Hercules is one of many lovable senior dogs receiving a second chance thanks to support from The Grey Muzzle Organization. To meet more older best friends, visit apsfh.com or call (360) 378-2158.
The Grey Muzzle Organization has awarded a significant grant to Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor (APS-FH) to strengthen local efforts to support vulnerable senior dogs in our community.
APS-FH is one of the select group of animal welfare organizations chosen nationwide from a highly competitive applicant pool. This funding will expand access to veterinary care, dental services, and adoption support for at-risk senior dogs — animals that are often the most vulnerable in our shelter system.
The grant supports APS-FH’s ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for senior dogs through community outreach and engagement, reduced barriers to adoption, and compassionate care programs.
“This grant will enable us to provide essential veterinary and dental care for senior dogs like Hercules, a 10-year-old Dachshund mix who, despite his age and health challenges, remains full of potential,” said Cristin Felso, Executive Director of APS-FH. “These dogs deserve every opportunity to thrive, and this support helps us remove obstacles so they can find the permanent homes they need. After receiving a dental cleaning, diagnostic bloodwork, and core vaccinations to ensure he was healthy and ready for adoption, Hercules found his forever home with a loving family in November 2025.”
This year’s Grey Muzzle grant cycle emphasizes the development and dissemination of best practices that can be adopted by shelters and rescues across the country, extending the impact of these investments to help far more senior dogs nationwide.
Over the past 18 years, The Grey Muzzle Organization has distributed more than $8.3 million in grants, building a national network dedicated to elevating senior dog welfare standards.
“We are thrilled to support programs that deliver immediate care while also establishing scalable best practices to strengthen senior dog initiatives nationwide,” said Emily Grossheider, Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization. “Senior dogs are among the most vulnerable in our communities, yet they have tremendous capacity for love and companionship. Our grants help organizations like Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor provide the medical support, foster care, and adoption services needed to give these dogs a real second chance.”
Through this partnership, APS-FH continues its vital work of protecting vulnerable senior dogs and ensuring they receive the care and opportunities they deserve within our community.
The Grey Muzzle Organization is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit dedicated to saving and improving the lives of at-risk senior dogs. Since 2008, Grey Muzzle has provided $8.3 M to animal shelters, rescue groups, and sanctuaries across the country to give older dogs the second chance they deserve. The organization champions the belief that senior dogs enrich our lives and have so much to teach us patience, respect, responsibility, loyalty, and unconditional love. Grey Muzzle envisions a time when every senior dog finds safety, love, and a soft landing. Visit www.greymuzzle.org to learn more or support the mission.