Here’s Why I Speak Up for Senior Dogs

Written by former peta2 Advanced Intern Meena Kumar

I love walking my dog in the evenings—it’s our time to unwind. One night, I met a neighbor walking a senior dog who looked frail and tired. I saw him again a month later, happy and full of life. His guardian had rescued him after he was abandoned and left chained outside with no shelter or care. Thanks to her compassion, he got two more years of love and comfort. 🥰 That moment stuck with me and inspired me to work at peta2 this summer. 

The dog I saw had a happy ending, but many senior dogs live out their last years chained 24/7 in tiny dirt pens. 😞 The world treats older dogs differently from young, healthy puppies. Senior dogs in shelters are often passed over for puppies, and many of those who have homes are ignored, abused, or chained up.

Senior dogs need a ’second chance at life’. They need a [home] where they can live a happy life with a loving family. They have a lot of love to give.—Meena Kumar

Once I learned about senior dogs’ suffering, I wanted to help. Since I was too young to volunteer atm, I founded a dog-sitting service and earned $14k, which I donated to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a group that helps find homes for elderly dogs. The publicity around this work helped raise $140k for Muttville, proving that no kid is too young to make a change for animals. 💪

I also learned that medical care is the biggest issue facing senior dog adoption. So, I partnered with pharmaceutical startup companies to bring low-cost human-grade supplements to help senior dogs. Senior dogs have a much better chance of getting the loving homes they need when they’re healthy.

No senior dog should spend their final years neglected or forgotten. Let’s show all animals, especially seniors, the respect they deserve. 🐶

*****

Dogs who are chained up outside 24/7 have sad, lonely lives, but you can help change that. Here’s how to make a difference for a “backyard dog” in your area!