We are incredibly proud to care for senior dogs and cats at PAWS Atlanta. In 2023, 44 senior animals (33 dogs and 11 cats) found a loving new home. It’s not always easy for these seniors to find that new special place, as potential adopters are often drawn to puppies, kittens, and younger animals and can be hesitant about what medical issues seniors might face. That’s why we’re so grateful to The Grey Muzzle Organization for supporting PAWS Atlanta's efforts by awarding us a lifesaving grant to provide medical care for senior dogs.

Thanks to Grey Muzzle, we’re able to provide senior dogs with preventative care (including basic blood screens, urinalysis, thyroid and other tests), medical care (including vaccines, microchips, spay/neuter, heartworm treatment, and preventatives), dental care, and emergency assistance.

Their support made all the difference in the world this past year for pups like Kirby, who was found by a community member in July of 2023. Kirby was not chipped or spayed, and we were unable to find her owner.

Due to her age and overall condition, she had bloodwork done at our clinic to check for any pre-existing conditions. Our vet performed a spay surgery, mass removal (sending the mass off for lab testing, which came back benign), and a dental cleaning with extractions. She was diagnosed with a heart murmur and had some issues with allergies, so she was placed on regular medications. Because of her conditions, she needed to be fostered for a while with an experienced foster who could provide the support she needed.

Her fosters absolutely loved her and said she was incredibly sweet. She was a mellow old lady and off her instinctual herding job when no other pets were around. Quite a few people asked about her, but they did not want to adopt her once they learned about her medical needs. Then, one day, we had someone come to our shelter who was initially interested in younger pups but was not put off by Kirby's medical needs. They met Kirby and decided she was a great match, and she went home with them in March of this year. She's now living her best life!

With the amazing generosity of The Grey Muzzle Organization, Kirby received her vaccines, a microchip, spay procedure, monthly preventatives, a dental cleaning, dental extractions, mammary mass removal and radiographs, and medications, along with a blood screening and urinalysis.

Thank you, Grey Muzzle, for leading the way to save and improve the lives of senior dogs nationwide and being there for our senior pups! We look forward to making a difference together again this year.