Friend, what does community mean to you?

Director's Corner

Greetings,

This month we take a look at animal mutual aid and how it can be a win-win-win. Not only does it have the potential to keep pets in their homes with the people who love them, but it also gives your community new ways to support your mission.

As always, we'd love to hear about your experiences with mutual aid initiatives and strategies--even if you call them something else! Please share your experiences on our Facebook page.

Thanks for all you do to make life better for senior dogs. The more we can learn from one another, the more we can help senior dogs.

Sincerely,

Lisa Lunghofer, PhD

Executive Director

Animal Mutual Aid: A win for pets, people,

and your community

Harnessing your community's will to help pets stay out of the shelter and with the families that love them!

Animal mutual aid involves people helping each other with pet-related challenges and, as a result, keeping families together and pets out of shelters. It can be focused on a range of issues from reuniting lost pets with their people to helping pet owners with vet bills or rent deposits. Regardless of the focus, the goal is the same: bringing the community together to help those in need.

Read the article

Grantee Spotlight: Silver Ticket Program

One Tail at a Time launched Pet Mutual Aid this past summer, an initiative to help people and pets in Chicago. Part of this work is their "Silver Ticket" voucher program, which began in May with the support of a Grey Muzzle Learning Partnership grant focused on keeping senior dogs out of shelters.

Watch the news story

The vouchers provide routine and preventative veterinary care for old dogs so treatable medical issues can be addressed before becoming costly and unmanageable. Silver Tickets are distributed at One Tail at a Time’s pet and people pantries, events put on in collaboration with Chicago organizations on the front lines of promoting equity and inclusion in the city.

If your organization has a clever spin on a lifesaving program for senior dogs or is currently running a fresh take on a program and you are seeing great results, please post any ideas/acclaims to the Facebook page.

Nextdoor: Not just for plumber recommendations!

Think Nextdoor is only good for finding a plumber or the best pizza in town? LifeLine Animal Project's Nextdoor Ambassador program will change that.

The program uses the free (!) Nextdoor platform to spread the word about ways to help animals, support the community, and get involved with your organization's work. Volunteers can make a difference without even leaving the house!

Example of a Nextdoor Ambassador Program at work!

ASPCA®-AAWA Research Forum

Cutting-Edge Research to Help You Advance Animal Welfare in Your Community

Free Online Nov. 3 | 12-5 PM ET

Are you an animal welfare professional interested in research and data analysis? This CAWA credit course is for you! Explore results of new research studies in community and shelter animal welfare. Join in on an excellent opportunity to learn practical ways to apply what you learn to benefit your community.

ASPCA Disaster Response Grants

Applications Due By Nov. 8

The ASPCA® is inviting proposals for funding from organizations providing direct support to companion animals, equines, and their owners in communities currently or recently impacted by or at high risk for catastrophic natural disasters. Grants will range generally from $25,000 - $100,000. Don't miss this chance to aid in the recovery process or build capacity to respond to future natural disasters!

Apply now

The Grey Muzzle Organization | Website