Sherri Franklin was pouring her lifelong passion for animals into volunteer work at the San Francisco Humane Society.  It was highly rewarding work, and yet sadly, she noticed a problem that is common at many animal shelters — older dogs were being passed over in favor of the shelter’s puppies.  And so Sherri Franklin started saving them herself – starting Muttville, a non-profit that recues, cares for, and finds loving homes for older dogs.

 

At Muttville, the dogs roam in large rooms filled with big beds and couches. The organization also has developed a network of more than 100 foster families, allowing more dogs to be saved.  She also cares for dogs who are terminally ill, calling the service Fospice.  “That’s hospice and foster mixed together. Every once in a while, we get dogs that have a terminal or untreatable disease. Muttville stays committed to every dog that comes here. We find them homes with great families, and we cover the cost of palliative care for the dog until the dog passes away.”

 

Sherri Franklin saw a need and decided to step up and do something about it, and because of her selfless caring, over 5000 elderly dogs have received or are receiving the love and tenderness and companionship that all dogs — indeed, that all animals — so richly deserve.

 “I’ve always had a soft spot for the dogs that were considered un-adoptable due to their age or health issues.  After a while, I realized that I could probably be doing more, so I started fostering these dogs and finding them permanent homes … It’s not about the quantity of time you have with your animal.  It really is about the quality of time you spend with them … Older dogs have so much to teach us. I’ve learned from them to live in the moment and to be present (because you can’t not be present when they’re around) and to find joy in the smallest of things.  They also have soulfulness and softness that’s truly special.” ~ via Sherri Franklin

Filed under: In LOVE with Humanity by Scaughdt