We love us some old dogs here at Bark. (Evidence #1: Febuary/March issue [4].) Several of us share our homes with aging pups, and all of us have been touched by a senior dog somewhere along the way. But we also know homelessness hits this population hard—shelters often can’t afford the medical care, such as expensive dental work. Cold and concrete kennels can be especially tough on arthritic dogs. For these pups, foster care and senior-specific rescues fill an especially critical role—keeping dogs well-cared for while they await appreciative, loving families or, in some cases, live out their last days in comfort.
 
Among the organizations working on behalf of these grand old dogs is Grey Muzzle [5], which provides direct support, via grants, to senior dog programs nationwide. In addition, Grey Muzzle works to raise awareness and educate the public about senior dogs.
 
You can support Grey Muzzle, and by extension a variety of senior dog programs, and leap into spring by shopping for lily, dahlia, daffodil and dozens of other spring bulbs at the Grey Muzzle Flower Power for Senior Dogs online boutique [6] through April 29. It’s a perfect twofer: Find gifts or brighten up your yard at the same time you contribute to this important cause.