Luna Farms Rescue receives grant to support senior dog program in North Alabama

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Grey Muzzle Organization announced over 100 organizations received grants towards senior dog programs.

The Grey Muzzle Organization announced on Tuesday that 119 organizations across 33 states and three international organizations received grants.

“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we awarded a record-breaking $1.57 million in grants this year—a 43% increase from last year and $7.3 million since 2018!” The Grey Muzzle Organization said.

Luna Farms was one of four Alabama organizations that received a grant to “ensure older dogs in North Alabama’s rural communities receive the love, comfort, and medical care they deserve in their golden years.”

“Luna Farms Rescue works closely with rural shelters throughout Alabama to rescue and rehabilitate senior dogs who are often overlooked due to age or medical needs. Through its Encore Pups Program, Luna Farms prepares these wise souls for adoption and matches them with families who appreciate the joy of a grey muzzle,” Luna Farms said.

“This grant will provide much-needed veterinary and dental care for sweet seniors like Albert, a 10-year-old mix who doesn’t let the miles he’s traveled slow him down,” Stephanie Jordan, Executive Director of Luna Farms Rescue, said. “No one appreciates a cozy bed and a loving heart more than a senior dog. We’re honored to give Albert and other senior dogs a fresh start and the comfort of a forever home.”

Luna Farms told News 19 that the program they have to support senior dogs is called “Senior Encore Pups: Every Dog Deserves a Grand Finale.”

Albert, according to the rescue, is one of many lovable senior dogs receiving a second chance thanks to support from The Grey Muzzle Organization.

Other Senior Encore Pups that have gone through the program in the last month are:

The Grey Muzzle Organization said donations allowed the group to launch its first-ever $25,000 grant level, with 19 organizations that received this to implement or expand their senior dog programs. The rest of the groups selected for the grant year received amounts up to $25,000 based on the needs and goals of their proposed initiatives.

The four Alabama organizations that received grants were:

• Full Circle Rescue and Sanctuary, Ala.
• River Region Animal Rescue, Ala.
• SOS Animal Adoption Center, Ala.
• Luna Farms Rescue, Ala.

Luna Farms said it was one of 440 applicants for this grant.

“These dogs still have so much love to give,” Dr. Gregg Able, Luna Farms’ lead veterinarian and a trusted expert in senior pet care with more than 30 years of experience serving Madison County, said. “We provide thorough medical exams, dental care, pain management, and everything they need to thrive in their next chapter. The Grey Muzzle Foundation’s support will allow us to deliver that level of care to even more deserving senior pups.”

The Farm said it will expand outreach to shelters across the Southeast to identify senior dogs at risk and provide the necessary care for successful placement. The group said this program not only saves lives but also brings families their grey-muzzled companions.

You can view the full list of recipients on The Grey Muzzle Organization’s Facebook page here.