I found this charity through another charity that helps senior dogs. Every year that I continue to volunteer with Grey Muzzle, I am awed by the variety of senior dogs they help, and by the different programs throughout the country which are coming up with ways to help senior pooches. I do other related volunteering and I must say, you can have the best program in the world but you won't be effective without money. Grey Muzzle removes some of that worry, by offering funding for non-profits who ar helping senior dogs. What a great idea! The people in the trenches can concentrate on the dogs, and Grey Muzzle can help keep those programs going. Grey Muzzle comes up with interesting fundraisers throughout the year, and as the organization has grown, so have the number of dogs they have helped. This isn't like the really huge animal welfare agencies, who take in a bunch of money and spend it on administrative costs, advertising, and return-address-stickers to be sent to unsuspecting people. This is the perfect balance of national exposure and local involvement. Money is raised all over the country, and the grants are awarded all over the country too. You can help in hands-on ways, or you can help from afar; there really is something for everyone here. But most importantly, it all goes to the dogs. If you are considering taking on a new volunteer committment, please consider Grey Muzzle. If you are considering making a donation to a great cause, please consider Grey Muzzle. And if you are a non-profit that helps senior dogs, please keep an eye on their website because grant windows open up twice a year. I have been with Grey Muzzle for years and have no intention of stopping. This is a great organization and they really are making a difference in the lives of vulnerable senior dogs.
My intention is not to take away from all the good I realize this organization does. I am only desiring to tell my specific experience with a marketing representative, Heather, thus occurring this past January thru February 2025.
I'm a widow now, 75, with no living relatives.
I had to relocate recently, therefore having
virtually no real friends. . . . Except my beloved poodle Sofia, now 13.
After a hurricane n subsequent death of my husband, my life got off track. I had to regroup and adjust to a serious financial drop. I ignored my own health and other responsibilities like regular Vet visits.
Now. I'm getting by, barely, after a stroke, but my dog needs dental work badly. I contacted this organization and was completely encouraged by Heather she would, could resolve the issue. I had positive hope. I waited n waited for her to follow up. Never came. By week four I contacted this email to inquire and complain what now? Within an half hour Heather emailed me all happy flowery words of how nice to hear from me (!). She said "they" could not directly assist me! She, now, tells me
It's up to me to qualify for a grant BUT THAT MOST GRANTS GO TO RESCUE DOGS IN NEED!
Hope gone. I ask why she didn't explain from the beginning ALL this? Wasted time...more time in discomfort for my little dog.
Well, that's the bare facts. I learned when one is old, having no husband as backup or family: you are easily forgotten and put on the back shelf. Extremely disappointed with no options.
Sherry K. Franz Texas
I find Grey Muzzle to be one of the highest quality nonprofit organizations I've ever encountered. The team at Grey Muzzle cares deeply about fulfilling their mission to help senior dogs in need. To do this, Grey Muzzle is very thorough and deliberate in determining and issuing their grant awards to the most deserving organizations who will help the largest number of dogs with the most needed services such as dental, medical, forever homes, hospice, etc. And, the people at Grey Muzzle do not take any donor or donation for granted. They are constantly reaching out to let donors know how much they are appreciated and how the Grey Muzzle mission could not be achieved without loyal donors. In summary, Grey Muzzle has helped thousands of senior dogs in need and they are a top-notch, well-run 501(c)3 organization.
I became involved with The Grey Muzzle Organization because as an owner of a senior dog in need of medical assistance, I understood the need that the organization meets. I feel that sometimes the older dogs can be overlooked by potential families looking to adopt, and this can place an extra burden on shelters, and our goal is to lessen this burden. I am proud to be a member of this team. From the staff to the board to all the volunteers, this is a wonderful group of individuals coming together as a team for a wonderful cause.
Asheville Humane Society has worked with The Grey Muzzle Organization as a grantee since 2017, and as the Grants Manager I have found them to be professional and forward-thinking about how to utilize grants to save and improve the lives of senior dogs. The resources they offer to grantees are always helpful and informative. They provide tremendous support to us so they we may better serve senior dogs in our community.
Their support allows Asheville Humane Society to provide critical veterinary care for senior dogs in their community. By providing veterinary care for those who might otherwise not be able to afford it, they keep pets out of the shelter and in their homes with the people who love them most. GMO also helps AHS provide Adoption Care Packages for senior dogs waiting for their forever homes. The packages include needed medication, veterinary or behavior vouchers, or prescription food to help adopters care for senior dogs like Deohgee (pictured). We love working with The Grey Muzzle Organization and are so grateful for their support!
Previous Stories
The Grey Muzzle Organization is a rock star for senior dogs! For those dogs who walk a little gingerly, are missing few teeth, get a little confused, or have a grey muzzle....they are there for you. At Asheville Humane Society we can't say enough good things about the caring people at The Grey Muzzle Organization! Their support has helped us help so many senior dogs and their people. These dogs are able to live out their golden years with the people who love them thanks to the support we receive from GMO to assist with medical expenses for senior dogs to give them a quality of life and to stay in their homes. FIVE PAWS to The Grey Muzzle Organization!
Review from Guidestar
As a veterinarian that exclusively helps families with geriatric dogs and cat - this organization is right up my alley! They not only do phenominal work but they are lovely to work with. I love seeing the wonderful stories they help make happen!
I’ve been in rescue for over a decade & often folks are trying to wear SO many hats at once.
GMO alleviates a good portion of that stress by providing orgs with the resources/funds to save precious older dogs, who may need extra medical & time to find the right retirement home.
When my own love of my life dog reached his elder years, I wanted every moment to be his best EVER. I’m so grateful that GMO gives that dignity to other senior pups so that their last days & months are surrounded by comfort & love.
As a life-long advocate of adopting senior dogs, I stumbled upon The Grey Muzzle Organization (GMO) and learned of the incredible work they do to help countless animal rescues, shelters, sanctuaries across the US (and now beyond the US) save and improve the lives of senior dogs in need. It's been two and a half years now since I have supported and volunteered for GMO and can honestly say they are the most transparent non-profit who spends every penny wisely in the quest to ensure no senior dog dies alone and afraid. I will forever support their mission!
When you volunteer for a local animal welfare group, you’re making a difference for at-risk senior dogs in your community. But when you’re part of The Grey Muzzle Organization, you’re helping old dogs in shelters and rescue groups nationwide, as well as senior dogs who need extra help to stay in good homes. I’ve spent many years working for national and international animal welfare organizations. I’m very impressed by how carefully Grey Muzzle vets the groups that receive grants and that donations go toward saving and improving the lives of senior dogs. There is no facility to support and almost all of the people who work for Grey Muzzle are volunteers. The organization values volunteers’ time and effort and is always open to new ideas for ways to increase visibility and awareness of senior dogs who need a second chance. I’ve been a volunteer since 2017 and continue because I feel like Grey Muzzle is making a real difference for old dogs, a cause very close to my heart. If you love old dogs and want to volunteer for a well-run organization that will value and appreciate your contributions, I highly recommend The Grey Muzzle Organization.
Grey Muzzle is the real deal. I believe wholeheartedly in their mission. I have seen first hand their good work in action and can't say enough about how truly committed they are.
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I am honored to know such a dedicated team of true animal lovers. Jennifer is dedicated and effective at making the lives of canine seniors better in ways they rightly deserve. This hardworking organization deserves as much support as they can get. Donors can rest assured that every penny is used towards the grey muzzle mission.
Review from Guidestar
Not only is saving an older dog's life an ethical thing to do, but in the process these dogs "with wisdom" often save their adopter's life, or at least change their life. This happens every day. And the Grey Muzzle Organization supports saving these senior dogs, but the number of humans transformed from loneliness by partnering with an older dog is incalculable. Loneliness is increasingly common in the U.S - and it's no secret loneliness was an epidemic in the pandemic....Adopting a senior dog ensures a family for that dog and may save the dog's life....it turns out that those families say they're the lucky ones.
I have followed the good work of this nonprofit from its early days and am so gratified to be part of its unique mission to help senior dogs through carefully vetted grants to shelters and rescues nationwide. Through its grants, Grey Muzzle's advocacy of adopting senior dogs ensures that many more will find loving homes. I am impressed with Grey Muzzle's innovative approaches, leadership, advisory board, and educational webinars. As a donor, I am confident that my gifts are well spent and make a difference for senior dogs. My gifts in memory of my dogs have provided great comfort by seeing that their hearts shine on forever through other senior dogs.
I've always been interested in donating to animal rescue but with all the need for help out there, it was hard to know where my donation would have the most impact and go directly to the dogs in need. I would sometimes send a donation and never hear back from the group. Helping senior dogs was a particular interest and I read about the work of Grey Muzzle. What I particularly liked was the organization did all the vetting of the Rescues groups where my money would go and also that I was helping dogs all of the country, not just in my area. Grey Muzzle is excellent in their communications, showing how dogs are helped in different shelters from the donor's gifts, and they also make each donor feel like their donation, no matter what the size, is truly appreciated.
They are creative in their fundraising. They also provide education to help owners deal with the challenges of a senior dog and reward Rescues that come up with new ways or programs to help their senior dogs. I've always given to one of their campaigns to raise money to help seniors with dental problems, but until this year, never really understood how important this particular problem was for senior rescue. My family adopted a 12 year old senior dog that had been neglected. The rescue couldn't afford the dental work needed. We had it done but who knows how long she had been hurting. The difference in our dog after having rotten teeth pulled and she was no longer in pain, was amazing. The money from Grey Muzzle's Smile Campaign helps those dogs in Rescues so they don't have to wait until they are adopted to get that kind of help
Grey Muzzle is a very special organization. I am so grateful for the work they are doing to improve the lives of senior dogs through their support of the Rescues all over the country who are taking on the challenges involved with our wonderful older dogs. I'm so proud of the work they do and glad I can contribute.
I love senior dogs ! Unfortunately senior dogs are neglected and cast off by some people who view them as used up and useless. This cannot be farther from the truth! There is such wisdom and love in senior K9s. They are the best. Grey muzzle not only cares for these forgotten dogs but helps people who cannot afford the care a senior dog may require. The grants Grey Muzzle awards reach far and wide and help to save and serve senior dogs across the country.
A little over two years ago I joined the Advisory Board of The Grey Muzzle Organization, and 6-months later was asked to be on the Executive Board where I could be more hands-on helping dogs! Well, now...I'm not only a member, I'm also the new President, and I couldn't be prouder of what GMO, along with our donors, has done in a short time! You can guess that I am a huge fan of this non-profit, but I want to share with you the "why." Older dogs are my soft spot. I have personally experienced the love of 11 of my own. Their grey wisdom fur, soulful eyes and gentle demeanor endears me to every senior canine I meet. Each senior has walked his or her own path, developed their own personality and brought forth their own version of unconditional love. Volunteering with The Grey Muzzle Organization has allowed me to extend my help to older dogs beyond my doorstep. It swells my heart to have the privilege of keeping in contact with grantees who share the amazing ways they are helping old dogs get forever homes or get much-needed medical care. The stories, the photos, the happy tears and tail wags let me know our work is making a difference, but what the grantees do, they couldn't accomplish without the help of Grey Muzzle grants, and...GMO couldn't provide these grants without YOU, our donors and community! Recently one rescue (and sadly, several last year) was faced with taking in hurricane refugees on four paws. The GMO Board Members jumped to it and made sure an emergency grant was provided to help 3 senior dogs who desperately needed care. What an incredible feeling to our efforts and your dollars helping an actual furry face! It's one of the awesomest parts of being involved, putting a dog name to what we do. You have your choice of so many fine nonprofits to assist. Grey Muzzle is striving to become the go-to place for information and aid when it comes to our older canine pals, and we are so lucky to have an amazing team of veterinarians and other expert advisers to guide our paw steps, making sure we provide the public with the best info possible. We couldn't do this without any of you...the humans who provide the funding that helps these special creatures. I know most of you have at least one story of an older dog that has made a difference in your life, and like me, many of you have several, like my Mr. Rico, Lady Bonsai and precious Haiku pictured here. It may take a village to offer assistance to some, but for the Grey Muzzle Organization, it takes a pack, a pack of canine caring people, and we feel GRRateful to have so many of you helping us make sure no old dog dies alone or afraid.
I've been involved with Grey Muzzle since 2012 when helping with the administration of the organization. I recently changed responsibilities and accepted a role as a Board Member. I cannot say enough good things about this organization - the Board is hugely committed to making a difference for senior dogs and being great stewards of our donors' money.
The mission is simply amazing. Thanks to everyone involved in helping homeless senior dogs.
I had heard of the Grey Muzzle Organization previously but never knew exactly the great work they're doing. Recently I was lucky enough to be asked by one of they're members to help review grant applications, well that was an eye opening experience on a couple level, one I never realize all the shelters that had such a need for money to help their senior rescues with medical, hospice care , adoption, etc. To help them thru their last year's or even to help get them get adopted, wow. Secondly the Grey Muzzle gives out so much requested funds to these people.. I was truly honored to have just a tiny part in this wonderful process. They are an awesome organization and I can't say enough wonderful things about them. Thank you Grey Muzzle Organization your doing an awesome job.
A dear friend of mine brought this charity to my attention. My friend is a long-time advocate for senior dogs, and Grey Muzzle's motto is that no senior dog should die alone and afraid. They do amazing work, giving out funds nationwide to programs that support senior dogs -- covering everyone from large urban shelters to in-home rescues supported by just a couple of devoted volunteers. They recently gave out grants totaling nearly $400,000 to deserving helpers across the country! How much good that money did!! The funds went to hospice care, medical care, adoption, senior dogs for senior citizens, helping those who have fallen on hard times keep their senior pet and much more. They do such good work. Read the stories on their site, heartwarming. I am so thankful for the good they do for those angels who specifically care for senior dogs.
The Grey Muzzle Organization has been a pleasure to work with. In 2017, Grey Muzzle granted the Leon County Humane Society (LCHS) funding in the amount of $6,000 for the senior dogs in our care. With this money, LCHS set a goal of increasing the number of senior dogs entering our care within one year's time by 20 dogs. With 3 months left to go, we have almost reached that goal. Grey Muzzle has communicated with LCHS frequently, laid out expectations well, and has been very helpful when questions arise. Our Grey Muzzle representative, Denise Fleck, has been a great asset. Because most senior animals entering our care come from less than ideal situations, they usually have excessive medical work that needs to be tended to in order to ready them for adoption. Grey Muzzle has been very helpful to LCHS and the senior dogs in our care!
Lisa Glunt
Executive Director
Leon County Humane Society, Tallahassee, Fl.
Review from Guidestar
The Grey Muzzle Organization is an incredible charity focused on saving and improving the lives of senior dogs. They have provided grant funding to the Kentucky Humane Society to help keep senior dogs in their homes by providing resources to low-income pet owners, and by supporting medical care for shelter dogs. They are an effective and fiscally responsible organization that is making a tremendous difference in the lives of senior dogs.
Review from Guidestar
As a member of the Advisory Board for the Grey Muzzle Organization, I can attest firsthand to the amazing work this organization does. They are truly the champions for senior dogs, giving these gentle souls the voice they cannot give themselves. The grants they distribute help rescue organizations around the country save and provide for senior animals. No animal is too old or too sick to be unworthy of our compassion, and The Grey Muzzle Organization's work gives senior animals the second chance they deserve.
Review from Guidestar
I am honored to have recently become a member of the Grey Muzzle's Advisory Board. Grey Muzzle's commitment to helping senior dogs is commendable. I have found every member of the team to be dedicated 100% to the organization's mission. I continue to be particularly impressed by the leadership of board president Jenny Kachnic who, like her team members, works passionately and tirelessly to fulfill the organization's mission. The growth of the Grey Muzzle over the past few years reflects the high quality of the organization and the dedication of its volunteers.
Review from Guidestar
I volunteer with a dog rescue that has received funding from Grey Muzzle. Grey Muzzle does a fantastic service in that it makes some hard-to-adopt dogs more adoptable by providing free vet care for the life of the dog. In addition, it allows rescues to make hospice dogs more comfortable by allowing us to provide the best vet care possible. I recently fostered a dog in advanced cardiac failure. She only lived a few more months, however, I was able to get to her to the vet as often as needed to ensure she was comfortable. Our rescue could not have done that without funding by Grey Muzzle.
There is nothing like an elderly dog resting comfortably watching the world pass by. Unfortunately that is not always the case. Many old dogs are turned into shelters when their fading health becomes too much of a problem or inconvenience. I donate to Grey Muzzle every year to help those poor old dogs get medical care and find homes. I love reading the stories of the dogs that are helped and seeing their pictures. I think Grey Muzzle is a responsible and worthwhile nonprofit organization to help.
Grey Muzzle is a nonprofit organization which raises funds and distributes grants to rescues, shelters and sanctuaries that take in at risk elderly dogs. I learned about Grey Muzzle when a friend made the suggestion of a donation to Grey Muzzle in lieu of a gift for her elderly dog’s birthday. They have a beautiful assortment of gifts and certificates which are sent when a donation is made in honor of or in memory of someone. About two years ago I began attending dog events as a volunteer for Grey Muzzle raising funds and spreading their vision – A world in which no old dog dies alone and afraid. That sounds like a no brainer, but in reality it happens more often than it should. An elderly dog in an overburdened shelter is not a first priority, and the chances of finding a home for their final days are slim. With financial assistance from Grey Muzzle these dogs are able to obtain medical or hospice care and hopefully an adoption.
There is no love like that from a senior dog. No matter how much or how little time they have left, they have so much to give and so much to teach us. They are often the forgotten population because they are "old." Thankfully, there are rescue groups and shelters who devote their efforts to caring for these old souls. And thankfully, there is THE GREY MUZZLE ORGANIZATION whose vision is that NO OLD DOG DIES ALONE AND AFRAID. The Grey Muzzle Organization raises funds to provide grants to those shelters caring for old dogs. All of the money raised, often in very creative ways, goes to helping senior dogs. By raising funds, Grey Muzzle is also raising awareness about senior dogs and how important it is that we take care of them. I have been involved with Grey Muzzle for several years and their mission has stayed true, providing for old dogs. It has been an honor to be part of this wonderful group.
I had one dog that I adopted at 2 years old because I "dont do puppies". While I love puppies, I found them to be too time consuming for a single gal. I had always planned to adopt my second dog at 2 years of age as well since it worked great with my first boy- until Grey Muzzle. I learned that most dogs after the age of 5 or 6 years do not get adopted because they are "too old" even though they have a Lot of Love to give. Grey Muzzle made me realize that I should consider an older dog. And I did. It took a while, but I finally found "my" dog. He was 7 years old at the time. He was energetic for his age, but once I put him on a small heart murmur pill, he is now bounding with energy - you'd think he is only 2! Thank you Grey Muzzle, for opening my mind to a new way of thinking. Sincerely, Ashley Meredith McClymont
I have been on the Advisory Board of The Grey Muzzle Organization since 2009. This dedicated group of volunteers offers grants and resources to rescues and shelters that promote senior dog programs and adoption. Their efforts are national and they help senior dogs receive the care they need and the dignity they deserve. I encourage everyone to support this unique organization so they can expand their reach and help more of the grey muzzles out there.
Review from Guidestar
The Grey Muzzle organization is one of the many pet-oriented groups that I work with. They have contributed to the well-being of countless older pets, and instruction to their human counterparts in numerous ways. They are a top-drawer, top-notch group of dedicated individuals.
Review from Guidestar
I learned about Grey Muzzle when a friend of mine posted a dog's story on Facebook. Having just taken in two senior dogs as fosters, I was interested to learn more about the organization. A few months later, I was volunteering. That was about three years ago. It's been wonderful watching the organization grow, but stay focused on their mission. This is a very passionate group that tries to do the most good possible with the resources available. It's incredibly rewarding reading all the stories of the dogs who have been helped thanks to Grey Muzzle!
Anyone who has ever loved an old dog can really appreciate the mission of The Grey Muzzle Organization. They are dedicated to helping homeless senior dogs by funding programs run by carefully screened shelters and rescues. Their grants help old dogs in crisis receive things they desperately need, from medical care to warm beds, and they promote special adoption programs like Seniors for Seniors. This organization is run by great people who really care about helping dogs just at the time they need someone the most.
I became an Ambassador for Grey Muzzle after being a recipient of a gift when I lost my senior dog. When I read about their mission, I had to get involved. This non profit is a great bunch of wonderful people, dedicated to helping senior dogs in need in shelters and rescues, those that might not have a chance without Grey Muzzle. I love this group!