Leah Grant wanted a dog companion to help her deal with her health issues. Muttville brought her “Gloria,” a pretty, white fluff of fur with a copper-colored topcoat. It was love at first sight for both of them.
“I sprint down my hill now after I passed my cardiovascular test.” said Grant. “I owe it all to Gloria.”
For Grant, 67, Gloria is an antidote to anything that happens that’s not so good. Many seniors find that same feeling through their association with the Muttville organization either by adopting, fostering or volunteering with senior dogs.
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a non-profit organization, dedicates itself to saving senior dogs over seven years old, many slated for euthanasia simply because of their age. Sherri Franklin, CEO and Founder of Muttville, said, “From having worked in shelters, and watching senior dogs spend their last days in a cold loud place, it made me realize that all these dogs need is the opportunity to give the love they still have left.”
Grace while grieving a pet
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2017, Muttville had rescued 5,000 dogs from all over California. So far this year, Muttville has rescued 744 senior dogs, including those from areas where recent fires struck. As soon as Muttville receives rescues, it begins transforming their lives. “The dogs see a vet almost immediately, they roam the offices soaking up love, and they go to a foster home as soon as possible until they find their forever home,” said Franklin.
Grant’s involvement with Muttville began as a volunteer seven years ago before she retired. “I was grieving my dog Patches, who had just died. I wasn’t ready to adopt another dog but I needed their company,” said Grant.
All Muttville volunteers must be at least 18 years old, dog-allergy free, have no fear of dogs and be willing to make a commitment of at least three hours a week for a minimum of six months. Susan Trimble, 71, still happily working at her job as a senior benefits plan analyst for a union, has been volunteering at Muttville for three years. “I help get the dogs ready for adoption events, walk them, wash their bedding, and of course, provide comfort.” Trimble loves to hang out with the dogs and with the other volunteers.
The next-best thing to adopting
After six months of volunteering, Grant decided to foster a dog called Muppet. The foundation of Muttville’s operation is their foster homes, where rescued dogs get love and comfort while waiting for adoption. “The more foster homes we have, the more dogs we can save,” said Franklin. Muttville scrutinizes each potential foster home before permission is given. Some people never adopt but continue to foster. “My Dad won’t let us adopt,” said a 13-year old girl visiting the Muttville facility,” but he likes to foster dogs. And, the dogs like him the best.”
Grant only had her foster dog for seven months before Muppet died. “Yes, it’s hard not knowing how long senior dogs will be with you, but knowing that makes the time with them all the sweeter.” Shortly after Muppet died, Grant thought someone was looking in her window. She called Franklin, told her she was ready to adopt, and wanted a guard dog. “You wouldn’t know it to look at her, but Gloria is a real ankle-biter.”
‘She keeps me happy’
Because of Grant’s heart condition, her doctor allowed Gloria service dog status. “Gloria is completely responsive on our walks. We have our different routes, which has provided her with a fan base. She gets treats at the library, the bank and at my church, St. Gregory’s.” Gloria gives Grant companionship, joy, and emotional and physical therapy. “She keeps me happy.”
For people over 62 who want to adopt, Muttville created a program called Seniors for Seniors. It provides senior adopters with special benefits. In addition to waiving the adoption fee, the program also provides the first month of supplies, including food, medicine, bowl, bed, harness, and any needed home modifications – like gates or stairs.
Muttville provides adoption counselors to find the perfect dog for a senior’s lifestyle, energy and living situation. They offer support after adoption to answer any questions and concerns, and they will take the dog back if a senior becomes unable to care for it.
Senior dogs better for seniors
Franklin said, “Senior dogs are better for seniors. They are gentler and their level of activity is matched to the senior – they won’t pull anybody down the street.” Having a dog makes seniors more active, social and more engaged. “Senior dogs have so much love to give.”
For seniors who can’t adopt, foster or volunteer, Muttville hosts the Cuddle Club where groups of up to 15 visit the center. During their visit, seniors can sit on the sofa and snuggle with a dog in their lap, or take a walk with one. Standard size wheelchairs and walkers are welcome.
Being part of the Muttville organization also gives seniors an opportunity to mix with the younger generation. “We have a whole crew of junior volunteers who help with everything from dog care to data collection to event prep,” said Franklin. “Spending time with the old mutts is an effective way to learn about compassion, empathy, and the lifetime commitment a dog requires and deserves.”
When one walks into Muttville’s loft on an adoption day, love vibrations fill the air. Find Grant and Gloria on this “Love is everything” video:
Grant says, “Finding the right dog is like finding a soulmate.” She thinks the world of Muttville and wishes every country in the world had one. “There’s still a lot of good mileage in older dogs, just like in people.”
