Asheville Humane Society Helps Keep Senior Dogs in Loving Homes

Matthew, a disabled veteran, and Zeke, a ten-year-old Boxer, are enjoying life together thanks to a program of Asheville Humane Society that helps keep senior dogs in their loving homes and out of shelters.

With the help of a grant from The Grey Muzzle Organization, Asheville Humane was able to provide Zeke with the veterinary care he needed to live more comfortably with a progressive spinal cord disease. The organization also gave him a custom-fitted wheelchair, so he and Matthew can continue their daily walks.

Asheville Humane Society was recently selected to receive an additional $12,000 grant from The Grey Muzzle Organization to launch an innovative program which provides more comprehensive veterinary care for senior dogs to help them remain in their homes.

“We’re looking forward to expanding and enhancing our current Community Solutions’ veterinary assistance services to help keep senior dogs safe, healthy and in homes where they are loved,” said Jody Evans, Executive Director of Asheville Humane Society. “This grant will provide veterinary care for older dogs with more serious medical issues or those facing long-term care.”

“We hope to prevent suffering and keep pets from losing their homes because their families can’t afford treatment for painful conditions like arthritis or dental issues. Although both conditions can be medically managed, many pet owners may struggle with the ongoing cost of care,” she added.

In addition to Asheville Humane Society, One Tail at a Time in Chicago, and NorCal Boxer Rescue in California also received Grey Muzzle grants to pilot programs that help senior dogs and their people stay together.

“These grants are part of Grey Muzzle’s year-long Learning Partnership focused on testing innovative strategies to better address the needs of senior dogs and build on the findings of our Saving Senior Dogs national study,” said Lisa Lunghofer, Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization. “We look forward to sharing progress and challenges with the goal of developing and replicating successful model programs to ensure senior dogs stay out of shelters and in loving homes.”