As the founder and director of Young at Heart Pet Rescue, this event is near and dear to my heart. I am walking for all the "Grey Muzzles" out there- the ones we have saved, and the ones we could not, and the ones we still have to rescue.
Six years ago, I walked into a municipal shelter to rescue Young at Heart's first official rescued pet- and walked out with "Peaches", pictured in the photo with me. She and her sister, Pebbles, had been surrendered to a local animal control facility when their family no longer wanted them. Our organization wasn't even wet behind the ears yet, still waiting on our license and our non-profit status from the federal govenment, but a handful of very generous pet lovers took a leap of faith that Young at Heart was legitimate, and donated $300 to help us rescue these two beautiful labs.
Sadly, when I arrived at the shelter to rescue both dogs, Pebbles had already been euthanized, despite the shelter knowing that I was on my way. I was heartbroken, to say the least. But I swear, when I put that leash over Peaches' head, she smiled at me! She didn't care who I was, but that I was there to save her. Her tail wagged happily, and we escaped that shelter together. Breathing in the fresh air, Peaches safely outside with me, I knew I had found my calling. I would work tirelessly to help older pets in shelters. Young at Heart Pet Rescue is such a needed organization, and as we grow, we are able to do more each year. I'm happy to say that 6 years later, over 400 senior dogs and cats have been rescued by Young at Heart!
But we aren't done yet! We have so much more to do! As we fundraise our tails off to purchase land to build Chicagoland's first adoption center and sanctuary for homeless senior pets, your support helps us rescue and rehome senior pets in need. A small army of volunteers, foster homes, individuals, and businesses support us each and every day. I cannot wait for the day where I can announce we are breaking ground on a new facility! But we have a long way to go to get there! And so I am asking for your help today!
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. You don't need to give a lot- a lot of small donations go a long way, as we make sure each and every penny counts around here!
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate or participate, too! Donate on behalf of any great older dog or cat you have ever had the privilege of loving and being loved by! I am walking for all the senior dogs and cats that deserve our love and support!
Thank you for your support! And thank you for making a difference in the lives of homeless senior pets!
Dawn