GOOD SAM GIVES BACK TO OLD FRIENDS SENIOR DOG SANCTUARY
- Rachael Johnson
- August 2021
- Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
- August 2021
- Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary
Getting older is something that we learn to accept for ourselves. But when we see our dogs aging, it can be a reminder that life is short. We would do anything to keep our dogs with us forever. However, not all senior dogs are appreciated or cherished as they age in years. Some are simply abandoned, however, there are other reasons why so many senior dogs end up in shelters.
Many senior dogs that end up in shelters were pets of elderly people who passed away. Economic hardships may also cause someone to give up their dog due to losing their home or not being able to afford dog food or veterinary care. According to the ASPCA, senior dogs have a 25% adoption rate, compared to the 60% adoption rate of younger dogs and puppies.
So when we were choosing our first Good Sam Giveback recipient, we knew that a cause close to our hearts would be appropriate. We have traveled to all the lower 48 contiguous states with our rescue dogs and have visited a shelter or rescue in each state. Our two dogs, Peanut Butter Brickle and Digby Pancake ARE our hearts, and they are both 12 years old. As they get older, we recognize the new limitations they may have, but we also see their wisdom and love of life. So for this Good Sam Giveback, we did not have to search long to find the most inspiring and perfect place for senior dogs, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary!
Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary is a Forever Foster Home based Sanctuary in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, generally housing approximately 120 senior dogs at the Sanctuary and many others in temporary and Forever Foster Homes. OFSDS was founded by Zina and Michael Goodin. Both were mechanical engineers prior to operating the sanctuary. In 2011, they began rescuing golden retrievers .That rescue asked the Goodins to adopt a15-year-old dog who had been returned to a shelter. Fostering “Bandit” was the Goodins’ inspiration for adopting elderly dogs.They expanded to other breeds, taking in shelter dogs that would otherwise be euthanized. At first, the Goodins operated the sanctuary out of their home. In February 2017, the Goodins opened a dedicated space for the rescued dogs, and now in 2021, they have moved to this simply amazing new facility they call the PAWvillions. We were thrilled when we were able to personally meet Zina Goodin on our visit. Her quiet demeanor was caring. Her attention to detail was evident in every aspect of this shelter, and she welcomed us with open arms!
While providing lifetime homes for senior dogs, OFSDS strives to raise awareness of the joys and challenges of living with older dogs. They do not focus on the quantity of time that they have left, rather the quality of the life that they can provide to them! Their forever fosters have free medical care for the remainder of their lives and are welcome back at the shelter if for any reason their guardian can no longer care for them. They call their foster parents Geezer Guardians!
When we asked the sanctuary what they needed, they let us know that their new facility was in need of picnic tables for an outside area that would be used for events, forever fosters and their beloved dogs. We found a local craftsman who custom made two cedar picnic tables that as they age will turn a gray color just like the senior dogs here. Beautiful!
We also loaded up our truck and trailer full of special dog food, joint supplements, water fountains for the dogs, dog fencing, pet temperature monitors, dog treats, dog shampoo and more from Good Sam and Camping World. We then made custom gift bags for the volunteers and staff full of goodies too!
But you can’t throw a party for dogs or people without food!! So we packed our coolers full of dog ice cream and person ice cream with all of the toppings! We brought enough ice cream, snacks and drinks for the people who work so hard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the sanctuary.
We have visited many shelters and rescues, and sometimes, we have to admit that we don’t feel the best when we leave. However, a visit here encouraged us and left us feeling better than when we arrived! This shelter has thought of everything to make a senior dog happy, healthy and fulfilled. People come from all over the world to visit the dogs here who they have formed a bond with online before even meeting them.
Our hearts were especially touched by dogs like Ms. Peggy who was found as a stray. Even though she obviously enjoyed the ice cream, she enjoyed the company of people more. She wanted to look into our eyes as we told her how valued and loved she was. We will never forget Ms. Peggy.
Cooper had just had surgery to remove one of his eyes and he had been through so much. He deserved all three of the ice cream cups he devoured and more! We called him our little ice cream cone!
The most impressive part of this sanctuary for us was the love, care and attention that was shown to the dogs. Staff members like No should be an example of the impact one person can make. Her cheerful attitude made it apparent this was truly where she was meant to make a difference. And everyone can find their place to make a difference in the most impactful way.
When we visited shelters across the country at the beginning of our full-time RV travels, we felt alone in our efforts sometimes. So when we heard about the ways Good Sam gives back and that they wanted to help us be a part of their mission too, we were confident we could make a bigger difference for not only animals but other causes close to our hearts.
Before we left the sanctuary, we spoke with Noël Kiswiney, the Marketing Manager of OFSDS. We asked her why this was such a special place.
“Before I started working at Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, I had already been a forever foster for about a year. My love for the organization’s mission and experience as a foster (incredible; life-changing; could truly go on and on; highly recommended!) made it a no-brainer to start working with them when my job was affected by the pandemic. My intention was to be part-time for a short time, helping with Events & Volunteers, while I waited for my job to return, but after a few weeks I knew I had to stay. I told my former boss that I wouldn’t be returning, went full time with OFSDS, and eventually got promoted to Marketing Manager where I hold most of my experience. The work that is being done at OFSDS is too important, too extraordinary for me to leave, and being involved has given me purpose and joy in ways I couldn’t imagine. I am proud and honored to be part of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, loving our Old Friends, sharing our mission, and spreading the word that senior dogs are truly THE BEST: they deserve all the love; still have so much love to give, life to live; exhibit the most unique personalities; and are amazing companions.”
We think that everyone involved in animal rescue and everyone who loves their dogs will be inspired by OFSDS just like we were. From the meticulous kept grounds, to the dogs who all have their own regular “pack” of staff members and volunteers, this truly is home for them. We were honored to be welcomed into their home and their lives for one day. And we know we will never forget our Good Sam Giveback at Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary.
As of this writing, we have raised over $3000 in online fundraisers for OFSDS.