7 Dog Rescues That are Doing the Most For Senior Pups

Rescue organizations that take in and care for elderly dogs are basically our favorite people on earth. These rescues care for dogs with only a few years left before they cross the rainbow bridge, who may have medical issues in their old age, who would otherwise wait months to get adopted or be euthanized when they can't find a home.

They save dogs who are abandoned, who have owners that have been placed in nursing facilities, who have owners that have sadly passed away. And they do this all while being underfunded and knowing the dogs they have taken in may die sooner than they'd like. These people are angels on earth.

Here are a few rescues that focus on elderly dogs that we absolutely love.

7 Dog Rescues Working Hard for Senior Pups

1: Vintage Pet Rescue , Rhode Island 

We first fell in love with Vintage Pet Rescue, run by Kristen and Marc Peralta when we saw the amazing little senior apartments they had set up for their dogs. Kristen, Marc, and their team of volunteers make sure these animals are provided with love, attention, and medical care for the last months or years of their lives. To date, VPR has saved the lives of over 600 dogs. You can learn more about Vintage Pet Rescue here.

2: Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, Mount Juliet, Tennessee

Since 2012, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary has welcomed more than 1,400 senior dogs into its program. We currently have 125 Old Friends living at the sanctuary and over 400 living in forever homes with Geezer Guardians. Through donations, they provide and cover the cost of all medical care – routine, specialty, emergency, and even prescription medications and preventatives – to the dogs living with Geezer Guardians for the duration of the lives. You can learn more about the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary here.

Related: Senior Lab Battling Cancer Finally Gets the 'Pets' He Deserves

3: Senior Dog Haven and Hospice, Wilmington, Delaware  

The mission of Senior Dog Haven & Hospice is to rescue and re-home senior dogs (age 7 and older) and to offer hospice care to rescued senior dogs in their program. Their hospice program makes up roughly 50% of the dogs they have in their care. They believe that "For whatever the reason we label them ‘Hospice’, that never lessens our commitment, care and compassion to treat these beloved souls as one of our very own, and offer them the quality of life and dignity every dog deserves." You can find more information about the Senior Dog Haven and Hospice here.

4: Tails of Gray, Livermore, California 

Tails of Gray is a nonprofit rescue organization that offers a safe and loving sanctuary for senior dogs regardless of breed, health or ease of placement. Their goal is to prevent needless euthanasia through the offering of shelter, adoption, foster, hospice and education. Senior dogs who may have come to them timid, frightened or otherwise emotionally scarred, blossom and flourish with the tender care that they provide as they await permanent placement in responsible and loving homes. You can find more information about Tails of Gray here.

5: Forever Dream Senior Dog Sanctuary, Tryon, NC 

Forever Dream Senior Dog Sanctuary is a sanctuary and forever hospice home for toy breed, 10 pounds and under, senior and special needs dogs. You can find information about the shelter at their website here.

6: Dog Lodge Sanctuary, Hempstead, Texas 

According to their website, the primary function of Dog Lodge is to come to the rescue of dogs that are, for all intents and purposes, considered “unadoptable” because of advanced age or because they have chronic illness or physical disabilities.

7: Grey Face Rescue and Retirement, St.Cloud, Minnesota 

Grey Face Rescue and Retirement focuses on animals age 7 and older. They accept all seniors into their rescue and hospice care. They don't discriminate against specific breeds, medical conditions, behaviors or history – and they believe all seniors deserve a second chance.

These are just a handful of the rescues that are helping to give elderly pups all the love, care and attention they deserve. There are so many rescues like this across the United States that focus on older dogs and there is probably one in your own town.

If you are considering adopting a pet, please don't overlook the elderly dogs at your local shelter, sanctuary or Humane Society. These older pups have so much love and life left to give, and every dog deserves to know love, care and compassion, regardless of age.

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