I interviewed Ms. Linda Hunt who is the Founder of Act2Pups Senior Dog Rescue.
So, Act2Pups rescues very old dogs. Where do you get them from and how long have you been doing this?
Around 80% come from Cobb County Animal Services and I also get requests from other rescue organizations who get senior dogs in. I’ve been in rescue since 2010 and started Act2Pups in 2013.
Why did you start doing this?
There was a need. A lot of the time I get old dogs in that have outlived their owners. The owner passes away and I step in. And a lot of the times too dogs get old and owners surrender them, which is really terrible.
What is the oldest dog you have ever found a home for?
17. He lived about 7 months. He was mostly blind, mostly death and had terrible teeth (this is a big problem with senior dogs). Poppy was his name. He was part of a bonded pair. Bonded pairs should always be taken together from a shelter.
What is the average age of dogs that you help?
8 to 12 years old. We take younger, but only if they are in horrible condition.
What are the best things about adopting old dogs?
In most cases they are already used to living in a home. House-trained, have manners and know what it is like to live happily in a home with people.
What other things should you know about adopting older dogs?
They are often more expensive. At Act2Pups we do blood work and dentals. We get in dogs with tumors. Sometimes limbs have to be amputated. The dogs we take in are usually health-challenged.
What is a story that you like to tell?
Older dogs can be so loving. Even to have an old dog for a few months gives a few wonderful months to that month. We take in hospice dogs too that may only have a few days but they are loved and feel loved for their remaining time.
Say there are five 10 year old dogs in the shelter. How do you decide which to help?
If they are smaller and 10 years old we will take them all.
What do you want the community to know about Act2Pups and how can they help you?
We always need donations for medicals. 95% of our donations go to medical expenses. We do rigorous background checks and trial adoptions. We make very sure the dog is going to a good home.