Our
Partners

We will be at Kirkwood Petco every Saturday 10 am to 2 pm (except Christmas weekend)

Stop by and meet our wonderful dogs. Petco is located on Lindbergh just north of I-44, on the left side at the first major stoplight.

What we do:

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue that places older dogs in the loving homes of older people in the St Louis area. We have three different programs to accommodate your continued support needs.

Where the dogs come from:

The dogs come from shelters, other rescue groups and people who surrender their dogs in the St Louis area.

Why are the dogs homeless:

Top Reasons for Pet Relinquishment to Shelters:

1. Moving
2. Landlord issues
3. Cost of pet maintenance
4. No time for pet
5. Inadequate facilities
6. Too many pets in home
7. Pet illness
8. Personal problems
9. Biting

How we evaluate the dogs:

We do our own temperment testing and then take the dogs into our foster homes and observe their behavior. We teach them some basic obedience and give them some needed love and attention.

How we evaluate the needs of the people:

We will come to your home and interview you to see what kind of dog you would like and the level of care that you want us to continue assuming. We want to make sure it is a good environment for our dogs.

What it means to the dogs:

It is difficult to find homes for senior dogs and they are often put to sleep because no one has time for them. Older pets make great companions, especially for seniors. The majority of older pets are already housebroken, have been trained to walk on a leash, and are calmer and more settled in life.

What it means to the people:

1. Pets Lower Blood Pressure. A study of health patients showed that people over 40 who own pets have lower blood pressure than people who do not have pets. Another study showed that talking to pets decreased blood pressure.
2. Fewer Trips to the Doctor. Seniors who own dogs go to the doctor less often than those who do not. In a study of 1,000 Medicare patients, even the most highly stressed dog owner/guardians in the study had 21 percent fewer physican contacts than non-dog owner/guaradians.
3. Less Depression. Studies show that seniors with pets do not become depressed as often as those without pets.
4. Easier to Make Friends. Seniors with pets meet more people and like to talk about their pets.
5. Seniors become More Active. Seniors with pets go for more walks and are generally more active than those without pets.
6. Pets are Friends. Most everyone, but especially seniors, will say that pets are their friends.
7. Pets Ease Loss. Older people who suffer the loss of a spouse and own a pet are less likely to experience deterioration in health following that stressful event.
8. Pets Fight Loneliness. You are less likely to be lonely with a canine friend around.
9. Take Better Care of Themselves. Seniors take good care of their pets and better care of themselves when they own a pet.
10. Sense of Security. Pets help seniors to feel that someone they trust is always around.

Helpful Information:

Rescuing a puppy mill dog

How we are funded:

1. Grants
2. Adoption and continued care fees
3. Recurring automatic donations
4. One time donations
5. Estates

One by One, they pass by my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can't run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.
A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw through the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.
You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.
I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week, or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.
And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.

  -  Author - Leslie Whalen, in memory of her dog Tray

Our Partners:

Dr. Kimberly A. Sanford
Dr. Frank McLaughlin

Heritage Veterinary Services Heritage Veterinary Services
12933 Olive Boulevard
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
314.878.8454

Dr. Brian Reiter
Dr. Belynda VanMeter

Bentley Animal Hospital
1803 Smizer Station Road
Fenton, MO 63026
636.225.4545

Petropolis

16830 Chesterfield Airport Road
Chesterfield, MO 63005
636.537.2322

Petco Store and Foundation

1125 South Kirkwood Road
Kirkwood, MO 63122
314-822-2997

Build -A-Bear

1954 Innerbelt Business Center Drive
St Louis, MO 63114
314-423-8000

petfinder.com

Canine Country Kennel
10102 Hwy DD
Wentzville, MO 63385
636.398.8558

Visitors: