Doggie Assisted Living and Hospice & Senior Dog Placement Assistance

How to Contact Us

What We Do

Please read our FAQs. We are very limited in our office resources and the answer to your question may already be listed.

Donate

Click on each box to view more dogs.

Mailing address for donations:

PMB A-4

621 State Route 9 NE

Lake Stevens, Washington 98258-9400

Sponsor a "final refuge" dog

Click HERE to see current Final Refuge Dogs

We are above the 100-dog mark for Total Dogs In Our Care. With our current resources, this is probably the maximum number of dogs we can help. If you have been thinking of joining our network of foster homes, now is the time. We need your help so we can continue to care for this many dogs.

May News

(newly added items in dark red)

ODH representatives Ron Kerrigan (kneeling in blue) and Judith Piper (at right in orange) accepted WHS's award.

* We were honored to be awarded the Bob Daniels Humane-itarian of the Year Award this month at the Whatcom Humane Society Woof & Whisker Awards.

* A huge thank-you to the Friends of KCAC group for their very generous donation and concern for old dogs.

* Brand-new ramp available, strong enough for large dogs. Contact our office if interested.

* Foster parents of the month: Yvonne and Michael, who made wonderful appearances on our new promo video and then jumped in to take a very old little dog in desperate need, in addition to their adoptee and Final Refuge dog.

* Volunteer of the Month: Kelly who, in addition to being a Final Refuge parent and an adopter, pitched in to drive little Brutus into that jungle called "hard-to-find neighborhood in Seattle" at morning commute time for an opthamologist appointment. Twice! He and all of us are very grateful.

* Our thanks to Linda and her dog Little Cody, who have put in untold hours trying to find poor lost Chip. (Who is still missing. See his poster HERE.)

* HERE is a calendar of upcoming dog-centric events in Western Washington -- we plan to be at as many as our resources allow.

* Here is a site with items to help your handicapped companion.

* You can find cool dog stuff not found in stores -- plus support OldDog Haven or other rescue groups -- by shopping at Helping Udders. HERE is their web site.

* Check out this video (HERE) created by our friends at Art Helping Animals.

* HERE is a short video by a wonderfully supportive artist featuring a painting done of a dog in our care. Click on the small square near the top with the reddish part (may be differently situated depending on your browser.)

* Our friends at Art Helping Animals have chosen ODH as their featured charity. For information click on the banner above.

* Some of our partners at local shelters are caring for dogs that have been awaiting homes for over a year. No-kill shelters try their best to keep animals adoptable through months of stress. If you are thinking about adopting a younger dog, please consider the long time residents. You can view a couple here on WAIF's web site.

* A service is being developed for owners whose dogs need in-home hospice care while they're at work or away. Respite care is offered in Edmonds and the surrounding area, contact our office for information.

* Check out the folks at Animal Suspension Technology in Bellingham. They manufacture support harnesses for disabled and injured dogs. Their product would be helpful for your older dog who has trouble getting up and about.

Some FINE PRINT

We will not disclose donor information outside of our organization except as required by law. We will not sell or distribute our mailing lists to anyone. We will mail or e-mail a thank-you note acknowledging each contribution unless directed NOT to do so. We will mail or e-mail newsletters to donors unless directed NOT to do so. We will send a receipt of annual donations in the following January unless requested at the time of donation.

 "This charity is currently registered with Washington Secretary of State under the charitable solicitation act, registration number 23310".

 * We couldn't do what we do without our wonderful Foster Parents who provide hospice care, Final Refuge homes and foster homes for adoptable dogs awaiting placement:

Amy & Bri, Angi, Ann, Anne, Barb & Bob, Barbara, Bernadette, Beryl, Bill, Brenda & Bob, Briteney, Carol & Ken, Carol S, Chelsea, Cheryl, Christie, Chuck & Marsha, Cindy & Larry, Claudia & Chris, Connie, Cynthia & Mike, Denise, Diane, Erin & Trey, Eve, Gabrielle, Glory, Halima, Heidi, Illina, Jan, Jane, Jen & Mike, Jennifer B, Jennifer W, Jessica, Jonna & Brendan, Joyce K, Joyce M, Judy, Julie, Karen, Kathy, Kelly H, Kelly L, Kit & Eric, Kristine, Laura, Laurie, Linda J, Linda R, Lisa & Chuck, Lisa B, Lisa H, Lyn, Madeline, Marcia, Martha & Bob, Mary M, Mary & Dennis, Michelle & Mike, Noel, Pam M, Pam O'B & Lizzy, Pat C, Pat & Bruce, Patricia, Patsi, Paul & Connie, Priscilla, Rhonda, Robyn & Ken, Ron & Bill, Rose, Sandy McC, Sandy S, Sara, Sarah J, Sarah R, Shannon, Sharon, Sue H, Sue S, Sue & Dan, Susan, Susie, Sydney & Rich, Tara & Gary,Tina & Rick, Valerie, Vivian, Wynne, Yvonne & Michael, Your Name Here (or up above if it doesn't start with a X, Y or Z)

We have not included the complete names of our foster and final refuge parents to protect their privacy. We wish we could since we are so grateful for what they do - they are truly the backbone of our efforts.

Adopt a post-adolescent dog; you'll want another

What We Do

OldDog Haven is a small nonprofit group using a large network of people to provide a loving safe home for abandoned senior dogs. Our goal is to provide a loving, safe home for senior dogs abandoned at this stage of their lives. When we have room, and the means, we take these dogs into our homes; if possible we adopt out those with a reasonable life-expectancy. We care for the rest as long as they have good quality of life. In addition, we try to assist owners in finding new homes for their senior dogs through our website and referrals.

Final Refuge dog Flash carries her senior Kong around

Why We Do It

All too many dogs of advanced years themselves terrified and confused at shelters, where their chances of adoption are almost zero. Others are desperate for a new home because of a move, owners working much longer hours, trouble with small children in the home, a death in the family, or bad financial circumstances. Many of these dogs are in poor physical condition as well, making them even less appealing to others. Helping them is sometimes challenging, is often expensive, but is very very rewarding. Our goal is that their last years are happy and that they die safe and at peace, knowing they are loved. Wouldn't we all wish this for our own pets, and for ourselves?

Some of the gang -- residents and visitors -- cavort in the field at Home base

 How We Do It

We are presently caring for 100+ dogs in our homes from Blaine south to Vancouver, Port Orchard to Vashon to Whidbey Islands, and we usually are assisting over 20 owners place their own dogs. We rely on our wonderful group of foster parents and very generous donors to keep these dogs happy and comfortable in their time with us. We also use our website, other internet services, and an e-mail network to help owners place their senior dogs - many we never meet. OldDog Haven is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization and relies on donations for its income. We do not receive any state or federal funds. All donations to ODH are tax deductible.

We are grateful for the continuing donations, large and small, which allow us to focus entirely on helping dogs.

Please see our page on HOW YOU CAN HELP in this effort.

You may access information and an application to foster a dog HERE.

Click Above To See The Answers To Some Frequently Asked Questions

Treat Time!

Current Adoptable Dogs

Why Adopt An Older Dog?

Please CLICK HERE to see dogs currently available, either from the dog's current owners, or from our foster homes. An online Adoption Application is available HERE.

Victor, standing on our pathway of memories -- a brick for every dog OldDog Haven has helped.

* Our posters are available online as pdf's (Adobe files). You can help spread the word by downloading, printing and posting our "generic poster" which informs people of our goals; or our current poster showing some of our adoptable dogs.

<--- Current / Generic --->

We also have a copy of our current eNewsletter available here:

Previous eNewsletters:

October 2007

July 2007

* We always need Final Refuge homes. There are usually dogs on our waiting list that are very near a deadline to get into a safe place. Small to large, some housebroken and issue-free but some needing more effort. Medical expenses will be covered by ODH. By opening your home to one of them you could save an old dog from dying alone. Please call.

Many Thanks To:

 * The veterinary clinics who are so generous with their time and expertise: Frontier Village in Lake Stevens as our home clinic and veterinary advisors, Pet Neuter Clinic in Stanwood, Companion in Bellevue, Twin Lakes in Federal Way, Maplewood in Bellingham, Edmonds-Westgate, Care Vet Center in Mt. Vernon, and many others.

* Patrick Sanders for his help with web "stuff" and for hosting this site for free!

 * Mark Malnes and his firm Savage Color for printing services

* Stubbs of KMPS Radio for enthusiastic public service announcements on behalf of our dogs

* Kristi Crabtree of Motivational Dog Obedience in Marysville for her professional services and advice

*Country Classic Kennels in Arlington for donation drives, gifts, and spreading the word

* Karin Morgan for her Bowen Technique treatments which have helped our rescued dogs greatly

* Wet-Noses All Natural Dog Food and Treats for their donations

* Artist Tanya Amberson for donating some of the profits from her Dog Loss Sympathy notecards and other items.

* Two groups of artists who are donating part of the proceeds from on-line auctions to us: Art Helping Animals (their website can be found HERE) and Art for Critters (check out their website HERE)

* Robert Bauer, CPA for gracious consultations and assistance

* Alicia Kobory of Stanwood Kennels for grooming some of our worst cases

* KING-TV reporter Ray Lane and his team for their story about us and the old dogs in January 2007. HERE is a link to their piece, which was picked up by MSNBC and rebroadcast nationwide on local NBC affiliates.

* Paddywack's in Mill Creek for continuing support for our goals, helping provide specialty dog foods and on-going fund-raising in their store.

* Darwin's Natural Pet Products in Seattle (HERE is their web site) has offered all ODH fosters and final refuge dogs a 50% discount on their Zoologics meats for dogs. We appreciate their generous support.

* The Peck Family Foundation for their generous support -- and Nick Hall, who showed great initiative in requesting a grant on our behalf, and making a successful presentation to the Foundation board. (1007)

* Teckelklub for their very generous donation of a large number of their terrific coats for use by our Final Refuge dogs. (1007)

* Dr. Estelle Shuttleworth of Issaquah Veterinary Hospital for her gifts and suggestions about care for elderly dogs. (1007)

* Our thanks to AquaDog Spa in Kent for donating swim therapy services for our old timers. (1207)

* Emerald City K9 Freestyle Dancers for their continued support - we are proud to have other dog groups involved in this effort. (0108)

* The owners and staff of Ford of Kirkland (especially Jim and Amy Wallin, Raleigh Fouch and Erik Clark) for donating a used Ford minivan to ODH. (0208)

* Long-time supporters Woodmar Animal Clinic in Hammond, Indiana for donations of products to keep our dogs healthy. (0408)

* Thank you to the wonderful doctors, staff and clients at Issaquah Veterinary Hospital for their many generous donations. We really appreciate being adopted! Also a thank-you to the volunteers from Doney Memorial Street People's Pet Clinic in Seattle (at the Union Gospel Mission) for their donations of supplies to us. Their cause is a wonderful one that we wholeheartedly suggest you support. (This clinic was founded in 1982 by Dr. C.W.Doney in order to provide veterinary care for the pets of low-income, disabled, seniors, and street people.) (0408)

Click on the dog to donate to OldDog Haven using PayPal

(Note: you do not need a PayPal account to use this method)

A Dog's Life at OldDog Haven

Some Thoughts For Those Facing The End-Of-Life Decision For Their Companion Animal

Some Thoughts For Those Who Have Lost Their Companion Animal

Some Thoughts About How To Plan For Your Pet's Future If You Can't Take Care Of Him Yourself

Some information about health issues for older dogs

Stories about how older dogs can make a difference to older humans.

Pet Sympathy Dog Notes designed by artist Tanya Amberson

Placement Assistance

We try to assist owners who must place their older dog in an appropriate home. Please contact us for details.

Do you have plans for your companion animals if you are unable to take care of them? Click HERE for some suggestions.

15 year-old Final Refuge dog Snickers on her way to Home Base (and a grooming when she settles in.)

  

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Contact webmaster (Ron Kerrigan). (Does not contact OldDog Haven)