Feel Good Friday - Muttville

Did you know August was National Dog Month? It only started in 2020 so don’t worry if this is the first time you’re hearing about it. It’s the first time I’m hearing about it so I’m going to celebrate Feel Good Friday style with a story about Muttville.

Founded in 2007 by Sherri Franklin and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Muttville is a senior dog rescue “dedicated to finding homes or hospice for older dogs in need of help.” As they explain on their website, “older dogs are often the first to be euthanized in shelters to make space for more adoptable puppies and young dogs.” Muttville wants to change the way the world thinks about and treats older dogs.

 

The first year Muttville was in operation they rescued a total of 26 dogs. Now they take in between 15 and 25 dogs every week! Dogs are seen by a team of veterinarians then placed in foster homes while they’re waiting to be adopted. Foster parents care for the dogs and report on their personalities to help Muttville find them a perfect forever home. Adoptions can happen virtually, in-person, or at weekly adoption events. 

 

In addition to traditional adoptions where you choose a dog, pay a fee, then take your dog home, Muttville has some specialized options. Hospice adoptions are for people willing to care for dogs with untreatable terminal illnesses. Muttville waives the adoption fee, assists with palliative care costs, and offers support and guidance to hospice families. There is also a program called Seniors for Seniors available to people age 62 and older. In that case, Muttville waives the adoption fee and provides a welcome kit full of items such as a leash, doggy bed and a starter supply of food and medicine.

 

In 2021, Muttville rescued 1073 dogs, bringing their grand total to 9,990! If learning about Muttville has inspired you to adopt a senior dog, you can see the list of available mutts at this link.

 

People in the Bay Area who want to support Muttville have many ways to do so. Foster a dog, adopt a dog or volunteer at the facility. This 7-minute video gives you a great idea of the work volunteers do and the vibe at Muttville: The Magic of Muttville.

 

For people who live outside of the Bay Area and want to help, you also have many ways to do so. Make a donation to Muttville and spread the word on social media. Follow Muttville on Facebook at this link, onTwitter @Muttville and on Instagram @muttvillesf. #SeniorDogRescue