Coco is a 12-year-old Labrador Retriever who found refuge at The Shade Tree, one of our brand new grantees.The Shade Tree, a shelter for homeless and abused women and children, which includes Noah’s Animal House pet sanctuary.

Charlie is a sweet, loving, easy-going senior dog who lived through terrible neglect. This 12-year-old miniature poodle came to the Kentucky Humane Society in October 2015.

Foster Pet Outreach is a Peoria, Illinois-based rescue focused on promoting the well-being of animals in their community. In their grant application to Grey Muzzle, they wrote, “Our problem is that we don’t adopt out enough senior dogs!” A grant from Grey Muzzle will change that. With Grey Muzzle’s support, Foster Pet Outreach has created a Senior Dog Program dedicated to finding forever homes for a greater number of senior dogs.

We are thrilled to announce our 2016 grantees! This was by far our most successful grant cycle. We received over 160 applications from animal welfare organizations and rescues nationwide.

Bosco is a 14-year-old rat terrier mix who is currently up for adoption. Tyson’s Place Founder Jill Bannink-Albrecht explains, “Bosco came to us after his beloved owner died in hospice care.

Camille is a 9-year-old Pekingese who is currently up for adoption. Camille is a former puppy-mill mom who spent her life in a cage, producing puppies for the pet store and Internet trade, until she was brought to freedom in April by National Mill Dog Rescue.

As pet parents we’ve all most likely been in situations where our dogs have gotten hurt. Whether you accidentally tripped over your dog or stepped on their paw carelessly, you’ve probably heard your dog let out a quick yelp or cry and run off. Was it pain or fear? Either way how did you feel in that moment? Does the word horrible come to mind!

This little nine-year-old Havanese was surrendered to a shelter in Philadelphia to be euthanized when his owners did not have the funds to take care of his hernia.

Senior Dog Haven & Hospice, Inc. received a desperate plea from a shelter in Philadelphia. This little girl was not eating, drinking or able to walk. At 11 years old, this American Eskimo was surrendered to the shelter because she had had a seizure.

This sweet, little 13-year-old pug was surrendered to the shelter because his family could no longer afford his medical care. Poor Petey’s skin was a mess.

Ten-year-old Crosby was surrendered to a shelter and facing euthanasia because his eye was bulging and required immediate removal.Thanks to a grant from The Grey Muzzle Organization, we were able to rescue Crosby and get him the surgery he needed.

Matted, scared and alone, this 20-year-old poodle mix found herself being surrendered to the shelter by the only family she had ever known.

In my last post here on the Grey Matters Blog, I described the “Silent Signs” dogs show us that they are potentially dealing with chronic pain specifically related to their joints or spine. We discussed that it is critical for us, as pet parents, to change our perception of pain when it comes to our dogs and actually LEARN HOW TO LISTEN to them differently than we do now. The truth is that most dogs don’t cry, whine, or whimper when dealing with chronic pain.

I really love Grey Muzzle. It's heartbreaking to think of senior dogs given up and languishing in shelters because people aren't able to afford vet care.

Thank you so much for all you do to help beautiful senior dogs have a better quality of life and the love they so deserve. Senior dogs truly are the best companions.