You may not be able to teach your older dog new tricks, but you can show him a good time.
That’s the spirit behind Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary in Tennessee. At the facility, he houses more than 100 dogs over the age of 10, some with special medical conditions. Meanwhile, we are also providing medical care to an additional 500 older puppies adopted into foster care.
Nearly 200 supporters and dozens of dogs gathered for the organization’s Geezer Gala senior prom on April 5th, where puppies in tutus and bow ties were crowned prom king and queen. Funds were raised to help the organization foster senior dogs. Covers veterinary costs.
Gina Goodin, who founded the sanctuary with her husband Michael in 2012, said: “All night long, our caretakers brought dressed-up dogs to prom and patrolled among the people.” ” he told the Post.
The couple came up with the idea after volunteering with a golden retriever organization and seeing popular dogs being left alone as they age.
“We noticed that Golden Retrievers, which are probably one of the most desirable dog breeds, were not rehoming into old age. There were probably a lot of dogs that couldn’t get out of shelters.” said Goodin.
Ms. Goodin and her husband raised a golden retriever, Lucy Lou, whom she affectionately referred to as her third co-founder.
After recovering 10-year-old Lucy Lou from “severe neglect,” Goodin said she became inspired to help older dogs and dogs with special medical needs that are often overlooked in shelters. .
“We realized we could make a change so these dogs could turn their lives around and enjoy the rest of their lives,” Goodin said.
The sanctuary serves as a lifelong safety net for the dogs. The organization currently supports approximately 500 dogs placed in Geezer Guardian Homes, where they are cared for by dedicated owners who provide first-class care until the end of their lives.
“They’re basically long-term foster homes, so the dog will live in the foster home until it dies,” Goodin explained.
“We provide them with the special diets and precautions they need, and if something happens to that person and they can no longer care for the dog, we take them back, no questions asked.”
The program has also created a community among “geezer guardians,” many of whom Goodin said are older retired people.
“We have a Facebook page and our volunteers and foster parents are there and they share pictures of their foster dogs,” Goodin said. “It’s really like a big family and we have appreciation events and get to know each other.”
Approximately 100 dogs currently live in this large sanctuary, where they have individual suites and 24/7 outdoor access.
“Some of them will be spending the rest of their lives with us, so we want to make it feel as much like home as possible,” Goodin said.
“Since we started at home, we’ve always tried to maintain that atmosphere. The dogs get the same care every day so they get their own family.”
The event also included a silent auction and snuggle tents, and ultimately raised thousands of dollars for the preserve.
