About Us

driven by a commitment to senior dogs

Since 2008, our commitment to senior dogs has inspired a growing community of supporters who share our vision, helping us build a nationwide network of shelters and rescues dedicated to creating better outcomes for senior dogs.

our vision

We envision a time when every senior dog finds safety, love, and a soft landing.

our mission

Grey Muzzle improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing grant funding to animal welfare groups nationwide.

our team

Together, our staff and board provide the leadership and expertise that advance Grey Muzzle’s mission for senior dogs.

Emily Grossheider

Executive Director

Dana M. tharp

Director of Grants & Engagement

Katy Stoess

Volunteer & Marketing Coordinator

Consultants

Nancy Amo, Financial
Christine Tippleman, Bookkeeping

Board of directors

Barbara Giannini, President
Jim Pikula, Treasurer
Alissa Totura
Ashley Ackley, DVM, MS, cVMA
Jan Shellhammer

Advisory Board

Julie Dudley, Founder
Dr. Andy Roark
Dean Vicksman, DVM
Dr. Ernie Ward
Dr. Heidi Lobprise
Jill Rappaport
Dr. Julie Buzby, DVM, CAVCA, CVA
Dr. Kathleen Cooney
Laura T. Coffey
Mary Gardner, DVM
Marty Becker, DVM
Michael Levitt
Mikkel Becker
Dr. Pia Salk
Steve Dale
Dr. Steven Wolchinsky
Victoria Stilwell
Wendy Diamond

impact reporting

Transparency and accountability are essential to earning and maintaining the trust of our donors.

Explore our most recent grants impact report and financials to better understand the outcomes made possible through your generosity, including real examples from senior dogs and the organizations serving them.

grant partners

Behind every Grey Muzzle grant is a dedicated organization working on our behalf to improve the lives of senior dogs.

We are grateful for our grant partners—shelters, rescues, and animal welfare organizations across the country—whose expertise, compassion, and dedication advance our shared vision for senior dogs.

2026 Grant Recipients

success stories

The impact of Grey Muzzle grant funding is best told through the senior dogs whose lives have been changed because of it. From lifesaving medical care and adoption success stories to families kept together, these moments remind us what’s possible when we work together to create better outcomes for senior dogs.

Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to receive senior dog success stories, program updates, and opportunities to support our mission.

Our mission is to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing grant funding to animal welfare groups nationwide.

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