Submitted by the Animal Protection Society — Friday Harbor
There’s good news for old dogs this summer as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at Animal Protection Society-Friday Harbor are among the winners.
APS-FH in Friday Harbor is one of 100 animal welfare groups chosen from nearly 400 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs and the people who love them. The winning groups are sharing more than $1 million in grants to help save and improve the lives of at-risk old dogs in their communities.
APS-FH will utilize Grey Muzzle Funds to supplement existing programs. To continue the high-quality medical care that we provide to senior dogs who arrive at the shelter either through surrender, as unclaimed strays, or via transport from other shelters/rescues. Support from Grey Muzzle will allow the Animal Protection Society-Friday Harbor to improve the health of senior dogs by providing the medical care they require – preventative, dental, and/or specialized care – then finding them either a forever home or long-term/hospice foster home as needed. Funding will also support our Grey Muzzle Medical Fund for owned Senior Dogs from low-income households, initiated in 2023 with our first Grey Muzzle Organization grant and to supplement our existing Pet Food Pantry program services.
“This grant will help us give senior dogs like Rhea, an approximately 7-year-old shepherd mix currently available for adoption at APS-FH, the veterinary and dental care they need to be ready to go to their forever home,” said Cristin Felso of APS-FH. “No one is more grateful or loving than an old dog, and we’re looking forward to helping more senior dogs get the second chance they all deserve.”
Over the past 16 years, the national nonprofit Grey Muzzle Organization has provided more than $5.7 million in grants to support its vision of “a world where every senior dog thrives, and no old dog dies alone and afraid.”
“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re delighted to help deserving organizations like APS-FH make a positive difference in the lives of dogs and people in their communities,” Grey Muzzle’s Executive Director Lisa Lunghofer said. “Many senior dogs in the San Juans are enjoying their golden years in loving homes thanks to the lifesaving work of Animal Protection Society-Friday Harbor.”
The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor, established in 1982, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) (ID# 91-1717047) organization dedicated to animal welfare. APS-FH operates solely through private funding without any local, state, or federal support, except for a small portion of county dog license fees. Our primary purpose is to provide essential programs and services that protect and improve the lives of companion pets. Through adoption matchmaking; local, regional, and national partnerships; low-cost clinics and other community support services; outreach, and education we strive to create a society where empathy and love for animals are foundational. To learn more visit www.apsfh.com
A national nonprofit, The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other nonprofits. For details: www.greymuzzle.org.
