Cumberland County SPCA: Second Chances for Senior Dogs by Maria Stoerrle

Maria Stoerrle is the Junior Volunteer and Foster/Rescue Coordinator at the Cumberland County SPCA in New Jersey, and a recent Grey Muzzle Board member. Cumberland County SPCA is a multi-year recipient of Grey Muzzle grants.

The Cumberland County SPCA (CCSPCA) is an open-intake shelter that serves the animals and owners of South Jersey. We do not turn away any stray or released animals, and care for over 5,000 animals per year. We are also an SPCA and investigate and prosecute all cases of animal cruelty in the county, and animals that are victims of cruelty are sheltered at the CCSPCA. Cumberland County has the highest rate of poverty in the state. Poverty affects animals as well as people, and we see this reflected in the condition of animals that we care for. 

Scarlet's Senior Society

The Cumberland County SPCA has been a proud recipient of grants from The Grey Muzzle Organization since 2010. In this time period, Grey Muzzle funds have allowed us to save the lives of over 400 senior dogs through our Scarlet’s Senior Society program. The Society was named after Scarlet, a senior Pit Bull who arrived at the SPCA in terrible condition. Scarlet was supposed to be a temporary foster until a rescue could take her, but within days, her foster dad called to say that she wasn't going anywhere! She spent the rest of her life with him, living the best life he could give her—lots of good food, medical care, comfort, and tons of love and care from her foster family. Her story illustrates what we hope to provide for all senior dogs that arrive at the shelter in need of our help. At CCSPCA, we have developed a strong network of foster homes, hospice homes, and rescue partners that have allowed us to give the senior dogs entering our shelter the best opportunity possible for a happy ending.

Before Cumberland County SPCA became a Grey Muzzle grantee, senior dogs at the shelter rarely had a second chance, and now it’s rare when a senior arrives that we cannot save. Just a couple of the dogs in the Senior Society that have been helped by Grey Muzzle grants are Dylan, a deaf and blind Cocker Spaniel who required medication for a parasite infection and ear infection, and Jersey, an 8-year-old American Bulldog treated for an eye infection, skin infection, and kennel cough. Through the Senior Society, they each not only received treatment and medication for their medical conditions, but were able to live out their lives in loving foster or adoptive homes.

Another example of a dog who found care and hope through CCSPCA's Senior Society is Grace, a 15-year-old Husky mix. Grace came to CCSPCA needing emergency medical care due to a cruelty situation. Police had been called to her owner’s home and found that the owner had attempted to remove a lump from her head with a kitchen knife, using nothing but narcotics to sedate her. Thanks to Grey Muzzle, CCSPCA knew immediately that Grace could receive the care she needed. As a result of medical complications, Grace spent the remaining year of her life as a hospice foster, provided with love and everything she could possibly need for her comfort.

Caring for Senior Dogs at CCSPCA

When a senior dog enters the CCSPCA shelter, they are given an intake exam and first set of vaccines. Any health concerns are noted and further evaluated by the shelter veterinarian. We do an initial temperament evaluation and continue to observe their health and behavior during their stay with us. Unless they display severe aggression or demonstrate suffering that we cannot alleviate, every senior dog becomes part of our Senior Society.

For many dogs, our kennels are actually an upgrade from their previous living conditions. However, we strive to get them out of the shelter through responsible adoption, foster care, or rescue placement as quickly as possible. In addition to quality of life, as an open-intake it is always a struggle to maintain open kennels for the constant flow of incoming dogs. Getting the senior dogs out quickly keeps them safe and prevents needless euthanasia for other dogs. If a senior is relatively comfortable and healthy, we will attempt to find him a permanent adoptive home. If the dog has any health concerns or does not thrive in the shelter environment, we will try to place him in foster care. If a foster home is unavailable or we do not have the resources to meet the dog’s needs, we will seek rescue placement for him.

Without Grey Muzzle funding, none of this would be possible. Almost every senior requires treatment of some sort, and grant funds allow us to provide care for them, whether they are with us for a short time before being placed with rescue or they stay with us through the entirety of their lives as a hospice. We have learned how to manage and maintain a balance of senior dogs in our foster program so as best to meet their needs and save as many lives as possible.

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