Senior Dog Adoption Ambassador Program Former Ambassador Nik J. Pumpkin & his favorite Auntie
Our Resident Ambassador Program selects one lucky senior dog from a local shelter and not only gives them a new forever home at the Sanctuary, but also gives them a chance to find a renewed sense of purpose in life as an Ambassador for Senior Dog Adoption.
Known as the 'Resident Ambassador', this confident and capable senior, with the help of the sanctuary's staff and volunteers, becomes an advocate for all of the seniors still waiting for that second chance at being part of the family. By demonstrating the best qualities a senior can offer their new pack, our Ambassadors change the hearts and minds of potential adopters and overcome the negative perceptions that discourage people from adopting seniors. Where can you meet our Ambassadors?Our Ambassadors are always on duty and we never miss a chance to share their amazing stories and our personal testimonies. In a more official capacity, you can find our Seniors at festivals, farmers markets, and other community events.
Pet Therapy Initiative
Sanctuary Residents of the appropriate disposition will be trained and certified as part of a Pet Therapy Team. Teams will consist of a certified sanctuary resident and one certified staff member or volunteer.
Satellite Sanctuary Initiative Senior June J. Pumpkin at her Satellite Sanctuary
There are thousands of wonderful senior dog companions waiting for homes in shelters across the country. We want to provide sanctuary to every senior and we are asking for your help.
Former Ambassadors
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Current Resident Ambassador: Rufus
Rufus' term as Ambassador was almost naught. He was surrendered to a high-kill facility in Northern California as a un-neutered, but otherwise healthy 9 year old. Like many others of his age in this type of over-crowded and under-funded environment, he was placed on the short list for euthanasia.
Lucky for Rufus and the world, the Northern Nevada Humane Society has a program that will pull adoptable animals out of high kill facilities in neighboring states and bring them to their facility in Sparks, NV. Rufus now joined 100's of other dogs at the shelter awaiting their new families. Most were younger and certainly more fleet of foot, but none possessed his unique charm or calm demeanor. On a beautiful day in May of 2013, Rufus was officially adopted by the Sanctuary and became our Official Ambassador for Senior Dog Adoption. In July of 2013, Rufus became our first Ambassador to be certified as a Pet Therapy Practitioner. Over the next three years, Rufus would complete more than 100 hours (that is 700 in dog years) of Pet Therapy time, mostly at assisted living facilities and nursing homes. His work as an Ambassador has not only brought comfort to many who were suffering the pangs of aging, but has also gone a long way towards demonstrating the benefits of senior dog adoption, and proving once and for all that you can teach an old dog new tricks. 
It is not easy being an Ambassador for Senior Dog Adoption. Rufus knows that self-care is essential.
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