November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month! Find out below how sales of our “Gotcha” Ribbons benefit Golden Growls Senior Rescue.
This year we launched our Give Back Program which supports organizations that align with our mission through a portion of the sales of certain products. We’re taking this chance to talk about how our “Gotcha” Ribbon sales benefit a senior pet rescue that is very close to our hearts. The founder, Cassie McArdle is a member of our AMAZING customer service team. In honor of this special month, we interviewed Cassie about Golden Growls Senior Rescue.
Interview with Cassie for Adopt a Senior Pet Month:
Tell us about Golden Growls. What is your mission?
“Golden Growls Senior Rescue is a 501(c)3, foster based, nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing love, solace, and quality veterinary care to senior shelter dogs.
We rescue senior dogs from overcrowded animal shelters – mainly from Colorado and California. All our dogs are immediately placed with foster families where they can decompress, and we can learn more about them. Every dog who comes into our care will receive quality veterinary care, no matter how involved that care may be. Once they are fully vetted, we start networking them to find their forever homes.”
How did you decide to start rescuing senior dogs?
“From the moment I decided to start an animal rescue organization, I knew I wanted our main goal to be rescuing the dogs who needed it the most. I quickly learned through trips to the shelter and pleas for help that were sent to us, that older dogs were in the most need. According to the ASPCA, senior dogs only have a 25% adoption rate compared to the 60% adoption rate of younger dogs. Senior dogs are often overlooked due to their age and medical ailments. No dog deserves to spend their days in the shelter, but certainly not a senior dog.”
What do you want people to know about rescuing senior dogs?
“I want people to know how rewarding it is to rescue senior dogs. Seeing these dogs, who a lot of the time have lost the only family they have ever known, open back up is so amazing. Rescuing senior dogs can be emotionally taxing at times but seeing them live their best days because you gave them a second chance is the best feeling.”
What are the biggest obstacles you face in the work that you do?
“When I think about the obstacles we face, two things come to mind. The first obstacle is having to make hard, but important decisions regarding a dog’s health. In most cases, we can provide them with the veterinary care they need to allow them to live their life in comfort. Unfortunately, there are times when a dog’s quality of life is in jeopardy, and it is our responsibility to let these dogs leave the world with dignity and love.
Another obstacle we face is the length of time it takes to find senior dogs a forever home. As you probably know, the amount of people looking to adopt a senior dog is much smaller than the amount of people looking to adopt a younger dog. We also end up finding amazing adopters, it just takes us a little more time.”
How can veterinarians and others in the pet care community best support you and others who have this mission?
“We are lucky enough to have an amazing team of trusted veterinarians who understand our mission and the quality care we promise all our dogs. When veterinarians and rescues have a close and trusted relationship, the dogs benefit greatly.
As for the pet care community, there are so many ways to support rescues. Whether it is fostering, adopting, donating, or volunteering there is no type of support that is too small. The support of our community is what allows our mission to keep going.”
Thanks Cassie! We are so proud to have you as a member of our Team!
And, Surprise! We’re Going to Give Back Even More!
In honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, we’re excited to announce that we are expanding our “Give Back” program for Golden Growls. Now, a portion of the sales from ALL of our ribbons will benefit Golden Growls. You can help support this worthy cause by choosing Veterinary Wisdom as your go-to ribbon partner!
If you’d like to learn more about the work Cassie does or if you’d like to make a donation, visit the Golden Growls website at www.goldengrowls.org
Until next time!
Bryn Frisina
Chief Growth Officer
World by the Tail, Inc.
