They might not have the same energy as a puppy, but an older dog will certainly show you an immense amount of love and affection. You just need to do the same for them!
Karen Goullet and husband Jamie are the human component in this furry story. They are the compassionate and forever caring faces behind the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs Brisbane right here in the City of Moreton Bay. Now running for 18 years and initially starting on a smaller block in Burpengary, the sanctuary has been at its Morayfield location since 2016.
Although they have helped so many dogs in that time, Karen and Jamie are still trying to get the message out there that old dogs are amazing and for people to think about adopting them or fostering them.
“Puppies are wonderful, but old dogs are very very special and it’s a very special bonding time when you love and care for an old dog that has limited time left,” Karen said.
Quite often the sanctuary is contacted by family members of those going into aged care, looking for someone to take their beloved older pooches. But Karen points out there are options available to them.
Places to Help Older Dogs
“I’m trying to get the message out there for people to make those arrangements for their dogs before they do go into care because there’s programs out there like the Animal Welfare League that can help you with that sort of thing and not many people know about it,” Karen said.
To hear what some of these dogs have been through is enough to bring tears to anyone’s eyes. But as Karen admits, you can’t focus on the bad side, you have to put all your energy into making a better life for the dogs.
“We don’t focus on how much time they’ve got left,” she said. “We focus on giving them a good time while they’re here.
“It’s about giving them a home. It’s about helping them and getting the care they need to live out their lives in a happy, healthy, loved environment. So, my whole day is just full of washing, cleaning, grooming, playing, looking after the seniors and cooking – it’s busy but very fulfilling.”
To find out more about the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs Brisbane, check out their Facebook page or the Senior Dog Action Group Australia Facebook page.
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