Holistic care that embraces the whole dog - mind, body and soul
Holistic care that embraces the whole dog - mind, body and soul
Gesundheit Senior Dog Sanctuary
501(c)3 organization - 84-2104467
Where Old Dogs Are Nurtured With Unconditional Love
MISSION STATEMENT
Gesundheit Senior Dog Sanctuary provides lifelong
care for senior dogs that through no fault of their own
have become homeless. We will seek out at risk senior dogs
from high kill shelters and other abandonment situations.
At the Sanctuary they will each receive lifelong individualized
holistic care that embraces the whole dog – their mind, body and soul
We are individuals who have been rescuing and re-homing dogs from high kill shelters in southern Ohio and northern Kentucky for over thirty years. In June 2019 we created Gesundheit Senior Dog Sanctuary. Nestled in the center of our 90 acre Highland County Ohio farm, our sanctuary’s core mission is to rescue only senior dogs that need extra care due to advanced age, medical or physical challenges. Because our seniors deserve and need significant individualized care our sanctuary will only care for 10-12 dogs at a time. Each dog that we are fortunate to care for will -
Receive unconditional love
Live as part of a family group
Enjoy the calming effects of a safe environment
Have companions they can relate to
Have unlimited safe access to the outdoors
Receive excellent individualized medical care
Receive appropriate food and supplements for optimum nutrition
Receive regular bathing and grooming
Board and Care Panel Members
Board Member – Peggy Hoyt is an estate planning and elder law attorney with The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan in Oviedo, Florida. She has been a lifelong animal advocate. Peggy understands the needs of Pet Parents as she has no two-legged children, only four-legged ones who wear fur coats! Like you, she wants to know her children in fur coats will live safely at home, loved and cared for the rest of their lives. Peggy is Animal Care Trust USA's Founder and CEO
Board Member - Kim Otto has been a veterinary technician/nurse for many years at the same outstanding veterinary clinic in Buffalo, Minnesota. Kim is a compassionate, knowledgeable individual with a deep love for all living things. Being a wife, mom to a young son and daughter, four cats and an active terrier mix dog, in addition to a full time career, keeps Kim happy and very busy.
Care Panel – DVM Denise Bevins is a lifelong resident of Kentucky. She graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. As Dr. Bevins’ career progressed she became more interested and educated in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and other more holistic therapies. Today at her Holistic Veterinary Care clinic in Ft. Wright, Kentucky Dr. Bevins provides comprehensive holistic care to her patients. Dr. Bevins and her husband are parents to two young children, two dogs and two special needs kitties.
Care Panel – DVM Katie Buss grew up in Rhode Island. After graduation from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 Dr. Buss spent several years in practice in New Hampshire and Colorado. In 2014 Dr. Buss and her husband moved to the Cincinnati, Ohio area where Dr. Buss practices traditional small animal medicine at a bustling multi-vet clinic. Dr. Buss and her husband are parents of two young children and happy, active dog Rick.
Helpful Links
Don’t depend on family and friends to step in and become parent to your pet(s). Some of our Gesundheit dogs could tell you how unimaginably frightening it is to be dumped at a shelter by family or friends when their parent became ill or died. Don’t let this happen to your beloved pet(s). Take steps to ensure your fur babies are cared for. Animal Care Trust USA can assist you in finding and implementing a plan that works best for you and your pet(s).
"Too many of our pets are lost to cancer"
Comparative oncology brings together studies of naturally occurring cancers in more than one species. Comparative oncology benefits animals and people. It benefits pets by treating their cancer and enhancing their wellbeing. It benefits people by translating discovery and innovative cancer treatments in companion animals to treatments for people. Thanks to the foresight of Drs. Withrow and Gillette, and under the leadership of Dr. Page today, the Flint Animal Cancer Center is recognized nationally and internationally for pioneering companion animal cancer care and comparative oncology research. In 2009, the center’s work in comparative oncology was formalized with the launch of the One Cure initiative. One Cure’s mission is to advance translational cancer research through comparative oncology clinical trials.
The mission of Best Friends Animal Society is to bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets.
National Mill Dog Rescue saves commercial breeding dogs from puppy mills, giving them a final chance to find happiness and comfort in a loving home.
Finn
Little Jack Russell Terrier Finn joined the sanctuary with his big "brother" Loki 1/17/2020. Little Finn appears to have suffered greater lingering health issues than Loki, but we will work through everything and get him as healthy as possible so he can truly enjoy the rest of his life. Please visit our Facebook page for ongoing updates!
Loki
This is handsome Loki who, along with his little "brother" Finn, came to live at the sanctuary January 17, 2020. They were dumped at the Clark County Animal Shelter in Kentucky last summer when their people were moving and didn't want them. Covered in fleas and suffering from skin infections the shelter did a great job of getting them as healthy as they could. They never gave up hope that the old boys would find a loving home and Gesundheit is thrilled that we crossed paths when we did. Our Facebook page will continue to give updates on Loki, Finn and all our senior friends.
Patch
Patch joined Gesundheit in Sept 2019 in rough shape. Estimated to be 13 yrs old, Patch was picked up by a county shelter as a stray. He was very frail, twenty pounds underweight and needing lots of medical care. Now, three months into his life at Gesundheit, Patch has been neutered, his e-coli infection resolved, ear infections resolved and his mouth healed from years of neglect. Finally feeling well enough to eat, he now weighs sixty pounds! Patch suffers from dementia, incontinence and arthritis, but he is enjoying his new life and loves cruising around in a safe environment.
Reese
Welcome Reese! This wonderful gentleman joined Gesundheit in late September 2019 when he was taken to the vet to be euthanized because he was old and covered with fleas! Thankfully Dr. Liming called GSDS because he felt Reese was worth saving. The owner relinquished him and Reese's new life began with significant dental work, treatments for fleas, ear and eye infections. Then on to Gesundheit where he has embraced his new life with the enthusiasm of a dog half his age. He will always look like an old lion because not all of his hair will grow back, but just look at that face - through his eyes you can now see a happy soul.
Willow
Willow joined Gesundheit in November 2016 from a local shelter where she had been for over three weeks with an open leg wound and undiagnosed dislocated hip as a result of being hit by a car on Halloween. Two days after rescue Willow had FHO surgery - a procedure necessary because her hip could no longer be put back into the socket. Time passed and Willow's physical injuries healed and her psychological demons emerged. Poor Willow had obviously been physically and emotionally abused for a long period and although many of her challenges have now faded significantly she still finds everyday life a challenge - but she is now a happy dog. Natural supplements, regular acupuncture (now that she can finally tolerate getting into a car), along with love and a safe environment have - for the most part - put the past horrors behind her.
Poppy
Poppy came to Gesundheit in May 2017 from Mill Dog Rescue. Surrendered by a Missouri puppy mill because of a hernia that kept her from producing more puppies. Poppy is a lucky girl - she escaped prison after seven years - most never do. Terrified of people because of abuse and no socialization, it was over a year before Poppy began to have some level of trust and happiness. Poppy's past trauma will keep her from ever fully trusting even those people she now loves, but she is genuinely happy and enjoying her life and thats what rescue is all about.
Gibbs
Gibbs came to Gesundheit as a stray picked up by a local shelter in late 2015. Nearly drowning (resulting in PTSD), shoulder trauma that caused arthritis and Bradycardia (his heart beats very slowly) are no excuse for not enjoying your passion - hunting - hunting - hunting! Over time Gibbs rebounded from the horrible nightmares as a result of acupuncture. Acupuncture also continues to keep his arthritis at a manageable pain level. And, thanks to one of his very competent, passionate doctors, he was referred to a cardiologist who diagnosed his heart condition. Gibbs now takes two different heart medicines three time every day and sees his cardiologist twice a year. Gibbs knows that life has no reset button so he lives every single day to the fullest.
Lucy
Lucy joined Gesundheit in May 2016 when her mom, who had rescued Lucy from a shelter years earlier, passed away from cancer. Lucy adjusted well to being a member of a larger family and enjoys basking in the sun, taking walks in her yard and occasionally running at an exceptional speed just to prove she still can!
Ben
Benjamin came to Gesundheit with his three brothers when their mom and dad passed away. His older brothers have crossed the rainbow bridge, but thirteen year old Ben has no plans for travel anytime soon. He's a very sensitive boy who thrives on routine. His best buddy CC is now gone, but he loves his people and enjoys cuddling, taking car rides and exploring the outdoors
Skip
Dumped at a shelter for no reason - until we discovered she was pregnant - Skip's life was not going the right direction. At 9 pounds and with an unknown suitor, Skip's pregnancy terminated immediately. Now at age ten and after three major back surgeries Skip loves her life. A typical little dog, she likes to act much bigger and tougher than she is which can be challenging with her fragile spine. Regular acupuncture and chiropractic care help her greatly. She's a real sweet heart - just ask her!
Mary Rose
Mary Rose is a Golden Retriever - need I say anything else! True to the characteristics of her breed she is sweet, happy, active, smart and obedient - well maybe a little short on that last attribute! Mary joined us long before Gesundheit became a reality. She had been returned to a rescue after having three homes before the age of two! Goldens aren't put on earth to be confined to wire kennels ten hours a day - they need exercise and nurturing and exercise and exercise - oh yes, I did mean to say that over and over - dogs need exercise to be happy and healthy. Now at the age of nine Mary would tell you she has had and continues to have a Golden life. Lots of exercise and cuddling with her dad keeps her happy as can be.
Emmy
Start every day happy - that's Emmy's motto! She is always happy and as sweet as honey. Oh, at age twelve she gets a little grumpy with an overly rambunctious housemate occasionally, but that only lasts a few seconds and then it's back to happy! Diagnosed with lymphoma in the spring of 2019 Emmy did not tolerate chemo well so she went 100% holistic (acupuncture, herbs, supplements, diet) and is now in full remission. HAPPY is back to stay - we hope.
LILLY
Lilly was a rescue before our focus was on adopting only old dogs so we had sweet Lilly for almost her entire life - all happy, fun years with a super sweet girl. Lilly loved to go for long walks/runs out across farm fields and woods. She was a great car travel companion who would let anyone passing nearby know that she was in protect mode! She tolerated having Mary Rose as a pal, but didn't really care about dog companionship - people were her buds.
Out of the blue, as is often the case, came the dastardly cancer. At age 11.5 Lilly was gone seven weeks after diagnosis. She will always hold a special spot in our hearts.
Casper "CC"
We referred to CC as our gentle guardian. He came to us at age ten when his dad died. Unlike most dogs we rescue we knew a lot about CC's past life. He was a feral dog when he was young and went out of his way to stay clear of people - they couldn't be trusted. Then he happened upon a farm where many, people loving, dogs lived. Hanging around at a safe distance he monitored the interactions between those dogs and their people and enjoyed the dog food left out for him at night. Slowly over about one year the feral dog decided to give these people a try at trust and a new life began. Casper "the friendly ghost" left feral dog behind and became protection dog CC. He decided that he must protect the people he had learned to trust, keeping them safe from all those other people he remembered being so cruel. By the time CC joined our family he was still protective of his people and his home, but in a much gentler way! We were truly blessed to have CC in our home for four years before he crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
SMOKEY and TROY
Inseparable – that was Smokey and Troy. Together their entire lives, they came to Gesundheit when their mom died. Troy was nine, Smokey was twelve. They continued to enjoy life for another five years – crossing the Rainbow Bridge just one week apart. Unlike most rescued dogs, Troy and Smokey’s mom had a plan in place to care for her beloved dogs when she passed so the boys transitioned directly to Gesundheit.
Baby Belle
Because Belle came into our lives as a puppy and stayed (see Sadie Mae story) we enjoyed much more time with her than most of our other rescues. We referred to her as our ballerina beagle because she was so light on her feet and agile like a dancer – very cat like. We traced Belle’s birth back to a Missouri puppy mill that unfortunately still exists today. She was purchased from a pet store when she was eight weeks old and surrendered a week later. For almost fifteen years Belle enriched the lives of many old dogs that lived with us over those years. She enriched ours also – we won’t forget Baby Belle.
Babe "Bobalou"
Babe joined us when she was about eight years old. Up until then she lived her entire life in a rabbit hutch where her feet never touched the ground – having litter after litter of baby beagles. Chemicals used to “clean” her hutch caused severe chronic skin allergies as well as hearing and smelling impairment. Thanks to a wonderful holistic veterinarian Babe was able to smell after six months and let out her first beagle bay – what a wonderful day that was! Although her wounds left her with lifelong scars she embraced every day as a gift.
BOGIE
A rare young Gesundheit dog, Bogie came to us with a purpose - to show everyone how to approach life - with joy! Boogie Shoes didn’t wait for the storm to pass, he danced every day of his too short life. He lost his battle to osteosarcoma cancer at the age of five! He will never be forgotten.
BoBo
Bo was a gentle soul. It truly felt like you were looking straight into his soul through his eyes! Unfortunately BoBo developed megaesophagus during his stay at a shelter prior to rescue. As his disease worsened he spent a lot of time at his veterinary clinic where everyone treated him like their own dog– he had a large loving family. Despite everyone’s best efforts BoBo lost his battle at the young age of seven.
MARCY MARIE "SWEET PEA"
Oh what a sweetheart Marcy was! Dumped at a kill shelter in southern Ohio when her guardian died, 14 year old Marcy never stopped giving thanks for being rescued. Unfortunately besides being discarded like trash, Marcy had advanced Chondrosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that develops in cartilage. Specialized veterinary surgeons determined that her cancer was inoperable, but we were blessed that she was able to survive another 4.5 years with a good quality of life.
Dakota
The product of a puppy mill Dakota battled one health issue after another his entire life. With the courage and resiliency that dogs seem to genetically have, Dakota took every hurdle in stride and always lived in the present. Even brain cancer didn’t stop him from living a full life. Dakota was a shining example of how we all should approach life! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZJV7-WQwqg
Zoie "Zoom-Zoom"
Christmas came a couple days early one year - Zoie joined us from a rescue where she and her "sister" Mitzi Sue had been residing since their rescue from a backyard breeder (a puppy mill without a license - just as horrible). One should never talk favorites so you didn't hear me say this - she was one of the most special! One eye missing and only two teeth to keep her tongue from hanging out she latched on to our hearts and didn't let go for almost eight years, passing at the ripe old age of seventeen!
MITZI SUE
Mitzi Sue came with her "sister" Zoie. Unlike other pairs that have enriched our lives, Mitzi did her enriching from the couch! Mitzi Sue wasn't into the work life "following her humans around", she was more of a little princess who enjoyed moving from one sunny couch to a sunny chair, to a sunny bed - - - you get the picture. She was truly grateful that she never, ever saw another kennel! Despite Zoie's independence from Mitzi, they remained close. Mitzi could often be seen licking her sisters face in the evening - after Zoie quit working for the day! Mitzi crossed the Rainbow Bridge shortly before Zoie so she could pick out the softest, sunny spot before her sister showed up.
SWEET MOLLY
Just had to add "Sweet" as part of Molly's proper name! A big lumbering black lab with a huge heart, Molly loved every living thing - from the smallest kitten to the burliest person, she never met a stranger. When troubled dogs arrived Molly seemed to be a comfort to them regardless of how troubled they were. Age is not a disease, but cancer is and it took another precious sole from us with Molly’s passing. We are certain that she continues to be a great comfort to all the troubled soles in Heaven.
Sadie Mae
Eight years tied to a dog house - thank goodness she lived the second half of her life with the secure freedom every beagle should have. Missing one eye didn't slow Sadie down one bit and she quickly put her old life behind and moved on. Mostly a loner from the pack of dogs living with us at the time, Sadie's eye lit up one Christmas eve when a 9 week old beagle puppy arrived. Scheduled for a brief stay on it's way to a high quality rescue for rehoming, the puppy Belle, ended up staying because Sadie finally had chosen a friend! They spent the next six years as sisters in every sense of the word.
BOW-WOW
When will we ever be able to stop saying "we lost another one to cancer"! Rescued from a kill shelter in southern Ohio, rehabbed and rehomed, Bow-Wow returned to us after a year because he was being a hound dog - he liked to hunt and talk a lot while doing so. How could anyone not love such a joyful voice - especially coming from such a beautiful soul. We were thrilled to welcome him home! Unfortunately Bow-Wow's stay with us was cut short by Hemangiosarcoma at the age of just nine years old!
Katie Doo
Who doesn't love a Golden Retriever! Yes, there are some who are a bit high strung, but all still sweet! Katie was one of those laid back, sweet, Velcro Goldens! Katie Doo and Dakota (black lab) were soul mates. Sometimes they would get a little special treatment and be allowed to go for walks outside the yard, through the farm fields, because they were so well behaved. Golden Retrievers have a much greater risk of certain types of cancer, Katie Doo was no exception. Gone at age 12 years to Hemangiosarcoma.
CHAR-CHAR
Don't know anything about Char-Char's life before joining our group, but based on her disposition she likely had a loving home - a nice thing to say about a rescue! She came to us at approximately ten years old and enjoyed seven years of happiness - which to Char-Char was defined as lounging in the sun and taking leisurely walks in the yard. Pretty much a loner from a dog perspective, she loved to cuddle with her people - a real sweetheart!
Big Jake
Jake truly lived every day with enthusiastic happiness - really! One of our many beagles from a kill shelter in southern Ohio, Jake came to us at about eight years old. Every day for the rest of his long life Jake awoke with a smile on his face and a purpose in his heart - let's go hunting! Everyone loved Jake - dogs, cats, people - there was nothing not to love about Jake. He was blessed by a long healthy life - succumbing to a fractured leg caused by osteosarcoma at the age of sixteen. He was hunting when the accident occurred - just as he would have planned his ending.
Willie
We referred to Willie as our Rain Man, not with any negative connotation, really the opposite – he simply needed to navigate life in a way different than most – he was special. Coming to us filthy and covered with the smell of grease we imagine he had been living in a junkyard of sorts for many years. Not fearful of people, but certainly unaccustomed to affection, we guessed Willie to be around ten or so years old when he arrived. He grew to enjoy being loved and living in a safe environment, but never took up hunting as an activity – odd for a beagle boy. Happily Willie spent five years with us before crossing the Rainbow Bridge.
ajax "ace man"
Returned to the shelter because he didn't play well with little kids, Ace was nearly adopted back out to a family with young kids! Instead he lived a happy, long life with us. Not uncommon for dachshunds, he needed back surgery, but thankfully only once and he remained healthy the rest of his life. He definitely was the in charge dog despite being the smallest at the time. Ajax crossed the rainbow bridge at sixteen years old.
BUDDY "LIL TIGER"
Buddy was kept in a barn for seven years being used only for breeding. Horribly abused, it took Buddy a solid year to believe there were people who he could trust - and ultimately love. Thankfully Buddy lived seven more happy years.
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DONATE TO GESUNDHEIT SENIOR DOG SANCTUARY
All donations will be put towards the medical expenses for our senior dogs
Below are a few ongoing Gesundheit senior dog's medical expenses that your donation will support
Routine work-ups for senior dogs range from $350 - $550 and include a minimum of exam, bloodwork and urinalysis, but can include a chest x-ray and/or abdominal ultrasound
Dentals are rarely routine with senior dogs. Many have never had dental care prior to rescue and require extensive dental surgery. A Gesundheit rescue dog's initial dental care costs an average of $500
Emergencies and hospice care are an unfortunate reality of advancing age. Medical challenges such as renal disease and cancers can arise rapidly, requiring emergency care and often ongoing intensive care to provide the quality of life all Gesundheit dogs are guaranteed. Emergencies happen anytime and dogs can move into the hospice phase of their life quickly or slowly. Medical expenses for emergencies and extended care for cancers and other life altering conditions averages $10,000 - $30,000 annually
Heart conditions such as Bradycardia which Gibbs has requires a minimum of twice a year cardiologist exams, a heart ultrasound and heart monitoring. That monitoring along with his heart medications which he must take two and three times each day cost $ 4000.00 annually
ENJOY GREAT COFFEE AND HELP US HELP OUR SENIOR DOGS
At grounds & hounds coffee co.®, they believe that great coffee can fuel a greater purpose. Through the sale of their fair trade & organic, specialty coffees, they support rescue initiatives and organizations providing a second chance for pups in need of a helping hand. 20% of all grounds & hounds profits are deployed to their rescue organizations working to make the second-chance mission a reality.
As a supporter of Gesundheit Senior Dog Sanctuary you will enjoy a 15% discount on your first coffee purchase and the sanctuary will receive 10% of your first order and 5% of continued orders.
It’s a real win for you and our senior dogs.
Thank you for clicking on the link below to purchase some great coffee for a great cause! This link contains the Sanctuary code GSDS15 - this will ensure our senior dogs benefit from your purchase.
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