Hundenruhe Haven-Sanctuary for Senior Dogs

Arf-a-roo everyone!  Today I share with you a post from my mom's blog.  I hope you will enjoy!

A few years ago I wrote an article about my friend Jodee and her husband. They run a wonderful sanctuary not too far from where I live.

Jodee and Tulip

I met Jodee when she used to sell home baked doggie treats at our local Farmer's Market to help raise money for their sanctuary. Always accompanying her were the two cutest terrier's, Olive and Baci. Frankie became fast friends with the dogs, and as dogs have a way of doing, it opened up a friendship between Jodee and me. I'll never forget visiting their sanctuary to interview her for her story. I was so impressed with the love and devotion she has for terrier's and senior dogs.

She no longer makes dog treats to sell at the market because of her job as a teacher, as well as running the sanctuary, so I'm always happy to see her when she visits the market. This past Saturday she came with a new friend. Let me introduce you to Ted E. Bear.

Sadly, Ted. E. Bear lived the first nine years of his life cooped up in a cage, only let out to breed. He also has no teeth and his little pink tongue hung out the side in the most endearing way. Jodee had him out to socialize him, so she asked if I would hold him. I thought she'd never ask!! As I held this sweet little bundle in my arms tears instantly sprang to my eyes. My heart was a whirl of emotions of immense sadness for what he had to endure, while at the same time such joy that he would now live out his life with Jodee, her husband Dan, and their loving brood of dogs.

I was also overwhelmed with gratitude for what Jodee and Dan do for these animals. They are quiet people, never looking for praise or attention, but just wanting to love these older dogs, who often times never get this love and are put to sleep if a home cannot be found for them.

Jodee and Dan do not run their sanctuary as a non-profit (as many know the paperwork and red tape can be too much to bear), but instead they pay out of their own pockets for food and medical care for at least 10 dogs at a time. They are always appreciative of any donations and have it set up on their blog that anyone can donate directly to their vet if that is more comfortable.

I know they would never want to be called hero's and I understand that- they are doing what they truly love and what they feel they were called here to do. Being with all these animals brings them more blessings than any title could provide. They do it because it is just who they are... so in my book I'm going to say they are very, very special people (I'd even say angels here on earth) and I just wanted to thank them publicly on my blog for all they do. God Bless You and all the animals of Hundenruhe!