Old dogs have something to wag about this summer, as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and senior dogs assisted by the Kentucky Humane Society are among the winners.

KHS will use the $7,575 grant to help an estimated 51 financially struggling families keep their senior dogs happy, healthy and in their homes. The grant will provide veterinary care and other critical support to senior dogs whose owners live in poverty or who are experiencing economic hardship because of COVID-19.

“During the pandemic, families are too often faced with the tragic decision to surrender their old dogs to animal shelters because they cannot afford care,” said Karen Koenig, KHS Vice President of Animal Welfare. “The goal of this program is to help senior dogs live out the remainder of their days with the families who love them.”

Families must demonstrate financial need to receive aid vouchers, and funding is limited. To apply, dog owners should contact the KHS Pet Help Line at 502-509-4738.

KHS is one of 64 animal welfare groups chosen from 288 applicants to receive a Grey Muzzle Organization grant to help local senior dogs. The winning groups received more than $510,000 in grants to help save or improve the lives of at-risk old dogs in their communities.

Over the past 12 years, the national nonprofit Grey Muzzle Organization has provided $2.5 million in grants to support its vision of “a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid.”

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re delighted to help deserving organizations like the Kentucky Humane Society make a difference in the lives of dogs and people in their communities,” Grey Muzzle’s Executive Director Lisa Lunghofer said. “Many senior dogs in the Louisville area are enjoying their golden years in loving homes thanks to the wonderful work of KHS.”

The Kentucky Humane Society is the state’s oldest animal welfare agency, established in 1884. In addition to being the area’s largest pet adoption agency and spay/neuter provider, KHS also runs a free Pet Help Line, 502-509-4738, which provides free advice to thousands of pet owners a year. For more information, visit www.kyhumane.org/about.

The national nonprofit The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other nonprofit groups nationwide. For details, please visit www.greymuzzle.org