Meet Three California Rescues Giving Senior Dogs a Second Chance
In honor of National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, we’re highlighting three compassionate organizations across California dedicated to giving older dogs the love, care, and second chances they so richly deserve.
Frosted Faces Foundation (Ramona, CA)
Founded in 2014 by Kelly and Andy Smíšek, Frosted Faces Foundation (FFF) began as a heartfelt effort to foster senior dogs overlooked in shelters. As demand for senior-pet support grew rapidly, the couple transformed their initiative into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — building a nationwide network of compassionate families, volunteers, and partners united by one mission: ensuring no senior dog is left behind.
At the heart of FFF’s work is free, lifelong veterinary care for every senior dog or cat (aged eight and older) adopted through the organization. This vital benefit removes the biggest barrier to senior-pet adoption: the high cost of age-related medical care.
After four years operating veterinary services out of their shelter facility, FFF celebrated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art veterinary center in September 2025. The center provides free care not only to FFF adopters but also to animals currently living at the sanctuary and those in foster homes.
FFF’s impact is powered by its Frosted Fan Program — a devoted community that believes age should never stand in the way of love, companionship, or a warm, safe home.
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue (San Francisco, CA)
A pioneer in the senior-dog movement, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue has been transforming lives — both canine and human — since 2007. Founded by Sherri Franklin from her own home, the organization rescued just 27 senior dogs in its first year. Today, Muttville saves more than 1,000 senior dogs annually and has given over 12,000 dogs a dignified, loving second chapter.
With roughly 100 senior dogs arriving each month, Muttville’s lifesaving reach rivals that of many regional shelters — all while operating with a uniquely compassionate, cage-free model: the first of its kind in the nation. Their open, home-like space — complete with indoor lounges and outdoor play areas — helps dogs relax and allows potential adopters to truly connect with them.
One of Muttville’s most beloved programs is Seniors for Seniors, which thoughtfully matches adults aged 62 and older with senior dogs. To remove barriers to adoption, they offer:
- No adoption fee: The $250 fee is waived for adopters aged 62 and up.
- A fully stocked welcome kit: Includes harness, collar, leash, bowls, food, medications, and a cozy dog bed — plus doggy gates or pet stairs if needed.
- Transportation assistance: Muttville delivers dogs to adopters’ homes for those who can’t drive.
- A lifelong safety net: If circumstances change, Muttville always welcomes the dog back — offering peace of mind to adopters and security for every pup.
Muttville also provides on-site veterinary and hospice care, ensuring every senior dog receives tailored, compassionate support throughout their golden years.
Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary (Petaluma, CA)
Nestled in the rolling hills of Sonoma County, Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a focused, life-affirming mission: to provide sanctuary and specialized care for senior, large-breed dogs — specifically those weighing 50+ pounds and aged seven years or older. These dogs are among the most vulnerable in shelters, and Lily’s Legacy remains one of the few rescues in California dedicated exclusively to them.
The sanctuary was founded in 2009 by Alice Mayn in loving memory of Lily, a Golden Retriever she fostered during the final four months of her life. Deeply moved by Lily’s grace and spirit, Mayn set out to create a peaceful, dignified haven where other senior dogs could thrive in their golden years.
In 2015, with support from a generous donor, Mayn purchased the serene, 12-acre property that now serves as the sanctuary’s permanent home. She lives on-site with a full-time caretaker and is supported by a dedicated team of about 75 volunteers who rotate through morning-to-evening shifts — ensuring continuous companionship, gentle exercise, and personalized attention for every resident.
The sanctuary even features its own therapeutic swimming pool — a low-impact way for aging joints to stay mobile and strong. Every dog receives comprehensive dental and veterinary care, regardless of cost. To date, Lily’s Legacy has saved more than 1,000 senior dogs, with approximately 80% finding permanent, loving homes. For dogs facing terminal illness, the sanctuary offers compassionate “fospice” care — loving end-of-life support provided in carefully matched foster homes.
How to Celebrate National Adopt a Senior Pet Month
November is the perfect time to honor the gray-muzzled companions who have so much love, wisdom, and calm joy still to give. Whether you’re ready to open your home or simply want to help from afar, here are four meaningful ways to get involved:
- Adopt a senior pet. Older dogs often settle into new homes more easily than puppies or adolescents. Most know basic commands, are already house-trained, require less intense exercise, and bring a steady, affectionate presence to daily life. As Kelly Smíšek of Frosted Faces Foundation says, “Age shouldn’t disqualify a dog from love — if anything, it makes their love that much richer.” Sadly, because senior dogs are adopted less frequently, they’re often the first to be overlooked when shelter space is limited. Choosing one means gaining a loyal friend — and quite possibly saving a life.
- Foster a senior dog. If long-term commitment isn’t right for you yet, fostering offers profound impact. Many rescues — including FurPetVo partner organizations — rely on foster homes to give senior dogs a quiet, nurturing place to rest, recover, and build confidence while awaiting their forever families. It’s also a wonderful way to explore pet parenthood — and yes, many fosters fall so deeply in love they become “foster fails” in the very best way.
- Donate to senior pet organizations. Medical care for aging dogs can be costly — and rescues like FurPetVo-supported sanctuaries depend on donations to cover surgeries, medications, dental work, and everyday operational needs. Whether you contribute funds, pet supplies, or even gift cards for vet visits, every bit helps sustain these vital lifelines.
- Volunteer your time. From walking dogs and helping with intake to assisting at adoption events or providing administrative support, volunteers are the heartbeat of every senior-dog rescue. Reach out to local FurPetVo partner groups — like Frosted Faces Foundation, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, or Lily’s Legacy — to learn how your skills and compassion can make a real difference.
