very glad we can provide financial assistance to Posh Pets for Diamond. See Values on our About Grey Muzzle page for why we believe this is important work. August 2009 "OMG!", was our reaction when we saw the latest pictures of Diamond, "are you sure that's the right dog??" After writing about Diamond's struggle in our February e-newsletter, which featured hospice dogs, we were preparing ourselves for bad news. Posh Pets had a good LOL at us, "lively and feisty, also," they said. October 2009 Diamond continues to improve, and rule the roost, and Posh Pets believes she is fully in remission.
After a few months, happy and gaining weight: Dixie snuggling on her new mom's lap:	Dixie	December 2008 Dixie was an emaciated stray, about 10 years old, when a well-meaning person took her in but was unable to continue to care for her. Efforts to contact the owner were unsuccessful - she had no tags or microchip, only an ear tattoo. Thankfully, The St. Louis Senior Dog Project was able to take Dixie into a foster home. Dixie was in very tough shape. St. Louis Senior Dog Project has treated her for septic arthritis, fleas, every type of worm imaginable, and tick-borne disease. However, her blood work is normal so her prospects are good, and she has a fabulous temperament. She's loving and enjoys being a lap dog, and gets stronger every day. She is slowly gaining weight but it will be awhile before she's ready for adoption. The Saint Louis Senior Dog Project reports, "I can't remember when I last took in a dog in such bad shape but so deserving of a second chance. We don't know how long she'd been running loose, but it must have been quite awhile. I'm attaching a picture but hope to replace it soon with an "after" picture... thanks to your help, we'll be able to save Dixie. " Grey Muzzle pays for Dixie's medical expenses. Watch for that "after" picture! January 2009 Dixie's foster mom reports that she is finally gaining weight! "Dixie's best moment so far was December 27, Christmas for us at my parent's farm. I wanted to let her roam off leash, but didn't dare. Once the 60 degree wind hit her face, Dixie smelled the wild air and nearly dragged me the quarter mile to the pond, head held high all the way. We're getting her teeth cleaned as soon as she puts on a bit more weight, probably in about a month. Then, it'll be time to meet people at adoption events and wait for that special person to come along. Thank you for making me into a believer in rehabilitating such a sad state of a dog. I had no idea that she'd make such a great turnaround!" September 2009! Dixie has been adopted by a wonderful family who feel she is one of the most affectionate dogs they have ever known! They say they might not be her first home but they will definitely be her last. And her health continues to improve with their care. Her new family told St. Louis Senior Dog Project, "We are so grateful to you for the chance to love this angel!"
	Angel	November 2008 A small, 10+ year old senior dog arrived at Muttville brown and matted. She had been picked up as a stray and adopted, but was returned because her new family didn't want to spend any money on her care. Muttville in San Francisco took her into their foster program and she immediately hopped into the nearest lap, bowling everyone over with her stinky kisses (bad teeth). After about four baths, she was so white and shining that her new name had to be Angel. Victoria had contacted Muttville about a month before Angel arrived and was waiting for them to find her the perfect companion. Muttville knew Angel and Victoria were the right match almost immediately. Victoria met Angel, fell in love, and couldn't wait to take her home! Victoria and Angel were able to work through some separation anxiety issues together with help from Muttville. Sherri Franklin, Muttville's Director, says "Victoria left Muttville with tears of joy in her eyes and her new little companion, Angel, by her side. Now all of the friends and neighbors have met Angel and she sleeps on the bed - a far cry from her past life where she was thrown out like old trash. These are the things that make you keep going, even when it seems never ending." Grey Muzzle provides funding for the seniors-for-seniors program at Muttville in San Francisco, which unites senior dogs who need a home with senior citizens.
	Snickers	November 2008 Snickers came to Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas (GRRNT) when his owner of 12 years passed away and the family did not want him. This probably had something to do with the baseball-sized, festering tumor on his side. He was taken to a local shelter to be euthanized, but the shelter worker on duty talked the family into releasing him to the shelter and they called GRRNT. He looked golden in his photos and while not quite all golden (the ears are the giveaway) his heart was golden so he came home to the GRRNT vet. Snickers came through the tumor surgery with flying colors and although the tumor was cancerous, the vet felt that it was so slow growing that old age would get to Snickers first. Given his age, his cancer, his wobbly hind end and massive gum infections, GRRNT decided that Snickers would be placed in the Permanent Foster Program, and he moved in with his foster family where has lived for the last year and a half. Snickers lives with five other dogs, a cat, and humans and does well with all. For the first six months he lived with his foster family his eyes remained fearful and wary. But they slowly thawed and he is now enjoying his senior years on soft beds with chew sticks. He loves his trips in the car, time spent in the dog park, and following his Mom around the house. His foster family makes sure he doesn’t exercise too much and gets daily pain medication. These days, the look in his eyes when his foster family comes home makes each day a treat. Grey Muzzle provides funding for the Permanent Foster Program at GRRNT. August 2009 The neurological damage in Snickers back legs finally became too much for him. He was sent on his way to the Rainbow Bridge, with much sadness. His foster family said even though he was a grumpy old guy he left a big hole. You will be missed, Snickers.
	Vinnie	October 2008 Vinnie, a 12-year-old Poodle/Dachshund mix, is in hospice care at The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs in Cleveland, Ohio. Vinnie was passed over for adoption due to persistent house training difficulties and because of a heart murmur. More recently, he has developed an enlarged heart and bronchial asthma, both of which require medication and careful monitoring. And yet Vinnie has the ability to raise the spirits of many people. Vinnie passed his Delta Society therapy dog test along with his Sanctuary handler. He enjoys visiting a local adult day care center where he has become a very popular fellow. And because he now has Delta Society credentials, he can also visit elementary schools and help children learn about dogs and their value. Vinnie is a wonderful example of an old dog who could have been tossed aside, but instead has been given the opportunity to share his joy of living with others and show the world just what an old dog can do. The Grey Muzzle Organization pays for Vinnie’s medical care and supports the senior therapy dog program at The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs. We seek to fund additional programs that help old dogs give back while enjoying retirement. November 2009 We said good-bye to this loving little spirit this month. The Sanctuary says, "Vinnie...crossed the bridge last month to join his many friends who have gone before. Vinnie battled kidney disease, heart disease, asthma, low vision, and arthritis, but he handled it all with grace and dignity. He worked as a therapy dog until several days before the end of his life, participating in a documentary photo shoot in the afternoon and going to the emergency clinic that evening when he became suddenly ill with what was later diagnosed as pancreatitis. Vinnie enjoyed his work as a therapy dog; he visited A New Day Adult Care Center and the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. He frequently kept volunteers company at the Adoption & Education Center, and he shared his love generously and willingly with everyone he met. He was born for a life of lap sitting and cuddles. A big dog in a small body, Vinnie leaves many behind who love him and who miss his irrepressible good humor, strong spirit, and quiet affection. Godspeed, Vinnie. Yours was a job well done."
	Ellie	October 2008 Ellie is one of the beneficiaries of a Grey Muzzle grant to Central Texas Dachshund Rescue (CTDR) to support dogs in hospice care. Ellie is a 12 pound cutie who had a rough life before she came to CTDR. She has a tattoo in her ear with a huge notch, indicating that she came from a puppy mill. When they were done using her to pump out puppies, she was discarded and ended up at the pound. Despite all of this, she has a winning personality with incredible charm. She would love to spend all of her time in your lap, looking up at you with those big brown eyes. She also loves to wag and wag and wag her tail! Ellie needed major dental work, but bounced right back after that. Then she went on to be spayed and have mammary tumors removed, which are very common in dogs that have been used as breeders. After a rough couple of days she was back to her charming self, enjoying the sun, napping, playing with her stuffed toys, and begging for attention. CTDR thought the future was looking brighter for Ellie and that this southern belle might finally find her forever home. But then Ellie started coughing and CTDR knew something was very wrong. Ellie's foster mom took her into the vet for x-rays and found that her lungs are full of spots and she has advanced respiratory disease, possibly from something she was exposed to in her previous life. The decision was made to keep her as a hospice care dog. In September of 2008 she was diagnosed with a malignant oral melanoma, with a prognosis of about 15 months. CTDR will continue to monitor her condition and make sure she's happy. CTDR says, "Life before CTDR was not easy for Ellie. But since coming to CTDR she has been so happy, and her tail never stops wagging. She is such a doll - a real sweetheart. We will keep her comfortable for as long as possible, and be sure that her last days are happy." January 2009 Ellie's foster parent, Chris, wrote to let us know that Ellie had crossed the Bridge. "I wanted to update you on Ellie, one of your highlighted dogs who was lucky enough to benefit from funding from Grey Muzzle. Over the summer I had seen subtle changes in her, and I knew deep inside that she wouldn't make it to the end of the year... she was very peaceful - we both knew that I had made the right decision. She had a wonderful 5 years with us, and hopefully she was able to forget everything that had happened to her before she came to us, but this is why we do what we do. " Thank you, Chris.
	Brody	October 2008 Brody is a sweet, gentle guy of at least 8 years. He was picked up as a stray by St. Louis Animal Control, where St. Louis Senior Dog Project found him. Brody's foster Mom said, "As soon as I brought him home I could tell that he'd been someone's pet. He knew doorways, stairs, etcetera. He's also fully housebroken. He is getting along pretty well, but moves a little slowly, thanks to some arthritis in his hips." A few weeks after coming to live in his new foster home, Brody was diagnosed with oral melanoma, without any real hope for treatment. The oncologist expects he has between 1 to 3 months left. Currently he is comfortable and enjoying life. The Saint Louis Senior Dog Project will give Brody a safe and happy home until the end of his life. Grey Muzzle pays Brody's medical expenses. We believe that old dogs with even a short time left should be allowed to end their lives in a haven of comfort and peace. And love. January 2009 Brody's foster home contacted us: "I just wanted to let you know that Brody passed away tonight. He was a joy to have the few months that he was with us." Brody lived longer than expected and clearly received and gave happiness. He is a testament to our belief that every senior dog deserves to live out their golden years, months, weeks or even days in a place of love, security and peace.
	Teddy	October 2008 Teddy is one of dogs benefiting from the seniors-for-seniors adoption program at Muttville in San Francisco. Grey Muzzle provides funding for this program. Muttville explains, "Beverly's husband has been very ill and so was her elderly dog, so Muttville found her Teddy! Teddy is about 8 or 9 years old. Beverly has a new hiking buddy and partner in crime. See them on the trails. Many Thanks Grey Muzzle!!"
Leo before Leo after	Leo	September 2008 Leo was found wandering the streets crying and whimpering. He was taken to the local Humane Society where a massive, painful skin infection over most of his body was discovered. Workers were distraught to find lesions on his back and sides believed to be burns caused by a caustic liquid. Leo’s overall medical condition was beyond the scope of the shelter and Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon (SDRO) was called. SDRO immediately took Leo to a vet hospital where he was reported to be a sweet, cooperative little guy despite his suffering, and was dubbed “Leo the Lionhearted.” SDRO applied to Grey Muzzle to help with Leo's medical expenses. October 2008 SDRO reports, "To bring you up to date, Leo had a follow up visit with his vet today and she is astounded at his recovery. His hair is beginning to grow back, his ears are still open and clearing up and, best of all, Leo has a spring in his step. One of the things that continues to amaze all of us is how loving this little dog is and how much he likes people. These old dogs continue to amaze us! We're very hopeful that Leo can move into a new home soon... Thanks again for all your help and support. The work that Grey Muzzle is doing is much needed." February 2008 Leo has been adopted! SDRO tells us, "Leo has a wonderful home! Thanks for helping make it possible."

	Cinder	September 2008 Cinder is a slim little dog, about 8-10 years old, who might be a miniature pinscher/chihuhua/ you-name-it mix. She was picked up as a stray in St. Louis County. After no one came to claim her, the shelter vet called to see if St. Louis Senior Dog Project could take her. She came to her foster home with kennel cough and urinary tract infection. Since coming to the Senior Dog Project, she's put on a little weight and her ribs don't show now. She's had her teeth cleaned and a few pulled. After two weeks, she was finally healthy enough for her first adoption event. For an old gal, she's very nimble and loves to run. She's also an affectionate lapdog and a great kisser. Her rescuers think she'll find a home soon. Grey Muzzle paid Cinder's veterinary expenses to get her ready for a new home. October 2008 Cinder is adopted! The Senior Dog project reports, "Good news, Cinder was adopted this weekend to a young couple who think she's plenty youthful. They all seem happy, especially Cinder."
Muffin in her last days.	Muffin	September 2008 Muffin had lived with her family since puppyhood. About the time she turned 14, Muffin was diagnosed with possible leukemia. Apparently unable to help Muffin, her family turned her over to the local Humane Society. Muffin was ill, stressed from her frightening shelter experience, and in danger of being euthanized as so many old dogs are. Luckily, the Humane Society had an option -- they contacted House With a Heart in Maryland, an in-home sanctuary for old dogs that no one wants. Things were touch and go for Muffin the first week. Her back legs seemed to be giving out, and she had symptoms of kidney disease as well as leukemia. But no one gave up, and lots of hard work paid off. She is now in remission and she is enjoying cuddles and lots of loving. Muffin’s caretakers are thankful for every day they have with her, and they call her their little “miracle pup” as she plays with a toy or runs gleefully in and out of her pet door. She is also famous for her excited barking of “encouragement” during meal preparation. We don't know how long Muffin will be with us, but her last days will be happy ones at House With a Heart. Grey Muzzle helps pay for Muffin's medical expenses, which were considerable given her condition. March 2009 We were sad to learn that Muffin has passed away. Muffin was the very first dog to receive a Grey Muzzle check for medical care. Sher at House With a Heart wrote us, "...she really needed constant care the past few weeks and lots of love time. I feel like there is a HUGE hole in my life. We know we did the right things for her and loved her until the end but it doesn't make it any easier to let her go. I got a lot of quality time with her - she liked us to snuggle her in a soft fleece blankie and hold her close. It was a wonderful bonding and loving time with her." Thank you, Sher.
Chloe after her first vet visit - scrawny and missing some fur Choe healthy, fluffy, and ready for her new home (wearing a sweater, too)	Chloe	September 2008 Chloe is a 10 year old Pomeranian who was abandoned, and when taken in by Posh Pets in New York City, she was emaciated and had kennel cough, alopecia (hair loss), decaying teeth, and mammary tumors. Clearly she had been a victim of severe neglect and malnutrition, and when found, she walked in circles as if kept in a cage her whole life. Chloe spent the first few weeks after her rescue at the vet's office, then she went to live in a foster home until Posh Pets could improve her condition, believing she'd have a long journey to rehabilitation. Amazingly, at her foster home, Chloe did a 100 percent turn around in just a few weeks, becoming more confident with people as well as gaining health. October 2008 Chloe is adopted! Posh Pets reports: "Thanks to Grey Muzzle. Chloe is now healthy and her hair has grown in and has gained two pounds. She is no longer going in circles but playing with other dogs, and was the life of the party at the benefit of 300 people this weekend. Best news of all, she is being adopted and moving to Long Island."