Mission: Old Dog Haven is committed to the belief that all senior dogs should live peacefully in their final years as members of a caring family. To this end we: Provide permanent foster ("Final Refuge") homes for unadoptable, abandoned or soon to be homeless, senior dogs in western Washington, age eight and over (we give preference to the oldest dogs and those that have serious health issues); Assist owners, shelters, and rescues in finding homes for their adoptable senior dogs age eight and over by posting those dogs on our website and Facebook page; Educate the public about the value of senior dogs in our lives and the unique gifts they bring us.
We intend to keep Old Dog Haven Final Refuge dogs as healthy and comfortable as possible by providing excellent medical care, but without heroic measures intended only to extend life. We are committed to helping these dogs find peace in their final years without judgment of the humans who have left them. When quality of life is no longer present for any senior dog we believe that euthanasia is the ultimate gift we give them.
Results: Since our founding in 2004, over 8,000 senior dogs in need have been helped by Old Dog Haven - either being placed in ODH "Final Refuge" homes to be cared for and loved for the remainder of their lives or cross-posted for other rescue groups in order to find their forever families. All of this has been made possible by our loyal and dedicated supporters, volunteers, and partners in senior animal rescue.
Target demographics: homeless senior dogs
Direct beneficiaries per year: In 2021, 150 dogs were taken into Final Refuge homes, 135 dogs were adopted through ODH's placement services, and a total of 284 dogs were in ODH care in 172 active foster homes. (Prior to the pandemic, we've generally had more than 300 seniors in Final Refuge homes each year.)
Geographic areas served: Western Washington
Programs: Permanent "Final Refuge" homes where we care for unadoptable senior dogs 8 years and older, primarily from area shelters, for the last months or years of their lives; Assistance to individuals who need to re-home their senior dog through adoption counseling and our website; Cross-posting of senior dogs in area shelters and with other rescue groups.
We are strongly committed to Old Dog Haven. They take in dogs that society has "thrown away", including many dogs who would not be adopted from shelters easily, if at all. Our dog eye specialist has confirmed our judgment about Old Dog Haven by saying "they are the gold standard" among all dog rescue organizations he is aware of.
We have taken in several dogs through Old Dog Haven (ODH) who otherwise would have been euthanized because they were old and no one wanted them. These dogs received veterinary care paid for by ODH. The organization is well run. We donate regularly to ODH knowing that our contributions will be put to good use. We have asked family members to donate to ODH instead of buying gifts. I can't say enough good about this wonderful organization.
Old Dog Haven is a rescue group in Arlington Washington that takes in senior dogs that have been abandoned or surrendered. The dogs are cared for in foster homes while they receive any socialization or medical care needed. They then work to find quality homes for those senior dogs that are healthy and adoptable. Hospice care is provided for dogs with severe medical issues. They are a resource for other shelters that have senior dogs that they cannot care for or rehome. Senior animals are some of the most difficult to manage in a shelter environment as they often have health issues and/or become depressed at losing the homes that they have often known for many years. They volunteers at Old Dog Haven who care for these dogs are special people who are willing to open their homes and their hearts to these dogs.
