Lola’s Fund

Focused on Senior Dogs

The purpose of Lola’s Senior Fund is to provide an incentive to potential adopters of senior dogs (10+ years) from HART for Animals. The program will provide veterinary services and medications, including euthanasia, at a discounted rate for the life of the senior pet. All services are performed at the HART Center’s Bredel Veterinary.

According to the ASPCA, each year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized (670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats). Although the number of dogs and cats euthanized annually in U.S. shelters has declined from approximately 2.6 million in 2011, the majority of animals euthanized in shelters are senior animals.

The idea for the program began when HART took in seven seriously abused senior dogs that had been rescued by Animal Control. Since the rescue involved digging them out of deep mud, they became known as “The Mud Dogs.” Some of those dogs stayed at HART various months, with the one most traumatized – a senior female named Sydney – remaining for one year. Although many people felt sorry for Sydney, few volunteered to adopt her due to the possible veterinary expense. A year passed after Sydney’s adoption before the HART staff returned to consider adding a new ‘helping’ program.

Two events happened that converted the idea into a plan: HART applied for a grant from the Grey Muzzle Foundation with the intention of using the funds to implement the program. Although HART did not receive the requested grant, it did obtain funding from a donor and board member. Funding for Lola’s Senior Fund began with donations from Lola’s parents, who chose to honor her memory by helping other senior dogs find permanent loving homes. The fund also receives donations from other donors and fundraising events.