The Grey Muzzle Organization has awarded a transformative grant to Rockbridge Animal Alliance, ensuring more older dogs in the community receive the love, comfort and medical care they need in their golden years.
Rockbridge Animal Alliance is one of just 119 animal welfare groups selected nationwide — from a highly competitive pool of 440 applicants — to receive funding aimed at supporting senior dogs and the families who cherish them. This year, Grey Muzzle is distributing over $1.57 million in grants to organizations across the country, all working toward a shared mission: giving atrisk senior dogs the second chances they so deeply deserve.
“This $6,000 grant will provide much-needed veterinary care for sweet seniors like Spot, a 19-year-old long-haired Chihuahua has several age-related health concerns, including heart and prostate issues, musculoskeletal weakness, arthritis, and an infection. The vet is monitoring his condition and Spot will have a followup in a month,” said Maurine Houser, board chair of Rockbridge Animal Alliance. “No one appreciates a cozy bed and a loving heart more than a senior dog. We’re honored to give dogs like Spot a fresh start and the comfort with his family at home.”
Over the past 17 years, The Grey Muzzle Organization has given more than $7.2 million in grants to animal welfare organizations across the country. Through a growing network of dedicated grantees, we’re working toward a shared vision: A time when every senior dog finds safety, love and a soft landing.
“If 50 is the new 30 for humans, why not for our older best friends?” asks Denise Fleck, executive director of The Grey Muzzle Organization. “Senior dogs have so much love left to give, yet they’re often the last to be adopted and the first at risk when shelters run out of space. Our grants help change that by funding medical and dental care, adoption and foster programs, hospice support, and services that help keep senior dogs in the homes they love. These resources give thousands of older dogs a second chance to shine!”
From tail-wagging couch potatoes to wise old adventurers, senior dogs have so much to give their human companions and with this support provided by The Grey Muzzle Organization, Rockbridge Animal Alliance will help more of them find their happy endings, said Houser.
Rockbridge Animal Alliance (RAA) is a grassroots, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization on a heartfelt mission to keep pets and their families together. Based in Rockbridge County, Lexington, and Buena Vista, the group offers a range of support — free pet food through our monthly pantry, low-cost spay/neuter, and veterinary assistance — to help families care for their beloved furry companions during tough times.
Founded in 2014, the organization works hand-in-paw with our community — partnering with local vets and charities — to reduce pet surrenders, promote responsible pet ownership, and make sure no pet is left hungry or unwell. Since 2023, the alliance has subsidized hundreds of spay/ neuter surgeries and veterinary care in the amount of $42,633.90 and distributed over 23 tons of pet food to those in need.
Visit https://www.rockbridgeanimalalliance. org/ to learn more about applying for services or to donate to our mission.
SPOT is one of many lovable senior dogs receiving a second chance thanks to support from The Grey Muzzle Organization and Rockbridge Animal Alliance.
