The tragic truth is that every day, dogs in good health with wonderful personalities are euthanized just because they’re older. Shelters see countless dogs brought in because they can’t run and play like they used to. They need a little extra help getting up the stairs or in and out of the car. Or they're simply showing signs of aging, and it's not "fun" anymore. Many of these dogs that get surrendered, don’t get adopted to live out their golden years in a loving home. Our Senior Dog Sanctuary will make a difference for these dogs, but we can't do it without your help.

Britt & Bruce's Senior Dog Sanctuary

BEDROOMS, NOT KENNELS

To maintain a low stress environment we believe it is crucial to have bedrooms instead of kennels. Kennels are cold, scary and uncomfortable. Each dog will have a small room with a window allowing fresh air and sunshine in. The windows will also have black out shades if the weather permits, or the dog is recovering and needs less stimulation.

CANINE FITNESS

Our kinesiologist assists in creating programs for strengthening, weight loss and post surgical rehabilitation. Most of the dogs we take in will need to regain strength from infections and malnutrition. A dog's overall physical health is important to reducing the risk of obesity, along with giving them a positive outlet of energy and mental stimulation. Dogs that are bored tend to become frustrated. Oftentimes this frustration will turn to bad behavior such as excessive barking, constant digging, chewing of household objects and even eliminating in the home. Like us, dogs need to be mentally stimulated, to have something to exercise their brains, as well as their bodies.

HYDROTHERAPY

Hydrotherapy is very beneficial for many reasons. This is a natural anti-inflammatory treatment due to its ability to reduce tissue swelling. It is the buoyancy effect of the water that reduces the pressure on the animals weight bearing joints, which in turn helps to reduce pain, and allows easier movement of joints. It is a great option for exercise and recovery.

COLD LASER THERAPY

Therapeutic cold - low level laser therapy uses light energy, replenishes adenosine triphosphate (ATP, the molecule that carries energy in the cells of every living being), reducing inflammation and decreasing pain transmission. It provides a “jump start” to the cells needed for healing and other body processes. Laser therapy reduces pain and inflammation and promotes the healing of many tissues in the body, including skin, ears, gums, muscles and tendons. Laser therapy for dogs can also help with surgical wound healing, traumatic wound healing, increasing the metabolism of specific tissues, reducing the formation of scar tissue, immunoregulation, improving nerve function and nerve regeneration, releasing of painful trigger points, and speeding the healing of infections.

WADE IN POOL

The majority of our pool will be shallow enough for the dogs to wade in. For dogs who like to swim there will be a deeper end as well. Swimming can help with boredom, mental and physical stimulation, and cooling down on a warm sunny day.