Senior Dogs at First Coast No More Homeless Pets Get A Little Extra Help In Their Golden Years Thanks to Grant
Old dogs will get a new ‘leash’ on life at First Coast No More Homeless Pets thanks to The Grey Muzzle Organization.
First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP), the region’s non-profit leader in providing affordable and accessible veterinary care across northeast Florida, is one of 64 animal welfare groups chosen from 288 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs.
“This generous donation is going to help us care for sick or injured senior dogs within our region,†said Jennifer Barker, chief operating officer at FCNMHP. “Senior pets can develop many of the same problems seen in older people, such as arthritis, heart disease or kidney issues, which can lead to higher vet bills. With this grant, we will be able to make sure vet bills don’t become the reason a pet is surrendered to local shelters – or worse.â€
The winning groups received more than $510,000 in grants to help save or improve the lives of at-risk old dogs in their communities. Over the past 12 years, the national nonprofit Grey Muzzle Organization has provided $2.5 million in grants to support its vision of “a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid.â€
First Coast No More Homeless Pets provides reduced-cost and charitable care to community members who have a qualified need. Recent economic challenges have created a greater demand for these services, while at the same time, demand for veterinary care at the non-profit’s regional safety-net hospital on Jacksonville’s westside and clinic on the city’s northside has held steady.
“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re delighted to help deserving organizations like First Coast No More Homeless Pets make a difference in the lives of dogs and people in their communities,†Grey Muzzle’s Executive Director Lisa Lunghofer said. “Many senior dogs are enjoying their golden years in loving homes thanks to the wonderful work of FCNMHP.â€
