AHS receives grant to help struggling owners care for senior dogs

PHOENIX — The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) became one of 119 animal shelters across the country to earn funding to support its local senior dog caretakers.

The Grey Muzzle Organization, an entity that exists to give senior dogs a second chance, selected AHS among 440 applicants and will distribute money from a pool of more than $1.57 million.

AHS specifically will gear its share of the grant toward its Bridge the Gap initiative, which aids caretakers of senior dogs with paying for food, veterinary services, temporary housing and other essential pet supplies.

“This grant will provide much-needed veterinary and dental care for sweet seniors,” Dr. Steven Hansen, AHS president and CEO, said in a press release. “This unique partnership helps AHS ensure that we can provide struggling pet parents with the resources they need to care for their beloved senior pets and keep them in their loving homes where they belong.”

Max, a 9-year-old Labrador Retriever, is one of the many dogs in their golden years that has already reaped the benefits of the grant. He was sadly hit by a car but the Grey Muzzle funding covered the fees of his X-rays and follow-up appointments, freeing up his owner to pay for the procedure on his injuries.

“If 50 is the new 30 for humans, why not for our older best friends?” said Denise Fleck, executive director of The Grey Muzzle Organization.

Besides veterinary and dental coverage, Fleck said the grant supports adoption fees and hospice care.

“These resources give thousands of older dogs a second chance to shine,” Fleck said.

AHS offering free adoptions this weekend

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, every one of AHS’s three campuses in the Valley is offering free pet adoptions, including for dogs over 50 pounds.

All dogs up for adoption have been spayed or neutered, microchipped, up-to-date vaccinations and will be eligible for a free veterinary exam.

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