Saving senior dogs
November is Senior Pet Month and the North Okanagan's Fletcher’s Keep Senior Dog Foundation is working to help older dogs and their owners.
As Giving Tuesday directly follows Senior Pet Month, Fletcher's is inviting people to make a meaningful difference by donating or creating and sharing an online fundraiser to provide support for senior dogs and their owners facing crisis.
With rising living costs, including pet care, many senior pet owners face the heartbreaking reality of potentially having to surrender or abandon their best friends.
This is where Fletcher’s Keep comes in, providing resources to help people keep their old friends with essential needs like food, medical care and emotional support.
Through the support of donations, the foundation has assisted many senior dogs and their owners in the community.
Each story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact a contribution can make, including:
- Carl: A 10-year-old Great Pyrenees whose owner, Rebecca, struggled to cover his pain medication's costs. Rebecca reached out to Fletcher’s Keep Senior Dog Foundation as a last resort to avoid the devastating decision of surrendering Carl, her beloved family member and therapy dog. Thanks to donor support, Rebecca could keep Carl at home, where he continues to bring love and joy into her life.
- Joey: A blind senior dog in desperate need of good food and a dog ramp to safely access the outdoors. Her owners, facing financial strain, could not afford these critical necessities. Fletcher’s Keep Senior Dog Foundation provided nutritional support with the help of Rona, who kindly donated the materials and volunteer efforts to build a custom ramp for Joey. Now, Joey can safely enjoy her time outside, experiencing the fresh air and sunshine every old dog deserves.
- Ella: An elderly dog whose owner, on disability and with a limited income, could not afford the urgent dental care that she needed to live her later years healthy and no longer in pain. Ella’s owner was heartbroken at the thought of losing her companion due to financial limitations. With support from Fletcher’s Keep Senior Dog Foundation, Ella is receiving the dental care she needs, allowing her to stay with the person who loves her most.
“These stories highlight the importance of our mission — to prevent unnecessary surrender and abandonment and to keep these cherished pets with the people they love and who need them most. These relationships' emotional and mental health benefits are invaluable, especially for those who find themselves isolated or struggling.”
Fletcher’s is encouraging people to donate, create and share an online fundraiser.
“Even the smallest contribution can have a tremendous impact, ensuring senior dogs are never left to suffer or die alone, remain with their loving families, where possible, and receive the care they deserve in their later years,” Fletcher's said in a press release.
“As Giving Tuesday directly follows Senior Pet Month, consider helping Fletcher’s Keep Senior Dog Foundation continue this life-saving work. Your support helps keep elderly dogs out of shelters and enriches the lives of vulnerable individuals who rely on their canine companions for comfort and companionship.”
How to Get Involved:
- Donate: Every dollar helps to provide essential food, medical care, and emotional support to senior pets in need and their struggling owners.
- Create a fundraiser: Start an online fundraiser on behalf of Fletcher’s Keep Senior Dog Foundation and share it with your family, friends, and colleagues.
- Share the Message: Follow us on social media, share our stories, and encourage others to support Fletcher’s Keep Senior Dog Foundation during Senior Pet Month and Giving Tuesday.
